It can be hard enough to find me-time when you have a toddler, let alone time to exercise and look after your health. But it’s not impossible, here are some hacks.
By Bec Wilcock
As most mamas know, we can’t just drop everything and go for a run whenever motivation strikes. Exercise and looking after our health and wellbeing takes time and organisation when you have kiddos [especially little ones].
1. Invest in a Good Stroller
I take Beau with me everywhere, so having a good stroller that I can go running with that doesn’t rattle around and wake him up is essential!
2. Find a Local Gym with Daycare Facilities
Check the daycare out first and make sure that you trust and approve of them. It’s important that I have somewhere I trust to drop Beau off when I need to focus on my exercise and strength training at the gym.
3. No Gym? No Worries!
There are heaps of outdoor areas with basic equipment that you can use for pull-ups, push-ups, burpees, box jumps etc. The best thing about body weight exercises such as these is that you don’t need weights. Just pick up your bub!
4. Plan with Your Partner
Having a structured week makes it so much easier and helps alleviate any guilt or resentment as you can both schedule exercise in and look after your health and wellbeing. So make sure you have that chat before the week ahead.
Tip: Sync up calendar appointments on your phones so you’re both across it!
5. Schedule Runs around Nap Time or Witching Hour
I’m still breastfeeding, so I plan my runs and workouts around Beau’s schedule. I often find the best time for a run with him is during his nap so he can sleep, or witching hour when he might need the distraction.
6. Use Music to Motivate You, and Entertain Them
I put music on through my phone speaker and play it through the pram so that we can both hear it at the same time. It’s a win-win!
7. Run to the park and then work out there
If you’re short on time you can combine cardio and strength training in one session. Instead of driving, run or briskly walk to your local park and do bodyweight exercises once you get there.
8. Use Your Pram for an Intense HIIT workout
Pushing a toddler uphill is exactly like doing sleds training at the gym! Don’t believe me? Try it on your way home next time…
9. Magnesium is Your Best Friend
I take Blackmores Super Magnesium + to assist with muscle cramps and spasms, which is usually an early indication that your body is low in magnesium.
10. Use a Foam Roller with Your Body Weight
It will allow you to perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia and also helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues. I like to foam roll before a strenuous workout, which helps me to “pre-stretch” the tendons, ligaments and muscles.
