Mummy bootcamp at home:

The excuse I hear most when people talk to me about exercise, is 'I don't have time', especially from busy mums!

I am a mum to an energetic 2 year old, so I know the feeling! Running a business, being a mum, cooking and cleaning, running a house can all get in the way. But an exercise program can be done.

All you need is a little bit of a nudge, a little bit of motivation and a little bit of support – and that’s where I come in!

You also need a goal - whether that be to lose weight, fit into your favourite pre-baby clothes, feel better about yourself, tone up, work on your fitness or simply to have that great feeling which doing regular exercise does for you.

If you’re trying to work up the motivation or figuring out how to get into a routine to get in shape, why not try your workouts at home – inside or outside? You can do them when your kids are sleeping, at the park playing, first thing in the morning or the middle of the day. You don’t have to worry about someone being available to look after the children, or parking, or everything else you have to do on the way there and back home again.

Here are a few exercise ideas for you to try:

1. Skipping: Use an imaginary skipping rope, if you don't have a real one! Skip for 1 minute, have a minute rest. Do that a few times and, as you get better, increase the interval times. Skip for 90 seconds, rest for 1 minute; skip for 2 minutes, rest for 1 minute and so on. It might also be a fun game to play with your kids!
2. Leading legs: If you have a set of stairs at home, or even use the kerb on the side of the road, a park bench if you are out and about, start doing some step ups. Do 1 minute on each leg and gradually increase.
3. Running and sprinting:It may have been a while since you’ve done any running, but it’s a great feeling. Try some short sharp runs or sprints in the backyard, at the park or at the beach. What about playing a game of chase with your kids?
4. Do the plank:It may sound a little odd – and could look it if someone walks in while you’re doing it – but while you’re waiting for something, such as the kettle to boil, get down on the floor and do a plank! While you’re there, do some push-ups also.
5. Walk:It’s a great exercise. Just walk. If you have a child in a pram, push the pram and you’re getting even more benefit out of the walk, and they’re out in the great outdoors also.
6. Incidental exercise:Take the stairs. Walk up the escalator. Park the car further away. Walk to the shops or school.

Before your start any new exercise program or regime, please do the following.

• Check with your GP that it’s okay to exercise.
• If you have just had a baby, also check that it’s okay to start an exercise program.
• If you are pregnant, talk to your GP also and only do low impact options.
• Turn on your pelvic floor! This means pulling-in your belly button towards your spine and holding it there …. all the time, not just when exercising!
• Wear comfortable clothes including a good sports bra and proper shoes.
• Always have some water with you to keep hydrated.
• Enjoy it! It’s fun. If you have the kids with you, make it a game. The sooner they get into exercise, the better also!

By the way, if you need a bit more inspiration, motivation and something to really get you results, in the comfort of your own home, think about my Mummy Bootcamp. You don’t need any fancy equipment, but you do need to want to change your body and your mind and be ready to achieve things you never thought you could!  

The best bit is you won’t be doing it alone. You will have support from me as well as other mums who have done the bootcamp or are currently doing the bootcamp.

Mummy Bootcamp is for all fitness levels. Check it out here. 

Good luck!