Is it really possible to continue to be super mum and still get into the best shape of your life?
In short, absolutely yes! And it is a lot simpler (not easier, but simpler) than you may think….
First things first. I’m here to tell you that you do not need to be slogging out in the gym for 3 hours every day, 8 days a week to get the body you want. Nor do you only have to drink kale protein shakes.
Yup, you can enjoy the foods you like and not spend your life in a gym, yet still get into the best shape of your life! Sounds great doesn’t it? Well here’s a few pointers to get you going in the right direction:
1. Prioritise you!
As a mum, your first instinct will be to take care of everything/everyone else. I don’t have first hand knowledge, but have witnessed my own mum and gran do this for years with no thought for themselves. But if you are not feeling 100% how can you expect to be there for everyone else? You have to take care of YOU first. This comes down to a mindset shift mainly. Start to prioritise time in each day just for you. Start with 10 minutes and call it ‘me time’. You can do whatever you want in your me time. But you have to make sure that there are no external thoughts or influences here. The idea is to allow you to escape, recharge and keep your sanity. Try going for a walk, meditating, listening to music, reading a book, or find something that allows you to switch off for a bit. The goal is simply to prioritise a small portion of your day for yourself.
2. Plan workouts in advance
Now, it’s not really possible to get into the best shape of your life without some form of exercise. so here is some simple, yet game changing advice when it comes to workouts. It’s not always possible to squeeze in the gym every day. But, have a look at your schedule for next week. Are there any gaps you have around work? At lunch? Or are the kids at nursery/after school clubs and you have 45 mins? Get that slot booked in with the word ‘WORKOUT’. By actively adding your training time into your schedule as if it were a meeting or something else important, you are blocking out the opportunity for that spot to be filled in with anything else.
3. You don’t have to go to the gym to get a great workout in
Of course, the gym is a great place to exercise and there is a magnitude of benefits that the gym offers you. However, not every workout has to be at the gym. If you have a busy day and only have 20 minutes, you can do a short home workout or even go for a nice walk!
Or even drop me a message at coachgetactive@gmail.com and I can send you across my 30-Day feel good guide with loads of 10 minute workouts you can do anywhere, anytime.
Or even drop me a message at coachgetactive@gmail.com and I can send you across my 30-Day feel good guide with loads of 10 minute workouts you can do anywhere, anytime.
4. Start to create a routine
Now, getting into the crux of things here. If you really want to get into the best shape of your life, you need to plan workouts ahead of time AND be consistent with them. This is where creating a routine comes in handy. Find a plan that works for you. Again, it doesn’t need to be the gym every day. If you can only squeeze in 2 gym workouts per week. Make sure that you schedule those 2 sessions EVERY SINGLE WEEK! Make it a routine. Make it part of your week and prioritise it the same way you would prioritise a work meeting or picking up your kids from school!
These simple pointers are a great starting point to get you thinking about incorporating exercise into your routine but thinking long term with it. If you really want to get into the best shape of your life, you need a clear goal. You need a routine. You need to be consistent, and you need to prioritise your own health and fitness. Maybe even making sacrifices along the way. But it will be totally worth it.
It has been amazing working with so many busy mums over the years, both in person and online. What really inspires me though is that even though you guys are super busy, all the time. When you get your teeth into something that’s it, games over. Mums win, always.
I am here to tell you that it is possible. Whatever goal you are thinking about, it will happen. You just have to make the first move. Or if you’re really not sure where to start, I’d be more than happy to give you some advice and get you moving. You can reach me at coachgetactive@gmail.com.