The Best Fitness Routines for Busy Mums: Staying Fit on a Tight Schedule

Being a mum means your day is filled with endless responsibilities, leaving little time for yourself. Between school runs, meal prep, and everything in between, it can feel impossible to fit fitness into your routine. But staying active doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym or disrupting your schedule. With the right approach, you can prioritise your health and fitness while balancing a busy lifestyle. Here are the best fitness routines tailored specifically for busy mums.

1. Morning Energiser: 10-Minute Quick Workouts

Start your day with a quick, high-energy workout that you can do at home. Even just 10 minutes of movement can boost your energy and set a positive tone for the day.

• Example Routine:

  • Jumping jacks: 1 minute

  • Body weight squats: 1 minute

  • Push-ups (modified if needed): 1 minute

  • Plank: 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

  • Repeat the circuit 2 times

These short bursts of activity require little to no equipment and can be done before your kids wake up.

2. Incorporate Fitness Into Daily Activities

As a mum, multitasking is second nature. Turn everyday activities into mini workouts:

• While Cooking: Do counter top push-ups or calf raises while waiting for water to boil.

• During Playtime: Join your kids in active games like tag, hopscotch, or dancing.

• Household Chores: Turn cleaning into a workout by adding lunges, squats, or extra movement while vacuuming or tidying up.

Small changes like these can add up and keep you active throughout the day.

3. Nap Time Workouts

If you have younger kids who nap, use this time for a focused workout. It could be a 20-30 minute session that fits your goals:

• Strength Training: Use dumbbells or resistance bands for full-body workouts.

• Yoga or Pilates: Follow a video to stretch, strengthen, and relax.

• Cardio Blasts: Try HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for maximum calorie burn in a short time.

4. Stroller Workouts

For mums with babies or toddlers, stroller workouts are a great way to combine exercise and fresh air:

• Power Walking: Push the stroller at a brisk pace for 20-30 minutes.

• Stroller Lunges: Stop at a park or open space and do walking lunges while pushing the stroller.

• Incline Push-ups: Use a park bench or sturdy surface to do incline push-ups while keeping an eye on your child.

5. Involve the Family

Fitness doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Get the whole family moving to create healthy habits together:

• Go for evening walks or bike rides.

• Have a weekend dance party at home.

• Try a family-friendly workout video that your kids can join in on.

Making fitness a family affair not only keeps you active but also sets a great example for your children.

6. Focus on Consistency Over Perfection

As a busy mum, it’s important to be realistic. Some days you might not get a full workout in, and that’s okay. The key is consistency over time. Aim to move your body in some way every day, even if it’s just a short walk or stretching session.

7. Use Apps or Online Resources

Take advantage of fitness apps or YouTube channels that offer quick and accessible workouts. Many apps are designed with busy mums in mind, providing short routines that you can do anytime, anywhere. Some popular apps include:

• FitOn: Free workouts with a variety of duration's.

• 7 Minute Workout: Quick and effective routines.

• Yoga with Adriene (YouTube): Relaxing and easy-to-follow yoga sessions.

8. Prioritise Self-Care

Remember, staying fit is not just about physical health but mental well-being too. Fitness can be your time to recharge and focus on yourself. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, carving out time for your health will make you a stronger and more energised mum.

In Conclusion

Finding time for fitness as a busy mum can feel challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable with a little creativity and flexibility. Whether it’s a quick morning routine, a nap-time session, or turning chores into workouts, every bit of movement counts. The most important thing is to keep going and prioritise your well-being—because a happy, healthy mum benefits the whole family.

Peak Fitness Recommended:

The Body Sculpture Smart Dumbbell Set 24Kg is a versatile choice for home workouts, including 2kg, 4kg, and 6kg pairs. With a durable design and comfortable grip, they’re perfect for a variety of strength training exercises. Click on the link below to get yours on Amazon.

Peak Fitness Recommended:

This extra-thick NBR fitness foam mat provides superior cushioning and support for HIIT, Pilates, yoga, and gymnastics. Its non-slip, high-density design ensures stability and comfort, making it perfect for all workout levels. Click the link below to get yours on Amazon.