When you have a little one, it’s easy to promise yourself you’ll get back to working out once they’re weaned. But toddlers aren’t just a handful – they suck up all your spare time and attention!
Most mums with toddlers simply don’t have the time (or freedom) to head to the gym for an hour, 3-4 days a week. That’s why I want to share my top tips for fitting movement into your day when your day revolves around a cheeky little mischief.
Break down the day
If your doctor tells you to exercise for 30-60 minutes each day, you’ll just laugh at them. Finding a chunk that long is pretty rare in the average day of a mum. But what you can do is break that time down.
You might not have time for a 30-minute exercise class. But what if you did 3 chunks of 10 minutes or even 6 chunks of just 5 minutes? It becomes much more achievable. Even if you don’t manage to fit those chunks in every day, 15 minutes of movement is better than none.
Where you can squeeze movement in?
Ready to make time for movement?
Here are some of the ways you can do just that. Many of these are ways that I use to stay active around my own kids!
During chores
Doing the laundry? Squat down to the basket for a piece of clothing, jump up to fold it.
Cooking dinner? Do some calf raises as you prepare food, and squat down to check the oven.
Is the garden looking neglected? This is a two for one deal – pull out some weeds, and let your toddler crawl around with you to keep them entertained. Just make sure they don’t start eating spiders!
Playtime
Put on some of your favourite tunes and have a dance party together! Don’t worry, your toddler is too young to judge your dance skills.
Make their favourite songs and rhymes into a physical game. We use Going On A Bear Hunt – they have to leap over me, build a bridge with me in the plant, and so on. You can get as creative as you like.
Find other ways to make playtime more active. Horse rides, crawling around with them, planking to create a tunnel for them to go through, playing chasey – every bit of movement counts.
Use your toddler as a weight! Throwing them up in the air is great for upper body strength. Squats and calf raises are easy to do while holding a child. Make it fun for both of you.
Got 5 minutes between Peppa Pig and The Wiggles? Use one of the above ways to move your body.
While supervising
Is it bath-time? Use the time to fit in some squats or pushups, depending on how big the bathroom is! If it’s tiny, go for calf raises instead.
Got an overtired toddler? Instead of going on a drive to soothe them to sleep, pop them in the pusher and go for a walk around the block.
Waiting for your little one to fall asleep? Bust out some pelvic floor exercises – they’re silent, so you won’t disturb the bub.
Would you like 7 days worth of 5-minute workouts that you can do at home (for free)? Grab your workouts here