Why its important for Mums to Exercise

Exercising is good for everyone? Mums needs it too!!!!! It's not just about losing the baby weight or being able to rock a bikini if you so desire. No, that's not why exercising is so crucial for mums. It's not just the health benefits to your body either. Here are eight reasons mums need to find time exercise 4-5 times per week. Are you ready?

Grab your exercise gear, water bottle, sweat towel and get ready to sweat!

1. Stress Reduction: As mothers, we tend to worry a lot all while holding it together either at the house or at the workplace or both! Exercising is a great way to reduce your stress and release pent-up feelings without saying a word.

2. In Tune with Your Body: Starting an exercise routine whether it's walking, weights, or group fitness classes is a great way to get in touch with your body. Being in touch means you're aware of any health issues or joint pain you may have. Exercising and getting into a routine can help you learn how your body is coping.

3. Recharge Yourself: It's a good break from your kids. Yes, you need a break sometimes. If you're exercising hopefully outside of the home, there's no way for your partner to pass off the buck so to speak! Exercising is of course something you can do with your children and I encourage you to do that, but getting out alone to work out is good for you. If you really need a buddy, grab a friend to join you, but some all alone time is good for you. This is especially good for you if you're a stay-at-home mum in need of a desperate break. It might be hard to get your partner to watch the kids for a night out, but how can someone fight you for wanting an hour to be in shape and mentally sane?

4. Fight Postpartum Blues: Postpartum depression is a b*tch, so why not fight it with some good old- fashioned group fitness classes with fabulous music Exercise will help your brain make feel-good hormones and will give you a chance to work out the stress of new mom or new baby life!

5. First to Ignore Ourselves: Mums are often the first to ignore their own needs and last to care for themselves. Exercise is a good way to care for yourself, that way you can run after your kids . . . and grandkids one day!

6. Boost Your Confidence: Exercise can make you feel better about your body, which in turn will boost your confidence, and that certainly can't hurt! It might also lead to more satisfaction in the bedroom. Try using that tactic to get your partner to watch the kids while you enjoy that strength training class.

7. Teach Your family to Care for Themselves: By exercising and treating your body right, you are demonstrating not only a healthy lifestyle but also that caring for yourself is important. If you don't care for yourself, how can you expect your kids/partner to care for themselves? You can't.

8. You'll Sleep Better: Sleep is a privilege most moms are denied, but exercise will help you rest better, which should appease you insomniacs out there!

Now that you Have read this hopefully, I've convinced you . . . here are some extra reasons and ways to combat those excuses that keep you from getting fit.

I'm Tired: Congrats. What mother isn't tired? We're all tired, but exercise will increase your energy levels.

I Don't Have Time: Make a routine habit even if it's just for 30 minutes a day in the morning. Set it in your calendar. Create a Google alert or iPhone alarm. Treat it like a job. If you skip a day, penalize yourself. If you stick to a schedule for a week, treat yourself like perhaps to some delicious chocolate?

I'm Afraid of Looking Stupid: Everyone, even experienced fitness people. We grunt, we sweat, and make noises. No one cares what you look like because most likely everyone is too busy being self- conscious of their own looks. Don’t be worried that you're not as fit as you would like to be, need to start somewhere.

I'm Not Motivated: Gather a friend and buddy if you must in order to get motivated. Even better? Battle it out with your partner on who can get fitter, faster. Having someone to hold you accountable cannot hurt. If looking good is a big factor to you, perhaps it's time to pull out those goal jeans and an old photo of you at your goal weight as motivators and leave them lying out to remind you of where you want to be, weight and shape wise.

Accepting No Excuses: The best way to get started is to refuse to accept any excuses for why you can't exercise. Giving yourself reasons to stop is an easy way to fail.

Be Realistic: You won't run a marathon with the first workout or make a set of abs in two weeks. Be good to yourself and have fun! Exercise is about reducing stress and letting go for a little while.

But I Hate Exercise: If you can't stand traditional forms of exercise, why not join and sign up for a dance class? Find something that works for you and stick with it! Plus have FUN FUN!

Life is too short to be unhealthy! Take back your life, manage your stress, and boost your confidence with some exercise!