This article is part of our Healthy Body Healthy Mind series
by Lorraine Scapens from Pregnancyexercise.co.nz
Week 3
As a busy mum myself finding the time to get any kind of exercises in can be a challenge and often if the opportunity comes up I can be too tired! But often if I make myself go out just for a walk in the fresh I soon feel ten times better and the benefits of exercise help lift my mood and help me face with the stressful often hectic 5pm-8pm dinner and bedtime schedule!
Its important that we maintain weekly exercise.
Exercise has many benefits and losing weight shouldn’t be your only motivation to exercise:-
My Top Ten Benefits
Exercise:
1. Its time for you, its your time out. Use it to relax, de stress, unwind and get creative. All my best ideas come to me after 10-15 mins of exercise!
2. A great way to socialize with other mums- use it to talk about your problems and realize you’re not the only one facing challenging times!
3. Exercise releases the feel good hormones which can increase your good mood for 1-3 days after your 30min hit out!
4. Helps to keep you strong, reducing lower back pain.
5. Increased fitness level, so you can keep up with your kids
6. Helps you recover faster both mentally and physically after having children
7. Increases your daily energy levels
8. Encourages better sleep
9. Improves poor posture
10. Boost your Immune System
Quite amazing all of the above and you don’t need to exercise every day to feel all the amazing benefits. As mums we are often run off our feet and rarely sitting down so its not as if we are totally unfit but an extra 3-4 exercises sessions of approx 30mins a week will work many more wonders for you. At the end of the day your body and mind will thank you for the exercise and in the long run so will your family!
Last week: 10 Tips to Stay Motivated
Next week: Stay focused and maintain your New Routine
Lorraine Scapens
Lorraine is a Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist with 20 years experience training pregnant and post natal women. She has specialized in Pregnancy and Post Natal Exercise for more than 15 Years. Her websites are Pregnancy Exercise and Turning Baby, and you can read her blog here. She is also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can contact her at lorraine@pregnancyexercise.co.nz. To see all of Lorraine’s articles, click here.
Disclaimer: This information is general advice only, and you are advised to discuss any concerns you may have with your GP or midwife, or before starting a new exercise regime. Lorraine is not able to provide you with medical advice. You cannot hold Lorraine liable in any way for injuries that may occur whilst training.
