Fitness & Wellness Forum Routines, Tips, Active Mums

[musical]

Hi everyone! As an active mother, I'm sure you're all aware of the challenges balancing fitness and wellness can pose - so let's help each other out!

Whether it's finding time for yourself amidst busy schedules, adjusting your workout routine during pregnancy or navigating post-partum exercise, this is the place to share experiences, offer advice and support one another.

Share your stories, daily routines, healthy recipes, go-to workouts - anything that you've found helpful in keeping yourself and your family healthy! I'll start: ...

 

[sunflower]

I think the biggest challenge is finding the time and energy once the little ones are here! But it's so important for our own health and wellbeing to try stay active, plus it can help with managing stress which is a huge bonus.

Pregnancy was a real test of my fitness - particularly towards the end! I found short walks during the day helped keep my energy up and kept me sane when pregnant with my second. Also did some pregnancy yoga online - there are some great free routines on YouTube.

Postpartum, I found setting small goals helped me get back into fitness. Initially just walking around the block and gradual stretches, then graduating to short runs once given the go ahead by my doc.

Now that my kids are a little older (3 yrs & 1yr) I try fit in a HIIT workout 3-4 times a week - usually while they're napping or playing independently. I also found joining a local mum's fitness group helped keep me motivated and it's great for the kids to socialise too.

Would love to hear other mums' strategies! especially for keeping toddlers entertained/occupied while trying to exercise

 

[bookworm]

For sure - finding the time and energy is so tricky once baby arrives! But like you said, it's a huge benefit to our health and sanity too so worth pushing for.

I love the idea of a local mum's fitness group, that sounds super motivating and fun too.

With my two year old, I often have to rely on quick workouts too - especially while he's napping or when independent playtime rolls around. I've also started involving him in my workouts which has been fun. Things like squats with him on my back (he thinks it's a game), using him as 'weight' for arm raises, and 'toddler sits' instead of regular planks - he sits on my feet and I just hold the plank position.. seems to keep him entertained!

Also love the idea of pregnancy yoga - will have to remember that one! Would be great to hear other mums' suggestions too for keeping kids occupied while exercising.

 

[koala]

Involving them in your workouts is a great idea! My son loves copying my exercises, especially the curtsy lunges - he thinks it's a funny game and it keeps him occupied while I get some exercise in.

I've also found some success in setting up a little obstacle course for older kids- they love the challenge and it keeps them engaged for at least 30 mins which is a good window to get some exercise done, especially if you join in with them!

What other fun ways have you guys discovered to keep kids entertained while getting some exercise?

 

[wisdom]

I've noticed that getting kids involved in planning the workout helps their buy-in - giving them a sense of responsibility and ownership.

My daughter loves to help me count my reps, and occasionally adjust the music playlist. She's only 4, but feels very important when given the task of scrolling through to select the next song!

If you have slightly older kids, you could plan a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt around your home or backyard. Sends them running around and keeps them active while they search for the items on the list. You could tailor the difficulty/items to hide based on their ages.

 

[techsavvy]

That's such a good idea! Giving kids a sense of involvement and responsibility makes them feel important - and it's fun for them too. Love the scavenger hunt idea as well - anything to keep them engaged and active is a win!

 

[lioness]

That's such a good idea! Giving kids a sense of involvement and responsibility makes them feel important - and it's fun for them too. Love the scavenger hunt idea as well - anything to keep them engaged and active is a win!

Yeap, making exercises fun works wonder when getting kids involved in fitness! Keeping them entertained these days is half the battle won. Scavenger hunts are definitely an exciting activity that can buy you some "me" fitness time.

 

[chickadee]

That's such a good idea! Giving kids a sense of involvement and responsibility makes them feel important - and it's fun for them too. Love the scavenger hunt idea as well - anything to keep them engaged and active is a win!

Ya, keeping everyone busy and entertained, especially during times when the parents are strapped for time can be challenging! But these ideas are great ways to involve the children and get some exercise in disguise.

My 4 year old also loves helping with the workout prep - setting up mats, picking out the next workout song, and of course, cleaning up after is fun for them too (well, at least it keeps them busy while I pack away!)

Are there any other creative ways you guys keep your little ones entertained and active?

 

[mamamia]

My son loves playing games so we often play hide and seek - which involves a lot of running around for him, and also 'mummy has superpowers' - which incorporates some of my own exercises like star jumps, burpees etc with him trying to catch me when I jump or run away!

We also got him one of those scooter boards so he glides around the house. It's great because it keeps him active but also helps develop his balance and coordination and is something a bit different to regular running around or riding a bike. He also loves helping with the gardening - digging, raking leaves etc which is good for some outside physical time.

I try to incorporate little challenges for him too, like racing to see who can do the most jumps in a minute, or picking up speed as you run through an obstacle course (using toys/cushions on the floor). Anything that makes it fun and a bit competitive seems to keep his interest!

 

[sunflower]

My son loves playing games so we often play hide and seek - which involves a lot of running around for him, and also 'mummy has superpowers' - which incorporates some of my own exercises like star jumps, burpees etc with him trying to catch me when I jump or run away!

We also got him one of those scooter boards so he glides around the house. It's great because it keeps him active but also helps develop his balance and coordination and is something a bit different to regular running around or riding a bike. He also loves helping with the gardening - digging, raking leaves etc which is good for some outside physical time.

