4 Ways to Help New Moms Meet Their Health and Fitness Goals
So we have made it to another year. With a new year comes new goals and those New Year resolutions. For many people, these resolutions include something related to health and fitness. For new moms, this can pose a bit of a challenge. Between feeling extremely tired and feeling like there's a lack of time, new moms often put their health and fitness needs on the back burner.
So I wanted to provide some tips on how to meet your health and fitness goals. Read below to learn more!
Find your why
I had a potential client come to me and say that she wanted to exercise to lose weight. For months she kept saying she wanted to work out, but never pulled the trigger. We had a conversation about how she can be more motivated.
I told her to find her “why”. She stated she wanted to lose weight, but clearly that was not enough motivation to start engaging in exercise. Once she did some reflection, she noted that she wanted to have more energy and get healthy for herself and her children. After finding her why, she had motivation to engage in exercise and stopped making excuses as to why she can’t exercise.
So, what is your “why”? For many women after giving birth it’s to lose the “baby weight”. For others, it’s to have “me-time”, to have a release, or to do something positive for themselves. Having an objective will help keep you motivated and give you that push you need, especially during those times you don’t feel like it.
Prioritize your health
As a mom, you are overwhelmed with so many tasks related to your child(ren). From keeping play dates, to running them around for extracurricular activities, your time can easily be consumed with caring for them. Many women state that lack of time is a reason for not being able to keep an exercise regimen. But why should caring for yourself take a back seat just because you are a mom?
I get it, you feel like you can’t do anything for yourself, especially when you are a new mom. But you can! Taking care of yourself should be a priority. There are many benefits of exercise that can actually help you keep up with your busy mom schedule. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been show to increase energy levels, decrease depression/anxiety, decrease risk of disease and improve your self esteem. Taking proactive steps to care for your health can help you show up as the best version of yourself and be there for you and your family.
Include exercise into your daily routine
I always say taking care of your health is a form of self care. Think of it as something you do for yourself that is important. You include your important tasks into your daily routine, why should taking care of your health be different?
As a new mom, your daily routine can look different each day. You are adjusting to a new schedule and establishing a new routine. In the early part of motherhood, take that time to establish a new routine and heal (you deserve it, your body has been through a lot!)
After you have healed from delivery and have a bit more of a predictable routine, start to think about the best time to exercise. For me, I was able to schedule exercises around my sons nap times. It took a while for us to establish dedicated nap times, but after a few months, his naps became predictable and I was better able to schedule my exercises.
Taking a look at your schedule and dedicating specific times will help you stay dedicated. It will hold you accountable and you will feel more accomplished after checking it off your to do list.
Maximize your dedicated time
Lack of time is probably the number one reason I hear from moms on why they can’t exercise (next to feeling tired). With all the tasks involved in motherhood, it can feel as if you have no time for yourself. But once you look at your routine and find time for yourself, you have to make sure you are using that time wisely.
Planning your workouts is a great way to maximize your dedicated time. Researching work outs that are beneficial for you and planning ahead is a great way to not only keep you on track, but it also ensures that you are not wasting your valuable time.
For some women who may not know what exercises are safe after giving birth or who may not be familiar with fitness, I highly recommend training with a specialist. They can help you maximize your time while also doing safe and effective exercises.
Remember, you matter mama! Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you have to forget about yourself. Take steps to care for your health and show up as your best!
Here at The Health Mamas, I provide expert health and fitness services for expectant and new mothers. I am trained at helping you through safe and effective exercises, establishing a routine and holding you accountable throughout your journey. If you would like to learn more, please visit my website and schedule your free consultation today!