Exercise When You Don’t Have Time…
Happy Mother’s Day to all the lovely mummies, mamas, mamans, mommies and mams out there. Is it completely inappropriate if I start by whining about being a busy a mum of four who has no time for herself? Peeing in peace is my ‘me time’ and even that rarely happens. There is always a small child speaking to me (or screaming) as I try to have a shower and I seldom wake up without a child breathing down my neck. If you are in a similar situation to me and are able to exercise when you don’t have time, then send over some tips! My exercise regime generally involves carrying a toddler up and down the stairs or walking briskly (OK, running) on the school run twice a day.
Although I have very little time for myself, look at these 4… Don’t they make your heart melt?
My million pound question for you is, “Do you actually want to exercise when you don’t have time?” I really am not a ‘fit mama’ kind of person, so if I have a spare minute, all I want to do is bake a cake, eat something sweet or have a nap on the sofa when my children watch a film. The only issue is that (shock shock horror!) my high metabolism has been slowing down and I have put on almost one and a half stone over the past couple of years. I have never put on weight in my life, if you exclude four pregnancies that all went past 40 weeks.
I was 40 weeks and 3 days pregnant with Beanie there and gave birth about 10 hours later!
Bye Bye Abs, Hello Mummy Tummy
Things are changing. My body is not as firm and slender as it used to be, and I definitely have a flabby mummy tummy. I am not too self-conscious and I will never ever restrict my food intake or go on a diet. Life is too short not to enjoy every mouthful of food. All I want is to make some time just for me (other than when I’m peeing), firm up my mum tum and also improve my posture. After carrying 4 children, suffering from sciatica in my last pregnancy and a bad posture since childhood, enough is enough. I want to go back to yoga and to improve my posture.
A 1st Attempt at Yoga
Yoga is the only form of exercise I have ever practised regularly. It wasn’t love at first sight and I wish someone had directed me towards an article like this one before my first attempt. The first time I tried yoga, I was 17 and I was way too immature to fully enjoy it. I was in the 6th form and there were free after school sessions. My friend Violaine and I joined but we could not help giggling and feeling like idiots, which really annoyed the yoga teacher (and everyone else for that matter). It almost got us thrown out of the room. We could not concentrate, relax or do the movements properly. We were way too distracted by our own selves and the seemingly ridiculous postures we were getting into. Self-consciousness and being teenagers were our enemies.
Why I Love Yoga
It was a good nine or ten years later before I convinced myself to give yoga another go. I was ready then and I absolutely loved it. The flow, the fact people were doing their own thing and not caring about everyone else’s movements, the gentle exercise, the breathing techniques. the meditation at the end. Ever since, yoga has been the only form of exercise I have stuck with, and until my third pregnancy, I would practise religiously every week. I am not ‘good’ or flexible, but that is the beauty of yoga: it is not competitive, you do not compare yourself to others. It is all about you, your breathing and how your practice helps your body.
Photo credit: Yogaia
Flabby, Bad Posture, Self-conscious & Embarrassed
Although getting back to yoga has been on my list of things to achieve for the past couple of years, I have only managed to attend a handful of classes. I have never been the most flexible or graceful of people, but my posture is getting worse and worse, my ‘mum tum’ is showing no sign of going anywhere and the exercise-hater that I am is actually craving some form of exercise. I feel flabby and I hate it. The thought of joining a gym to spend hours in a room full of sweaty people makes me shudder. Running is my idea of hell on earth and although I have managed to attend a few hot yoga classes in the past month and loved them, there is always a part of me that feels judged and embarrassed not to be as flexible as the rest of the group.
Yogaia: The Best Way to Exercise When You Don’t Have Time
I thought of looking for YouTube videos of yoga practices, but you know what life is like with young children: you just don’t make time for yourself. A few months ago, I stumbled upon Yogaia online and I looked a bit more into it. It seemed ideal. I tend to shy away from rooms full of sweaty people or having to get changed into fitness gear, so the thought of practising yoga when I wanted or even in my PJs before my morning shower sounded appealing.
Photo credit: Yogaia
Like everything, it took three months before I actually made the time to sign up for it, but as my little ones were asking, “What shall we do?” for the umpteenth time on 1st January, I decided to give it a go, with them. It took me less than a minute to sign up and choose between one of the free pre-recorded classes available. We went for a simple 20-minute ‘flow basic’ Vinyasa session (Amanda Dufour), as they had never practised yoga. I did it with my four children and was surprised they managed to follow all instructions, really. We all thoroughly enjoyed our session, despite the little ones climbing on me or using me as a bridge at times.
