Finding time to exercise as a busy single mum may be a long way down your priority list. Something for people with the luxury we crave … time. We all know its importance, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Until now.
It’s time to change the way you think about exercise. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, tedious or even particularly hard.
The key to exercise as a busy single mum is choosing the right kind of practice. Something that fits into your schedule, gets results, and you enjoy. Once you have the formula, you’ll be off and running, quite literally.
Are you ready to reform the way you look and feel? Let’s get warmed up with these simple ideas.
Exercise in (or close to) your home
The longer it takes you to get to your place of exercise, the less likely you’ll do it. Face it, time is already limited. Why waste it getting from A to B, and back again? Only use a fitness facility if it’s less than ten minutes from your home.
Alternatively, create a dedicated exercise area in your home and use a fitness app to keep you motivated and on track. Invest in high-quality equipment from a professional gym equipment supplier to enhance your home workouts. You can also utilise local parks and footpaths for running, provided they’re safe. By making exercise convenient and accessible, you’re more likely to stick to your fitness routine.
Less can be more
If you think you need a good hour to exercise, think again. According to Fitness Blender:
‘Not only can multiple short workouts be as effective as longer duration workouts, they can be even more effective’.
With this in mind, consider two 15-minute workouts a day. Does this seem more manageable? There’s a good choice of 15-minute workout DVDs available. Or stick in your headphones and get moving. Run on the spot, jump or dance.
Include your kids
This doesn’t necessarily mean donning your best gym gear and running enthusiastically with a stroller.
Remember that any exertion is exercise. Time spent chasing one another around the garden, walking to the park or playing Wii Dance is all cardiovascular activity that counts. Just because you’re having fun and not considering it exercise doesn’t mean it’s not a workout.
If you can pull it off, it’s a win/win for you and your kids.
Make it a routine
The best way to ensure something happens is to plan for it.
Set a time each day for exercise. If you get into a routine, it will eventually become second nature. Your kids will get used to it, too. For example, after dinner is Mum’s aerobic time. They’ll start expecting you to do it, which will motivate you.
I do a 30-minute YouTube yoga workout before my kids wake up. They think nothing of seeing mummy as a tree first thing in the morning!
Mix it up
Exercise for busy mums can be a challenge.
Don’t pressure yourself to stick to a rigid routine. It would be virtually impossible in the ever-changing mum world. Instead, have several options. If your exercise plans for the day fall through, do something else.
For example, if you don’t go to the gym, do a mini workout at home. Or, if you can’t face high-intensity exercise, do a relaxing yoga and meditation workout. Back-ups and alternatives take the stress off when things don’t go to plan.
Finding time to exercise as a busy single mum (cont.)
Exercise with other busy mums
Doing exercise with a friend makes it more enjoyable. It’s also helpful from a time perspective.
If you’ve arranged a time to do joint exercise, it’s more likely to happen and happen at the planned time. Committing to exercise with another person alleviates procrastination, which may hinder your day and your ability to stick with the program.
Exercise for busy mums is more enjoyable and more attainable when done in the company of others.
Do some mummy-style multi-tasking
If you struggle to dedicate time to exercise, try to combine it with other tasks.
Use exercise machines such as steppers and bikes. You can read and even sort paperwork while you’re on them. Take a brisk walk while you catch up on phone calls. And swap your car for your bike to run small errands.
You’ll be keeping fit and keeping up with your chores simultaneously. Multi-tasking is our forte, after all.
Explore Online Classes and Tutorials
Online fitness classes and tutorials offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to integrate exercise into your busy schedule seamlessly. Live classes provide real-time interaction with instructors and a sense of community, which can boost motivation and accountability.
Alternatively, pre-recorded sessions offer the freedom to work out on your own time, with a variety of options ranging from strength training to yoga, ensuring there’s something to fit your mood and schedule.
Specialised fitness platforms and apps often provide customised workout plans, access to extensive libraries, and additional resources like meal plans and progress tracking. Many of these services are available at a lower cost than traditional gym memberships, and some even offer family-friendly options to involve your kids in your fitness routine.
Try Family-Friendly Fitness Challenges
If your kids are older, why not involve them in your fitness challenges? Transforming exercise from a solo activity into a fun family event. Start by setting up engaging and achievable goals that everyone can participate in, such as a daily step count challenge or a weekly workout routine.
For example, you might aim for a collective step goal, where the family tracks their steps using pedometers or smartphone apps and works together to reach it. Alternatively, you could plan a weekly exercise challenge where each family member contributes to a different activity, such as cycling, jumping rope, or dancing.
Celebrate the milestones you achieve together, whether it's reaching a step goal or completing a series of exercises. This celebration can be as simple as a special treat, a fun outing, or even just a heartfelt recognition of everyone's effort.
By making fitness a family affair, you not only stay active but also strengthen family bonds. It creates an environment where exercise is viewed positively, and your kids learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle through shared experiences.
Conclusion: Finding time to exercise as a busy single mum
Remember that keeping fit has to be fun. You’re less likely to make time for it if you're not enjoying it.
To get off the starting block, try different exercises at different times. When you find what works, stick at it. You’ll see and feel the results, which is your motivation to keep going.
Exercise for busy mums is possible. So get moving, keep smiling, and have fun.
