Working Mothers: Finding Time For Exercise

Working mothers often great challenges when it comes fitting exercise into their lifestyle. They can find themselves short on energy, stamina, and time. Mother with new-borns, in particular, may find it hard to even get started on a fitness program due to the commitments of the new baby and the family in general. However, it is entirely possible for working mums to greatly improve their fitness, and indeed, achieve their fitness and weight loss goals. But just like with every busy person, all it takes is a small amount of creativity and a great deal of dedication.

First of all, working mothers must learn to put themselves (and their health) first. I mean, if you’re not healthy how can you possibly perform to your best as an employee or mother? They are often so busy trying to please their partners, kids, and employers that they feel as if they don’t deserve (or have time) to devote time to themselves. However, trying to be all things to all people—without taking time to look after your own health—can lead to disaster. Working mothers must recognize the fact that they need to be healthy in order to take care of all of their other obligations. Exercise can also help them to keep sickness and injury at bay, so that they can remain healthy over the long term.

Next, working mothers need to commit to exercise. In other words, they need to make it a priority in their lives and not just a supplemental activity that they fit in when they can. There is always something that needs to be done in theirr life so if they don’t make a exercise a priority, they may find that too many other things stand in their way of getting it done—kids activities, shopping, cooking meals, overtime at work, carpooling, and the like. They must make an appointment with themselves to exercise, and stick to it each day.

One of the ways to ensure that exercise is a part of a working mother’s daily routine is to take an exercise class or book in with a personal trainer. If you invest money in your exercise session, you’re more likely to keep your commitment. The class can be Pump, Step, Spin, Aqua-aerobics, Boxing, Kickboxing—whatever appeals to you. You can take the class during your lunch break, while your children are in day care or in school. Or you might be able to squeeze in a class before work, after you drop your children off for the day. Making time for an exercise class may take a bit of re-organising of your schedule, but it will be well worth the effort.

If you are a new mother, you might also consider a “Mums and Bubs” exercise class. These classes allow mothers to exercise with their infants along with others that are going through the same life changes as the other participants, so it becomes very social. These programs fulfill a variety of functions. They can help you shed unwanted “baby weight.” They can also make it easier for you to bond with your baby.

If you don’t have much time you can also squeeze in exercise by organizing family walks. You can walk around your neighborhood while pushing a baby stroller, or encourage your school-age children to walk with you. If you keep a brisk pace, walking can be an incredibly beneficial form of exercise. You could also find another mother and take it in turns of minding each others children whilst you each duck out for a training session.

Working mothers face tremendous demands, both at home and on the job. Therefore, it is important that they keep fitness in the forefront to help increase their staying power. With planning and dedication, working mothers can find the exercise program that works for them. For more information about exercise programs and weight loss meal plans, check out the relative sections of our website.

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