So summer is here and chaotic mornings with strict routines have just been replaced by sibling squabbles and constant snack requests, so how do we fit in our workouts?! It may feel impossible right now, but I promise there is always a way to fit in time for yourself.
Now, more than ever, it’s important for you to prioritise your own mental and physical health to ensure that you have patience to deal with the little ones making more and more demands on your time.
It may feel like you cannot get even a minute to yourself to think, let alone to do some gentle movement or throw some weights around. You’re not alone, and there’s no prizes for being a superparent! Be kind to yourself – you’re only human – and let’s look at some tips for getting through a summer without sacrificing your exercise routine.
Make it a family affair –
Get the kids involved! Try a bike ride, a hike, a run or let them play in the playground while you do some movement on the grass nearby. There are also plenty of YouTube workouts you can get them involved in too. During lockdown, I had parents all over the world tuning in with their kids to take part in a FB live series I ran 3 mornings a week.
You can catch up here – https://youtu.be/QY901VkV8sk
Make it early or late –
If you can find 20 minutes at the beginning or end of the day, when it’s slightly less chaotic and cooler (if you get a summer where you are, it’s raining here in Dublin!), that might be your time to get some easy movement in.
Make it micro movements –
Rather than trying to fit in one longer workout, try to get 50 squats in while you brush your teeth, or 20 pushups when the kettle is boiling. All those micro workouts will add up during the day.
Make it a habit –
Put your workouts into the diary, and treat them like appointments that cannot be missed.
Make it happen –
Rather than focusing on perfection – the perfect time, the perfect type and the perfect length of workout, just get something done. Consistency is key and any movement, no matter how small, is better than nothing at all!
Make guilt free time for yourself –
Let the kids have some screen time, guilt free, while you get your workout in. Use any summer camp time to really maximise your health and wellness – a quick workout, a quiet coffee, a catch up with that friend you’ve not seen in ages.
Self care is not selfish and you’re modelling excellent examples to your children that being a run-down, exhausted martyr is not good for anyone!
It’s so important to have grace for yourself and to treat yourself as you would treat others. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to achieve great things this summer, try one strategy to get some movement in and comment below to let us know how you’ve gotten on!
