We all need to Move more – Here are our 5 sure-fire tips to get you going!!
Movement in our everyday life matters, really matters. And by everyday, we mean literally every day. As busy mums of 6 kids between us, we know first-hand that it can be hard to find the time to prioritise your movement, in amongst the chaos of a busy household and routine. But daily exercise is a vital part of good health and just 20 mins a day can have the most enormous health benefits.
However, even 20 mins can sometimes feel out of reach…… when you throw in kids, work, friends, and family commitments pulling you in every direction…. Even that 20 minutes can sometimes feel like a real challenge. We get it – we live that life too, just like you!
That’s why we want to share our 5 Sure-Fire Tips for getting it DONE (sometimes, against all of the odds!):
1. EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM. Try to get your exercise done early. This will help you tick it off your list before the day gets away from you. No, we are definitely NOT natural early birds. But, we simply do not have the energy at the end of the day now to try and get any training done at nighttime now (since we’ve had kids, that is). Early mornings have been the only time that we have been able to get any consistency.
Start with just one early morning first. We found that when it is only one early morning, we can mentally make sure we get up. Arrange to meet someone else. Sign up and pay for a class. Make a commitment somehow to motivate you. Your morning really begins the night before, so lay your gear out before bed. Make sure your bedroom is cool, calm, and clean and make sure you get into bed earlier. Getting out of bed is the hardest part and once you get up, you will really NEVER regret this one. EVER!
2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Whenever possible, put your exercise gear on first thing in the morning, as soon as you get up. If you are dressed, you can snatch 20 mins of exercise at any time, throughout the day – even if it is 10 mins here and 10 mins there – it all adds up and the bonus with the short sharp hit-outs is that each time you move, your metabolism will respond. So, dust off your leggings and sneakers and put them on as soon as you wake up. You might think you’ll get into your gear and do that workout ‘later’ – trust us, you won’t! Put the gear on first. Also, there has never been a time where getting around in your “activewear” has been more acceptable, so jump on the bandwagon!!
3. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. You will NOT be able to exercise at a high intensity every day and we would never recommend this. You will not recover properly and will leave yourself open to injury – so please, listen to your body. If you are feeling flat, please don’t skip the session altogether, just scale it back a bit – you were planning on going for a run, maybe a walk or download a yoga session instead. Or alternatively, are you bursting out of your skin with energy, well ramp it up a bit – seek out a more hilly walking/ running route, do 10 minutes more than usual, make the most of the extra energy – we all know how rare those days can be! But, remember, something is ALWAYS better than nothing, so listen to your body each day and adjust your session accordingly.
4. BE FLEXIBLE. Can’t get out of the house to exercise because you’ve got the kids? Or one of your kids is home sick with you? Husband is travelling and you are unable to leave the kids at home. Yes, yes, and yes – this is our life – almost weekly! We all need to be flexible – because if there is nothing else that we have learned since having kids is, that no two days are ever the same. EVER! And if we are to achieve what we want for our health and fitness, we must be flexible. SO, can’t get out? Do something at home! You can do a great workout from home with NO equipment. Trust us as we do that a few days a week, every week!
So, you might love hitting the gym, but it won’t always happen, so please be flexible and always have a PLAN B. In most cases, excuses are just that – excuses – and if flexible, you can still achieve what you want. We regularly post workouts on IG if you are looking for some at-home inspiration. #sshmovers
5. MAKE IT SOCIAL. Get your family on board and get them out exercising with you. Suggest to a girlfriend that you do a walk catch up instead of sitting in a coffee shop (she will probably be glad for the exercise too!). Line up a friend to join you for a weekly pilates session, together. Not only does this commit you, but it makes it social and way more fun (plus you’ve committed to be there ;-)!
While it is easy to find reasons to NOT prioritise your health and wellbeing – we are here to invite you to begin to make your health a bigger priority for you. The ripple effect into other areas of your life is enormous – not only for your health now, but for many, many years to come.
Try some of the tips above and see how you go…. Like these tips? Leave us a note if you want more. If you need more help in getting organized or finding a way to exercise – drop us a line at hello@soulsisterhealth.com.au We would love to hear from you!
Anna & Em xo
