How you can still find the time to exercise as a busy mum

Here Laura Uglow of True Vitality 4 Mums explains how you can still find the time to exercise as a busy mum.

I completely understand how hard it is to find the time to workout as I have been there myself, but I have personally found that being organised and finding an exercise routine that I look forward to is the key to fitting exercise into my day. Once you’ve committed to getting back in shape, and you have a plan in place, finding time to exercise will become so much easier. Even so, there will be inevitable times when your schedule doesn’t go to plan and flexibility is required but don’t beat yourself up for missing a session (or a few sessions!) – but simply reschedule and pick up where you left off!

Here are a few of my top tips, which will help you find the time to make exercise an important part of your daily routine...

1. Think of occasions where you can fit in some exercise in and just walk everywhere!

So if you were planning on driving to the shops, try walking. If you have the time, try to find a longer route home. Start thinking of every journey as an opportunity to walk. Get off the train or bus early and walk…or skip the train altogether, and always take the stairs! Here are some power walks you can try if you have time to plan a walk too.

2. Find a safe and effective post-natal exercise routine that you know works

If you look forward to your sessions this will make it easier to prioritise your workouts! This could be a post-natal group class, personal training or an online programme such as the True Vitality 4 Mums Post-Natal Transformation that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

3. Try to think of exercise as an appointment in your diary that’s as important as a baby weigh-in or doctor’s check-up, and allocate time accordingly

You will need to workout for at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time to get the best results and to see your energy levels increase and your body shape change. I once worked out that by doing 30 minutes of toning exercises 3 times a week it was only 1% of my total week.

4. Buy a new piece of equipment 

Such as a some new resistance bands, a set of dumbbells, some workout clothes or even a second-hand running buggy to kick-start your motivation.

5. Change into your workout clothes when you get up and make sure you exercise before you change out of them

If I put my workout gear on before I take my daughter to school I’m much more likely to do a workout when I get back!

6. Workout or walk with your friends – you’ll help motivate each other!

7. Set realistic goals and visualise where you want to be

If you can really see and feel your goals it will bring them to life for you and this will motivate you to prioritise your workouts. See yourself with a flatter tummy on the beach playing with your children and feeling amazing, see yourself getting stronger and making healthy food choices, or even running that 5k race you’ve always dreamed of doing!

8. Don’t give up! 

Talk with a friend in times of discouragement. Change up your workout routine if you get bored or burned out, but don’t give up.

9. Diversify your workout routine

If you do the same exercises day after day, you’ll quickly tire and are more likely to skip workouts. A safe and effective post-natal programme will ensure the exercises are varied so that you don’t get bored and a post-natal group class would do the trick as well.

Don’t let your post-natal weight loss take the back seat! I often see people who are unsuccessful with weight loss constantly putting other life activities as higher priority than healthy behaviours and an exercise regime. But in order to find the time to exercise it must be one of your priorities otherwise it will always be difficult to reach your goals. If you are so overcommitted that you truly cannot find the time to exercise on most days of the week, you may be under too much stress.

Make the time to take care of yourself. People who are successful seem to have a positive attitude when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle—they do it daily no matter what.