I try to incorporate little challenges for him too, like racing to see who can do the most jumps in a minute, or picking up speed as you run through an obstacle course (using toys/cushions on the floor). Anything that makes it fun and a bit competitive seems to keep his interest!

That's a clever way to make good use of your workout time while keeping your son entertained! I love how you've added an element of play and creativity to your exercises. Scooter boarding sounds like great fun and a good break from the usual running and scooting activities.

Gardening is a lovely way to get kids involved in nature and get some physical activity in too - win-win situation! incorporating little challenges throughout these activities is a fun way to keep them engaged and guessing, great idea!

 

[wisdom]

That's a clever way to make good use of your workout time while keeping your son entertained! I love how you've added an element of play and creativity to your exercises. Scooter boarding sounds like great fun and a good break from the usual running and scooting activities.

Gardening is a lovely way to get kids involved in nature and get some physical activity in too - win-win situation! incorporating little challenges throughout these activities is a fun way to keep them engaged and guessing, great idea!

including elements of play makes fitness a enjoyable experience for my son and I. It's a good disguise for exhausting exercises! Haha. Gardening is a great physical activity, plus it teaches about caring for the environment - an important lesson for kids nowadays.

 

[musical]

including elements of play makes fitness a enjoyable experience for my son and I. It's a good disguise for exhausting exercises! Haha. Gardening is a great physical activity, plus it teaches about caring for the environment - an important lesson for kids nowadays.

Including some educational aspects definitely makes the activities more meaningful! It's great how you're exposing your son to different aspects of fitness and nature at a young age. The outdoors and nature will surely miss out if not for such fun activities!

 

[wisdom]

Including some educational aspects definitely makes the activities more meaningful! It's great how you're exposing your son to different aspects of fitness and nature at a young age. The outdoors and nature will surely miss out if not for such fun activities!

Oh thank you, I feel it's important too especially living in an urban concrete jungle - we sometimes have to go the extra mile (literally) to expose our kids to nature's wonders!

 

[bookworm]

That's so true. There's something incredibly calming and grounding about immersing yourself in nature, especially for little ones who are so fascinated by everything around them. It really helps to create those special memories too - like you said, going the extra mile gives so much more reward!

 

[nature]

That's so true. There's something incredibly calming and grounding about immersing yourself in nature, especially for little ones who are so fascinated by everything around them. It really helps to create those special memories too - like you said, going the extra mile gives so much more reward!

The awe and wonder of the little ones when exposed to nature's beauty is a joy to behold. Simple pleasures like these create lifelong memories.

 

[wellness]

It's so true - there's something incredibly special about how children experience the outdoors. Their sense of wonder and curiosity really is heartwarming. It's a beautiful way to appreciate nature right alongside them and create lasting memories too. The simple joys of being a mum are often the sweetest!

 

[techsavvy]

Their sense of wonder is truly captivating - it reminds me how we can sometimes forget to appreciate the little things in life as adults, so it's wonderful to experience the world through their eyes. There's so much beauty and joy in those special moments together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The simple act of playing and exploring outdoors with my children has been such a blessing and definitely inspires a healthier and happier mindset.

 

[chickadee]

So true, it's like we're reminded of the simple joy and beauty in life as we see them appreciate the little things. It's such a heartwarming feeling especially when you see them explore and appreciate nature too – their sense of wonder is captivating! What are some of your favorite outdoor activities to do with the family?

We love going on long walks and hikes, visiting the local parks, and setting up picnics!

 

[bananarama]

Some wonderful nature-based family time ideas you've got there! We enjoy those too; it's amazing how a simple change of scenery can do wonders for our mindset, especially with kids appreciating all the newness around them.

We also love to pack up the bike and head down to the river trails - the kids ride ahead while I trail behind them (literally and metaphorically!) then we stop off at a local dairy for some delicious ice cream after. We've also recently started camping, which has been a huge hit with our little ones. Setting up the tent, cooking meals on the camp stove, and telling stories around the campfire - it's an easy way to unplug from technology and reconnect with each other and nature.

What about you? Do you have any go-to family adventures or spots you love visiting?

 

[chickadee]

Some wonderful nature-based family time ideas you've got there! We enjoy those too; it's amazing how a simple change of scenery can do wonders for our mindset, especially with kids appreciating all the newness around them.

We also love to pack up the bike and head down to the river trails - the kids ride ahead while I trail behind them (literally and metaphorically!) then we stop off at a local dairy for some delicious ice cream after. We've also recently started camping, which has been a huge hit with our little ones. Setting up the tent, cooking meals on the camp stove, and telling stories around the campfire - it's an easy way to unplug from technology and reconnect with each other and nature.

What about you? Do you have any go-to family adventures or spots you love visiting?

Camping sounds like a fun adventure! I've not braved it yet with my young ones, but hearing how much fun you've had makes me want to give it a shot. We also enjoy cycling as a family and exploring different parks in the area. My little ones love the playground equipment and running about in the open fields.



We're lucky to live near some gorgeous coastal walks, with plenty of trees and nature reserves. It's a tranquil spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for peaceful strolls and stunning views. My kids also enjoy spotting all the different types of trees and plants - it's amazing how observant kids can be! We often end our walks at a local cafe for some much-needed refreshment - a nice little reward after some good exercise.