Staying fit as a busy working mum can feel like an impossible task when your days are filled with juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists. However, keeping fit doesn’t have to involve hours at the gym or a complete overhaul of your routine. Here are 10 things you can do from home to maintain your fitness and boost your wellbeing:

  1. Start your day with a short workout Begin your morning with a quick 10-15 minute exercise routine. Whether it’s yoga, bodyweight exercises, or a short HIIT session, this can help energise you for the day ahead. There are plenty of online videos or apps to guide you. You could also try Helen Mirren’s famous 12-minute workout, which combines stretching and bodyweight exercises for a simple yet effective routine.
  2. Turn household chores into mini workouts Activities like vacuuming, scrubbing, or gardening can double as cardio or strength training. Put on some music and treat these tasks as an opportunity to get moving.
  3. Schedule movement breaks If you work from home, set reminders to take short breaks every hour. Use this time to stretch, do a few squats, or even dance around the room for a couple of minutes.
  4. Use your stairs If you have stairs at home, they’re a fantastic fitness tool. Spend 5-10 minutes climbing up and down for a quick cardio workout. Add a challenge by carrying light weights or increasing your pace.
  5. Try desk exercises For mums who work at a desk, simple exercises like seated leg lifts, shoulder shrugs, or chair dips can help keep you active without leaving your workspace.
  6. Involve the kids Turn family time into fitness time. Play active games, try family yoga, or go for a brisk walk or bike ride together. It’s a great way to bond while staying active.
  7. Invest in home workout equipment Resistance bands, dumbbells, or a skipping rope are affordable and versatile tools to enhance your workouts. Keep them handy to squeeze in a quick session when you have a spare moment.
  8. Add core exercises to your routine Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like planks, crunches, or Russian twists into your workouts. Even dedicating just 5-10 minutes a day to these movements can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and flatten your stomach over time.
  9. Stretch before bed End your day with a stretching routine to release tension and improve flexibility. It’s a calming way to wind down and can even help you sleep better.
  10. Make the most of TV time Use TV time as an opportunity to move. Do squats, lunges, or planks during ad breaks or follow an exercise video in the background.
  11. Focus on consistency over perfection Remember, small efforts add up. Even if you can only manage a few minutes of exercise, staying consistent is more important than doing a long workout occasionally. Aim to move daily in whatever way works for you.

Incorporating these ideas into your routine can make a big difference in your fitness and energy levels. The key is finding activities you enjoy and making them a natural part of your day. With these tips, even the busiest mums can prioritise their health from the comfort of home.

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Fitness,

Last Update: Tuesday, 14th January 2025