As a mum, I understand the challenges that come with prioritising yourself. Firstly, I feel we should drop the guilt of wanting to do something for you, and remember that it’s important for your heart and your brain!
It is a treat for your body but I would go as far to say it’s a necessity! I’m not talking about fat loss or reaching goals necessarily, Im talking about giving yourself time to move. Time to stop picking up after a tiny space invader and give yourself the pleasure of 20 mins to half an hour of you time.
Giving yourself time for a workout is a pleasure these little delightful rugrats don’t have to TAKE from us… they can join in too! I believe strongly that we lead by example and if that example can be a positive attitude to putting your fitness and health first, getting outdoors even or just any old movement, then brilliant!
Let’s show them what these bodies are made for!
Here are some exercises that you can do with or without your children involved.
Skipping
Remember how fun skipping was at school?! I DO! Stop thinking about exercise being a chore and make it feel like recess again. Aim for 3-5 rounds of 2 min continuous skipping with your child. Boys and girls can skip… and its harder than you might remember!
The Superhero
This is great for strengthening your back, shoulders and bum… all areas that are neglected through carrying children (in & out of your body!) and brilliant for good posture. Lie down on the floor on your front. Squeezing your bottom and keeping your hands and feet together, lift your arms and legs up 6 inches off the ground. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then relax back to the ground. Repeat 10 times.
Squat Jumps
You have 30 seconds to perform as many squat jumps as possible. While you rest for 30 seconds, your child does the same and you try to beat or match each other’s number every time.
Repeat 5x rounds.
Squat Hold
This can be done against a wall if you don’t feel confident in your form. Your legs should be at 90 degrees and knees pushed outward. Hold a squat for 1 min (OR as long as it takes your child to perform a task… that takes around 1 min! i.e; Finding a toy you have hidden. The challenge is to hold it for as long as it takes them!
Dancing
That’s right, I said dancing. No fancy tricks or exercises…. Just move. AS crazy as you like! Go wild for the full song.
We want our children to be proud of their bodies and enjoy moving! Making it fun for your kids helps you to see the joy in it too.
Visit Emily’s Instagram page for more great advice.
