Exercise is an important part of being healthy, but when you’re a new mom, it can be difficult to find the time to exercise. How do other moms do it? Will you ever find the time to work out again?
Life as a new parent is all about adapting to change, and that includes your fitness routine too. While you might not be able to keep your routine exactly as it was pre-baby, there’s no reason why you can’t create a new and effective fitness routine.
Want to find time for fitness as a new mom? Take a look at some of the following tips.
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Wait until you’re ready
Many moms feel pressured to get back in shape quickly after giving birth, but this can be a damaging mindset. Your body has been through a lot, and you’ll continue to experience a range of new emotions and adjustments as you adapt to life with a baby.
Don’t pressure yourself into exercising before you’re ready. Take it slowly, let your body heal and ease yourself into make it easier for you to establish a new routine.
Make family time an opportunity for exercise
It can be difficult to find the time to exercise when you’re always on the go. But the good news is that there are ways you can exercise as a family. A daily walk can be beneficial for you and baby, while swimming can also be a good way to spend time with your baby and enjoy a bit of movement yourself too.
You could also look for special mother and baby fitness classes taking place near you. Designed especially for moms, this could be an excellent way for you to meet some new like-minded people who are going through the same things as you.
Look for the quick wins
Getting fit doesn’t have to involve running for miles or taking part in an intensive fitness class. In fact, there are lots of short, sharp ways of getting fit that can be extremely effective. A quick 10-minute full-body workout before your shower or when your baby is down for a nap can get your heart rate going, and help you tone at the same time.
Look for opportunities to burn some energy – a power clean around the house while dancing to your favorite music can be a fun, but easy way to burn some extra calories. You could also do a bit of exercise while watching TV – it will help the time fly by!
Moving more throughout the day can make a big difference – consider getting a fitness watch to remind you to get moving to help you work on your fitness in smaller ways.
Learn to love working out at home
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to get fit, you can work out effectively at home. If you’re wondering if a home workout can be as good as a gym workout, then you’ll be glad to hear that it can! A workout’s effectiveness is dependent on what you put into it, so if you give it your all during a home workout, you can enjoy some incredible results.
From creating your own routines to following a fitness plan or YouTube workouts, there are all kinds of ways you can get fit at home. Give it a try when you get some time and see just how much you sweat!
Be inspired
Being a new mom comes with all kinds of emotions, and it’s easy to feel as though you ‘can’t’ find time for fitness anymore. Surrounding yourself with inspiring women who’ve been in your shoes can help give you the push you need to see that you can do it. Check out some fitness mom quotes to help you feel inspired to keep going. Your friends and family can also be a great source of inspiration, helping to keep you motivated when you need it most.
Don’t punish yourself
Life is full of challenges, and even more so when you first become a parent! It’s important to be kind to yourself and not punish yourself if you don’t work out or find the time to go for a walk. Tomorrow is always a new day, so focus on moving forward instead of feeling guilty.
Finding your feet as a new mom is tricky, but sooner or later, it will all slip into place. It takes time to adopt new habits and establish a routine, but when you’re ready, the time for fitness will come.