Photo credit: Yogaia
Since then, I have managed to attend 6 pre-recorded classes on Yogaia on my own (woop woop!), as well as a few with one or four of the kids . I tend to go for short classes and I love the fact you can have any type of yoga that fits your style, the time of day or your energy levels. My favourite collection of classes is the one for busy mums.
Photo credit: Yogaia
My top tip to exercise when you don’t have time?
Stop procrastinating and making excuses (I rock at faffing!) and get started, then stick to it! Check these 5 top tips to make your yoga routine stick.
Photo credit: Yogaia
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own and I contacted Yogaia myself as I loved their concept and was desperate to give it a go. I have been using it for almost three months and love it! I
I’d do the yoga for stress and anxiety class first. What a great prize, I’ve been wanting to try yoga for ages but I don’t have the confidence to go to a class and I can’t usually make the time either!
I’m the same re. not taking the time. I didn’t even spot the classes for stress and anxiety. Much check these out. I’ve been sticking with the short and sweet ones 🙂
🙂
I would try the 30 minute Spirit Lifting Flow class. Everyone can slot 30 mins into their busy day.
I’ve done this class and loved it! I tend to go for classes that are 10-30 minutes long when I do it at home and it’s perfect, really.
Thank you for your reply 🙂 I like the fact that they have a special section for busy mums too. It would be great for them to add a section for disabilities too that includes specific links on seated yoga, breathing etc.
That’s my favourite bit 🙂
I get a bad lower back, so I would do the ‘Yoga for the Lower Back’ class by Maxine Barratt
Maxine Barratt is a great teacher! I’ve done a few of her classes: would highly recommend!
Love the look of stretch and shine
That’s the first one I ever did, on 1st January 🙂
The one for busy Mums..that’s me.
Me too 🙂 The busy mum thing is a collection though, not a specific class.
I think I would take the rejuvenate your spine class. My back sorely needsit.
Mine is in pieces, and the class is really good. I’m a lot more conscious of my bad posture now I’ve gone back to yoga, and I keep trying to rectify it. Not easy to break old habits though!
i would choose to do Pilates Express #ChooseLove by Michael Musch
I only spotted pilates on there yesterday! It’s definitely on my list of things to try 🙂
Think i will try the rejuvenate your spine first as i had surgery last year so anything that will help to build and strengthen and hopefully get rid of some of the pain would be fantastic! Me and my friend have just started a class once a week which pushes us to go i think, but this seems perfect for the rest of the 6 days as it definitely does help!
I’ve done that class a couple of times and it’s great for my (awful) posture! Short and sweet too!
I would try the Yoga for Neck and Shoulders first. I suffer from ongoing pain due to an old whiplash injury and would like to try a gentle and natural approach.
I’ve done that class and it’s brilliant!
I would choose Rejuvenate your spine, as I have arthritis in my spine, so anything to help the pain would be very welcome!
It really is a great class. I’ve done it a couple of times and it’s made a difference to my back.
That’s good to know 🙂
Yoga for Neck and Shoulders
I need that class today 🙂
The spirit lifting flow class
I’d do Vinyasa Foundations – I take a yoga class every week but would love to do a daily class
It’s so much easier when you can do your daily practice at home 🙂
the busy mums one 🙂
It’s a collection of classes. Which specific class in that collection would you go for?
I’m really pushing myself to exercise even when I don’t have the time! I really struggle to exercise at home, but I love the idea of attending some Yoga classes at my gym! xx
I would take one of the beginner classes to get me started
Wise move!
Mindfulness x
Oh I hate exercise! But I have been to yoga, and it is great. I am a great faffer too! Kaz
Seriously, these yoga classes are brilliant Kaz. You should sign up for the free 2-week trial 🙂
I’d do the yoga for core, I used to go to yoga classes at our local leisure centre but the class times don’t fit into my scheduled anymore & I’ve been trying to figure out how to get back into it, this could be the solution. x
Totally!
This sounds fantastic! I used to love Yoga before I had my little ones. Now I too love sitting down and relaxing while they’re napping! I may have to get off my butt and give this a go! Thank you!
Ha ha, story of my life!
Just signed up for the free trial, and will start with a Spirit Lifting session. Thanks Mel 🙂
I’m so glad you signed up for the free trial sweetie. Go on, let’s get back into shape! We can do this!
this sounds great. I used to do a lot of yoga but haven’t found a class where the time wrks for me so this could be the solution x
Definitely!
