I am a Mum of 2 delightful little humans who are the centre of my universe. Our younger child is now 4 months and our elder is almost 3 years. People often ask me how I fit in my workouts. This is something I even ask myself! Babies are constantly changing their routines, so what worked well last week may not work this week. I find that most families in Cairns are not actually from Cairns so few of us have family support who can watch the kids while we get some Mummy time. All of my friends have young families so cannot just load them off to friends either. This was a HUGE deciding factor as to why I started Nurtured Fitness. Family friendly fitness with your family.
Just like you, I am not able to do Kangatraining every day. So here are my top ideas for fitting in workouts that have been the best for my family at different points over the last 3 years:
- Schedule it. We have a weekly planner that we put on the fridge so everyone in the house knows who is doing what and when. I always over plan my workouts because I know at least once during the week one of those workouts is not going to happen because I had a bad night’s sleep, or baby is unsettled, or it’s just not working. So if I get in 75% of my planned workouts, I’m winning!
- Go to Kangatraining or our Mums n Tots Interactive Fitness Class. Exercise with our kids, keeping them safe and happy. This aids with bonding and cements strong foundations for a healthy family life.
- ‘Tag Team’ with your Partner/Hubby/Family. I did not like leaving my very small baby in the gym crèche because of germs, etc., so I used to go to the gym at 6 a.m. before hubby went to work so he could watch baby and then hubby would go to the gym on alternate days.
- Family Home Workouts. There are lots of little exercises you can do with your baby or children that are stimulating and interactive. Make it a silly game. Even 10 mins here and there will add up over the week.
- Babywearing Walks. Strap in your baby and hit the pavement or walking tracks. I love doing this around nap time as my babies would nod off 99% of the time. This is also a great activity to do with your partner to bond, move and get some fresh air.
- Pram Workout. Many of my daytime walks these days consist of my elder child in the pram, trying to get him down for his day nap, with baby in the carrier on my chest.
- Use crèche facilities at the gym. Some gyms have special rates for childminding during certain times and days of the week.
And if all these lovely plans go out the window, that’s ok. Most babies do not sleep through the night. Most babies will get sick and pick up germs several times a year. Most Mums are exhausted. So if you really cannot pick yourself up out of bed today and the thing you most need is sleep, then sleep. Press reset and start again tomorrow.
However, if you are just feeling a bit ‘blah’, get outside and start moving. The hardest part of exercise is actually starting it. Burning energy, gives you energy. You will get an endorphin rush after your workout that will help keep you charging for the rest of the day.
We were born to move!
Philippa Bowman, August 2015
Nurtured Fitness Owner
Pre & Post Natal Fitness Expert & Trained Babywearing Consultant
Thank you! These are great tips – my baby is 7 months and I’m not a fan of the crèche either – what’s you favourite tip for getting active inside the house? When it’s too cold to go out? Probably not a problem you have in Cairns huh!
Thanks Nicole. I am always a big fan of cranking up the radio and dancing to my favourite songs. Dance like no one is watching! But you could easily set up a little home workout that doesn’t involve any equipment. It would defiantly be worth speaking to a Postnatal specialist to set up a personalised home program for you that can be interactive with your little one.