How To Maintain Fitness Motivation

I often find it difficult to maintain fitness motivation, and I don’t even have any little ones to worry about (yet!). So when I see mums out and about in their #activewear or at the gym, I am always so impressed! There’s no denying that maintaining your fitness mojo once you have kids can be challenging, so I speak to personal trainer, Deedee Zibara, to find out her top tips for mums when it comes to staying motivated, fit and healthy.

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Find inspiration

If you’ve lost your fitness mojo, start looking for inspiration to give you the boost you need to get back into exercise. Deedee says some women find scrolling through the Instagram profiles of fitness brands or experts works for them. It’s a great way to get inspired, from motivational quotes to fitness products and even training how-tos. Searching the hashtags #fitness or #activemums will also give you a wealth of awesome inspo!

Here are some of our favourite Instagram accounts to follow:

Join a gym

Joining a gym really does have multiple benefits, which Deedee explains: “Joining a gym will not only improve your physical health but your social health too. As humans we love feeling part of a community, and gyms not only lead to making friends, but also a sense of communal achievement. Gyms should be uplifting, positive places, so if you don’t feel that way about your gym then keep looking!”

Also, as women get older, their bones become more brittle, so using weights (which are often only found in a gym) are imperative to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis. For breastfeeding mothers, any form of exercise, including weights training will help to build back muscle and bone strength that may have been lost through calcium deficiency.

Make use of your furniture

If gyms aren’t for you then fear not! You’re surrounded by options at home to stay fit. Deedee says: “If you have small children they make great weights. There are loads of clips you can find on the net for mums with bubs to help them with resistance exercises. Otherwise bench tops, chairs and tables should become your best friends. Think tricep dips, wall push-ups – the possibilities are endless. If women are one thing it’s resourceful, so put that furniture to good use!” Amen!

Deedee’s final tips

1) Stay on top of your greens and your vitamin and mineral intake. Without these, our immune defences aren’t at their bacteria-fighting best and there’s nothing worse than getting sick to deter you from your fitness!

2) Keep moving. Even if it’s a brisk walk for 30 minutes in the morning – it’s better than nothing. And that circulation you have kick-started by going for a walk/jog/run will mean you stay more alert and motivated all day. Bonus!

3) Focus on full body movement. Don’t waste much time on isolation exercises that only work one muscle group. Instead opt for whole body and combination exercises to get the most out of your workout!

What’s your top tip for maintaining your fitness as a mum?

52 Member Comments

vtjh 6 Jul 2018 3:06 PM

I think a gym is great but it's also really expensive

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Shop A Everyday 25 Feb 2018 8:35 PM

It can be hard at times, change my music, change the exercises, give myself a reward etc

Rpear 23 Jan 2018 7:17 AM

Not a mum but have still lost my exercise motivation! Back to work this week and trying to get a proper routine happening... Eeeeeeeep

onlyoni 13 Aug 2017 8:28 PM

I went to a gym a few times a week for over a year but it really didn't do anything for me. Now I find housework such as scrubbing bathroom tiles and cleaning windows or dancing around the house is a far better option.

Chicklet 13 Aug 2017 8:01 PM

Going to the gym and attending classes keeps me motivated.

Margaret 322 1 Aug 2017 4:22 AM

I've lost my motivation, I used to be a regular gym junkie, but a few injuries and losing loved ones over the last couple of years, added kilos. I have just started a **** new lifestyle, I've got a better mindset, going on and plan to eat healthier and exercise frequently.

ThisIsMe 25 Jul 2017 1:19 PM

I'm really struggling to get back into exercising! I struggle to get up in the morning then I have homework/dinner/lunches/showers by the time this is all done its like 8-8.30pm last thing I want to do it train...

BeautifulJusty 15 Jun 2017 10:04 PM

Some people need a gym or yoga studio membership in winter for motivation

blackkittykat 9 Jun 2017 9:31 PM

It is tricky to find motivation for exercise in winter; it is already dark and cold after work and harder to get up early too.

ldb_99 15 Sep 2016 5:41 PM

I need to get the right mind set, I always want a good body but I need to get off the couch

dimmieloves 1 Aug 2016 8:48 AM

I find when my motivation walks out the door, the only way to get it back is to keep moving! Even a half hour walk on my lunch break, or opting to take the stairs instead of the lift... all little things, but they get you back into the habit!

annieleex 3 Apr 2016 11:40 PM

Great article

thelifeoflaura 2 Apr 2016 7:33 PM

I've lost my motivation lately, but being busy doesn't help!

Jannz 2 Apr 2016 2:23 AM

Not a mum but I find it hard enough to keep motivated at times. Just getting into a good routine is a must. I find I prefer doing it after work as it's a wind down after the day's stresses and it's good to get my body moving after it's been sitting down all day.

talk-a-lot 1 Apr 2016 9:53 AM

Sometimes I find it hard to get motivated, I remind my self that I am a doer living life not a procrastinator, lol.

Yohanna 9 Mar 2016 6:02 PM

being a mom, well that is already a huge activity

Jessica712 17 Feb 2016 3:34 PM

Great tips. I really been trying to prioritise exercise lately.

Marza 27 Jan 2016 8:32 PM

baby sisters are the hassles

OnFire 21 Jan 2016 2:01 PM

I see so many posts like this and wonder if it's that easy. Somehow I don't think so! At least not ALL the time! Getting kids involved is a great way to keep an eye on them and get fit though thats for sure!

Elefante 21 Jan 2016 1:09 PM

Deedee's final tips are how I keep myself motivated and going!

Beautybabe140194 21 Jan 2016 12:14 AM

I think motivation is key. Not a mum but I work two jobs and I have to push myself to make sure I go to the gym and the rewards are reaped.

Shop A Everyday 20 Jan 2016 9:10 PM

Yes it can be hard, I just tell myslef if you want to eat, then you have to exercise

Beauty Obsession 20 Jan 2016 1:04 PM

there are heaps of great apps that you can do in the comfort of your own home. You don't need to get to a gym to get a good work out! To be honest I have lost my mojo a bit at the start of the year and slowly getting back into swing of things. You really need to have a good positive mindset and then just move in a way that you enjoy :-)

jatz 19 Jan 2016 10:11 PM

It was great when the kids were little as you were always busy keeping up with them.

As you get older, you lose your mojo to get moving half the time. I still try to do some kind of exercises though.

Jlgaddes 19 Jan 2016 8:51 PM

Oh I don't have any tips.......for me when I was a young mum I was so busy running after my children weight was never a problem.

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