I would do Yoga for Neck and Shoulders.
That’s a brilliant one!
I do love a bit of Yoga when I’m able to do it, Yogaia sounds like a great resource and this giveaway is such an amazing opportunity! x
Neck and shoulders yoga for me! I could really with it! boo! X
I definitely need to exercise as well but like you said we can procrastinate and make excuses. I know I do! I might try these pre-recorded classes x
Go on, have a go: you’ll love it! Plus with the free trial, you have nothing to lose Ana 🙂
I’d do yoga for stress and anxiety first 🙂
I love the idea of being able to follow the yoga classes at home. It won’t matter who is there with you, what you’re wearing etc.
I’ve been wanting to try yoga so I’ll sign up for the trial, thank you.
Brilliant! I hope you like it, lovely!
What a great concept! I take my little one to toddler yoga and people rave about yoga nidra so I’d like to try that first.
I’m not even sure what Yoga nidra is. I always tend to go to yoga classes, but I’m never sure which type it is. If people are talking about it, I’ll have a go too 🙂
Yes can’t hurt to try once. Hopefully you don’t need to be too bendy! 😀
Oh gosh, was being bendy mentioned? I’m scared now!!
As a total beginner I’d like to try Mindful Breathing. I’ve been told it can help with chronic pain.
The breathing techniques you learn when you practise yoga are amazing. They really helped me deal with the pain of contractions when I was giving birth to every one of my children. It also helps in moments of extreme stress when you need to take a toll and start breathing regularly and slowly.
The 45 minute energising flow. I need some energy!
I have just tried the 10 minute morning stretch exercise – I don’t know if i feel energised or not just yet. I certainly feel stretched 🙂
Happy Hamstrings would be good for me! I’ve put yogai on my toolbar and I’m going to try some of the free videos.
Happy Hamstrings? I haven’t even seen that one. You know what? My tummy is so flabby I think I’ll try the abs class tomorrow.
Happy Hamstrings
The busy mums class sounds right up my street!
I would start with yoga for the core and then go on to do the classes for busy mums. Having four boys and not getting my muscle tone back in my tummy led to back problems too so the rejuvenate my spine would also be on my list. ???????? The classes sound fantastic Mel. Xx
They’re really great. I also have to work on my core muscles. That’s on my list as well 🙂
Happy hamstrings sound amazing! Would love to try this 🙂
I’ve got to try that one too! Not sure my hamstrings will be too happy after a workout, but hey!
Awesome prize , good luck to all.
I’d take a yoga nidra 🙂
That one is on my list of classes to try!
You’d love it, it’s one of the most wonderfully relaxing yoga classes
Ooooh, got to try it!
I must give it another go!!!!! Yoga for the lower back for me!!
Did you sign up for the trial? Shall we motivate each other and do a class at the same time? 🙂
I’d try one of the short beginners’ sessions.
It would be one of the quick classes at first. Like you did. I also have kids and limited time!
The Yoga Nidra @chooselove it would help me clear my mind and fully relax
I’d love to jump in with some Morning Stretch classes!
Yoga for lower back as I’ve suffered with lower back pain for years
relaxing yoga would be good to start with
Relax, release and reset. Sounds like a great class to start.
My other half did Vinyasa yoga for a while and I’d love to do the basic flow class with him!
Yoga for stress and anxiety would be the first one I would try out
I would definitely get stuck into the Morning Stretch class first!
I would take my mum and I do this for posture mine is so bad
I would do the yoga for neck and shoulders. I carry tension here and always am sore and stiff. this beginners class would be ideal for me.
Yoga for core. I recently started pole fitness after two kids and ten inactive years, I really enjoy the yoga aspect of stretching and am keen to learn more 🙂
I would do either the yoga for stress and anxiety or the one for neck and shoulders
The yoga for neck and shoulders would be great as I am always stiff and sore there. It would be great to STRETCH the aches and pains away. Thanks for the chance xxx
Neck and shoulders sounds perfect for me!
Stretch and shine sounds great x
It looks lots of fun and ideal for a busy mum:)
Mainy
The Yoga Nidra I would like to start off with
Think I would like to try the Jivamukti Yoga by Nicole Heller!
I fancy trying the abs express
The yoga for stress and anxiety would be amazing for me right now.
YOGA FOR CORE
I have tried out this yoga routine, so far I am getting some really good results. Figure I would share for everyone to check out.