When you’re a mother, there are never enough hours in the day for all the things you need to do. Between making the kids lunch and running around picking up their toys and clothes, it’s hard to find a little quality ‘me’ time, and even harder to find the time (or motivation) to exercise.
But thankfully, exercise doesn’t have to consume hours upon hours. There are quick and easy ways to get fit and stay healthy while you’re running short on time. If you have an hour, half an hour, or even fifteen minutes, try out one of these exercises to kickstart your heart rate!
Jump rope
You may watch your little ones jump rope and think to yourself, “Don’t they look carefree?” However, there’s good reason for you to join in the fun: jump rope is one of the best forms of cardio you can do. Grab the kids together and try to learn different types of jump rope, such as the criss-cross or the double jump – it can be a great way for the family to keep fit together.
Yoga
If you have a spare fifteen minutes or half an hour, yoga is a great way to calm your mind and stretch your muscles. The best thing about yoga is that it can be done anywhere at any time, and it’s an instant pick-me-up through the day. Try holding ten poses for a minute each, then meditate for fifteen; if you have more time, then YouTube videos or books are a great way to learn some more new moves.
Step it up
You may see stairs as a burden rather than a form of exercise, but stairs are great for toning your glutes and your legs. If you’re a member of a gym (like the Sydney gym Fitness First), then take advantage of their BodyStep classes if you have time; alternatively, use the stairs in your own home or apartment as a way of exercising if you’re short on time. If you’re feeling really ambitious, run up and down the stairs or take them two at a time!
Run after your kids!
One of the best ways to fit exercise into your daily life is to make your activities as active as possible. If the kids like playing together, take them down to a park and kick a ball around with them. If they like swimming, take them to the pool and join them in the water instead of dropping them off. Remember that exercise is a part of everyday life, and the easier it is to incorporate it, the more fun and enjoyment you’ll get from it – plus, you’ll stay fit and healthy too!