Tips for staying fit as a new Mum

As a busy mum of 3, Holly Usher often struggles to cram in everything life requires of her, like most mums.

But with a longstanding passion for fitness, Holly is now dedicating herself to helping other mums keep up their fitness goals – or get started in the first place!

Below are Holly’s five main tips for staying fit as a new mum.

1) FIND A GROUP TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED

“It’s possible to get to your fitness class but we all know that some days it can just feel impossible. Joining a group fitness class can help “guilt” you into getting off your butt.

Finding a fun group to get your fitness on with will lift your mood each session and help keep you motivated and coming back for more.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a big or small group – if there’s someone with a smile on their face when you turn up, it’s definitely worth going!”

2) FIND A GYM WITH GREAT CHILD CARE FACILITIES

“Time for some tough love – your kids are NOT your excuse not to exercise! My clients must be bored to death of this mantra of mine… And kids can often feel like a pretty big hurdle to fitness, I will admit. But there are few ways you can work to overcome this.

Some gyms have a dedicated creche, while others will let the kids hang out within sight of you training. Some personal trainers even offer a dedicated service, entertaining (or distracting) your kids while you train!

With so many options available, you’ve just got to find the one that suits you. My kids have always just tagged along. I love that I can be a role model to them along the way.”

3) FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY DOING

“There’s no point joining a Zumba class if you hate dancing. Likewise, if running bores you to tears, it’s highly unlikely you’ll stick with it for long!

I always stress to my clients, you’ve got to find something that excites you, that leaves you with a buzz once you’ve finished the workout. It may still take some pretty hefty discipline to complete any workout. But the key thing is to find yourself heading home afterwards, looking forward to the next session. Whether it’s yoga or Crossfit or swimming laps – if you love it, you’ll keep coming back for more. And that’s when you’ll see great, long-term results.”

4) FIND EASY HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS

“As a mum, it can be tempting to reach for the easiest option after the time taken to ensure the rest of the family is sorted. But you can set yourself up for success by planning your day, and knowing when you are likely to stray from your healthy options.

This can be as easy as having some fruit in your bag – it doesn’t need refrigeration, it’s pre-packaged and you can eat it on-the-go. Snack pots of mixed nuts and dried fruit are also an awesome option, and are definitely a better choice than the kids’ half-eaten leftover peanut butter sandwiches!”

5) BE KIND TO YOURSELF

“Take the steps along your fitness journey one by one, and let the results come naturally.

Maybe you’ll see the number of the scales drop, maybe your jeans will feel looser, maybe you’ll notice how much more energy you have. So long as you stick to your guns, feed your body with healthy food, and get your heart rate up each day, you’ll notice the results somewhere. Use those results – however tiny! – to drive you onwards, and don’t be surprised when you continue to see more and more!

Be kind to yourself throughout this journey. Don’ forget, you are the most important person in the equation

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Holly Usher offers kid-friendly personal training, group fitness, and personalised solutions to suit each individual client. You can find more about her business here: www.facebook.com/hollyusherfitness