lose_baby_weightWe all have times in our lives when we are really motivated to exercise, and then other times we are just…not.
So how do you get yourself out of a funk and back in the game?
Today we have 10 tips to get you up and moving in order to reach your health and wellness goals.

1) get your shoes on and see what happens

So many mums swear by this technique. The simple act of putting on your workout gear and tying up your shoes can be enough to get you in the mood for exercise.

2) commit to just 10 minutes of exercise

If, after 10 minutes, you are just not feeling it – then stop. But 9 times out of 10 you will feel like continuing, especially as the endorphins start kicking in.

3) remember why you’re doing it

Have a goal in mind for why you are exercising. It might be about losing weight, being fitter, getting toned for an upcoming event.
Whatever it is, write it down and put it on your mirror, or somewhere that you will see it regularly. Keeping your goals front and centre is a great way to encourage yourself off the couch.

4) keep track of how you are doing

In 6 months from now you might have forgotten that you only used to be able to run to the end of the street without stopping. Yet now you can run to the park and back.
By noting down your progress as you go, as well as how you are feeling, you can look back and feel a great sense of accomplishment about how far you’ve come. This can be a great motivator to always try and improve on your best.

5) find a friend to exercise with

We’ve talked about the buddy system before, and it definitely has its benefits.
Simply knowing that someone is meeting you for a walk or an exercise class is often more than enough of a motivator to get there yourself. You can also pump each other up when the other needs a push.

6) set goals and rewards

Just like it feels good to tick things off your to-do list, it feels amazing when you set a goal and achieve it. It doesn’t have to be a huge goal like a 10km run, but it could be something as simple as ‘In 4 weeks time I will be able to swim 20 laps without stopping.’
It gives you something to work towards, and the best part is enjoying your chosen reward when you get there. That might be a pedicure, a new book, a nice dinner, or a massage. Whatever it is, make sure you want it enough to work for it.

7) mix it up

Some mums just love to walk, or jog, or swim. But if you keep doing the same thing over and over again, you might find that you get a little bit bored from the repetition.
So why not set yourself some weekly goals to meet in terms of the variety of exercise that you do. For instance, you might commit to 2 walks, 1 jog and 1 swim per week.
Then you can scatter in some home workouts too such as squats, lunges, and planks (you can read some of our favourite lounge room workouts here).

8) make it non negotiable

There are some things we do each day that are non-negotiable – like brushing your teeth or showering. Why not make exercise one of them?
By organising yourself so that this can happen (by booking in times with your partner or a friend to watch the kids for instance) you can make sure that you don’t end up missing out when life gets in the way.

9) sleep in your workout clothes

This is another tip from a real mum – if you wake up in your workout gear it makes you think ‘well I may as well get up and go for that walk now, I’m ready!’
Keep your shoes by the bed and you’ll be out the door before you know what’s happening.

The Post Pregnancy Exercise DVD10) pop a DVD in

No, sorry, not Dirty Dancing, but the new Healthy Mummy Post Pregnancy Exercise DVD.
Just turn it on and you will find you become more motivated to exercise simply by watching others get into it.
One of the best parts is, the exercises on the DVD are broken down into 15 minute segments, so you can fit your workout in whenever you can throughout the day or night.
Missed any of our Summer Challenge articles and tips? You can catch up here.
 
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Get Our Post Pregnancy Exercise DVD

And for a SAFE & EFFECTIVE Exercise DVD that supports your pelvic floor health get our DVD here
The DVD can be followed by all mums (for example new mums or mums with older children) and can be followed by someone with a basic or a more advanced level of fitness.
The six workouts are broken down into 10 and 15 minute sections that you can do when it suits you – or if you have the time and energy you can do the DVD as one 70 minute continuous workout. The Healthy Mummy Post Pregnancy Exercise DVD also covers special considerations post-birth, such as caesarean sections, back strains, muscle separation, incontinence and pelvic floor issues.
[pb_vidembed title=”The Post Pregnancy Exercise DVD” caption=”” url=”http://vimeo.com/73423922″ type=”vem” w=”600″ h=”455″]

The Workout Summary

  1. 15 Minute Low Impact cardio workout – The Low Impact Cardio routine will improve your fitness and energy levels, as well as burning calories, while avoiding stress on your body – in particular, your vulnerable pelvic floor. This workout will put you on the path to being a fitter, leaner and more energetic version of you.
  2. 15 Minute toning cardio workout – By combining a low impact cardio conditioning routine with light resistance training, this energetic workout will make your heart and lungs stronger while burning calories and toning your arms, legs and butt. This is a great addition to the low impact routine, or as a stand-alone cardio option with the added bonus of arm and leg toning.
  3. 10 Minute upper Body workout – Conditioning your upper body will not only have you feeling and looking stronger, it will provide postural strengthening to combat stress on your upper back. You will also benefit from increased muscle stamina and definition, allowing you to keep up with your little ones.
  4. 10 Minute Lower Body workout – Hone in on your butt and legs with this lower body strengthening workout. It will have you looking and feeling strong, toned and energised.
  5. 10 Minute Abs, Back & core workout – The abdominal, back and core muscles are at the centre of a healthy body. With these safe and effective exercises, you will improve your posture, help alleviate back pain and strengthen your pelvic floor while you regain your waist and condition your abs and back.
  6. 10 Minute Stretch & Relax- Lengthen your muscles and relax your mind and body as you calmly and quietly stretch your body, top to toe.

PLUS…See our special section covering all you need to know on special considerations post-birth, such as caesarean sections, back strains, muscle separation, incontinence and pelvic floor issues.

Questions & Answers

For all the commonly asked questions about exercise and the DVD including special post natal conditions, when you can start and exercises for tummy fat please click here