On paper, it should be simple enough for working mums to fit in a handful of trips to the gym a week or a morning run, and it can sound like a lame excuse when we bemoan the lack of time. I know this for a fact because when juggling this website and my other businesses, it is not that easy to get the consistency that keeps the cellulite off!
And after a hard day’s slog with the school run, keeping house and everything else in between, it can be even harder to find the time and energy to fit in a workout. But regular exercise is essential for staying healthy and keeping your spirits up. Here are five easy hacks that will help you make the most of the limited time and energy you have so you can get in a good workout.
1. Take Advantage of Your Lunch Break
If you have an hour for lunch, use it as an opportunity to squeeze in a quick 30-minute workout. Whether it’s going for a walk around the block or doing some quick bodyweight exercises, you’ll still get some movement into your day.
2. Get Up Earlier
Try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier each day so that you can fit in a short yoga session or even just do some stretching before getting ready for work. This will not only give you more energy throughout the day but also help wake you up and get your mind ready for the day ahead.
3. Get An Standing Desk With a Treadmill
About a month ago, I made friends again with my Apple watch and its incessant awards and grumbles about my lack of standing and being active by changing my desk to a standing desk, and I replaced my desk chair with an under-desk treadmill. Yes – I went the whole nine yards and ripped the comfort zone plaster off by removing the chair entirely from my study. Now, I stand for the entire working day, and if I start to get tired, I switch the treadmill on!
4. Take Advantage of Online Classes
If the lockdowns taught many of us one thing – it’s that we can get just about everything we need online, and staying fit is one of them!
There are plenty of free online workouts available that require no equipment and very little space – perfect if you live in small quarters with limited space! Look out for yoga classes on YouTube or other streaming platforms like Les Mills; they are usually suitable even if you’re new to yoga or don’t have much flexibility yet.
If you are an Apple fan, you can add its Fitness+ to your subscription and exercise wherever you are by joining classes from your phone, watch or TV.
In other words, there are no excuses – unless you (understandably) want to give yourself one!
Ditch the Guilt!
Remember that any amount of movement is better than none, so even if all you can manage is 10 minutes here and there every day, that’s still great progress! Be sure to listen to your body so that you don’t overdo it; taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone else in your life!
