Five Tips for fitting exercise into your daily routine…

I’m often asked on Instagram ‘how do you fit in exercise?’. Don’t get me wrong with work, family, after school clubs, social commitments and more it can be a struggle. Or should I say it used to be. That was until I found a way of making it work for me. And my family. And that’s the key, making it work for you.

I needed to make it possible. Speaking from the heart and from nearly 12 months of being in a new routine – the fitter and healthier you are, the more productive, calm and less stressed you’ll be at work, and also home. Exercise for me is a way of spending some time on me – away from work, from being a mummy, a way to de-stress, to focus on nothing other than exercise for 30 minutes each day. No oxygen for negativity.

There were times when I’d use excuses – that’s it’s cold, I’m tired, my body is sore but really they were just that, excuses. So what’s changed? In some way it’s mindset – I try to think, just go and remember how good you feel afterwards. I love the post exercise feeling. I’m set for the working day, full of positivity energy and in truth a nicer person. I’m definitely more chilled out after exercise. But also, it’s also a case of trained behaviour. It’s been nearly twelve months of following this routine – I couldn’t be happier.

How do I fit it in?

Quite simply, I changed the time I train, exercise is so important to me and I just had to make it work. Previously I’d go to classes in the evening. That was where I was going wrong. I’d find an excuse not to go, I’d struggle with the guilt of missing bedtime or one of George’s classes. It’s so important to him that I’m there and I felt like I was letting him down.

And so, now I train at 6.15am Monday to Friday and mostly take the weekends off. I get up at 5.30am, have a pre workout coffee in peace, train and I’m home before they wake. Which to some sounds crazy. To me it’s perfect, this way I don’t miss anything at home. I book all my classes via an app so everything just feels so easy. Well, not the training but that’s another blog post.

There are other benefits. My skin feels good, brighter. I feel fit and so much healthier. I’ve learnt so much about my diet and what I put into my body. Diet is so important. I’ll write a post about that as it’s another popular question on Instagram.

I also love the discipline. As a family we’re quite active, so together we try to support each other and sometimes you’ll find us training at home as a family. And why not? Promoting exercise and well being to George is something I feel passionate about. He’s already found his love for movement through football and swimming so I think we’re off to a good start.

Here are my five tips for fitting exercise into your daily routine…

1. Get up 15 -30 mins earlier – my biggest tip of all. As hard as it will be at first you’ll soon adapt. Its all done and you can get on with your day.
2. Make the most of your lunch break – whether it’s a workout, walking the dog, walking to get lunch rather than driving. For me I just love the fresh air and love to get out even if only for 15 minutes to get away from the screen.
3. Get a training partner – this made a huge difference when I returned to training in 2018. Mainly because I made a commitment to my buddy and felt guilty if I let her down. But also because we supported each other.
4. Make it part of your family routine – we have so much fun doing a Joe Wicks workout together. There are some really great 15 minute sessions for younger children as well as ones specifically focussed on certain areas of your body. Mr H often does them at home in a morning and if George wakes he’ll join in. To George it isn’t about getting fit, it’s all about doing something together.
5. Active wear – whether it’s running, HIIT sessions or weight training having the right active wear is a big one for me. I’ve squatted in ill fitting leggings before and found myself constantly adjusting them or worse finding out that they’re a little transparent. The lovely team over at Love Leggings sent me these 7/8’s which are quite simply the best I have ever worn. The look and feel are so luxurious. I adore the colours and gosh they don’t move – the pink are my favourite. They keep me cool so will be fantastic in the summer. And I’m certain that they help to shape my legs.

So there you have it. My top five tips for fitting exercise into your daily routine. Do share any of yours with me in the comments. Sharing is caring.