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Home » Ramblings » How to Exercise When You Don’t Have Time for it

How to Exercise When You Don’t Have Time for it

Ramblings

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?

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime. I really love those online yoga classes that are also interactive if you turn on your camera.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime. I really love those online yoga classes that are also interactive if you turn on your camera.

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.

Finding time to exercise when you don't have time for it can be tough. Yogaia is the perfect solution to practise yoga anywhere, anytime.

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

26/03/2017 · 101 Comments

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Comments

  1. katesds says

    26/03/2017 at 2:27 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 12:51 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Gardner says

    26/03/2017 at 10:41 pm

    🙂

    Reply
  3. Lorraine Kirk says

    27/03/2017 at 1:20 pm

    I would try the 30 minute Spirit Lifting Flow class. Everyone can slot 30 mins into their busy day.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 1:56 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Lorraine Kirk says

    27/03/2017 at 2:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 3:13 pm

      That’s my favourite bit 🙂

      Reply
  5. Nicole Woods says

    27/03/2017 at 4:39 pm

    I get a bad lower back, so I would do the ‘Yoga for the Lower Back’ class by Maxine Barratt

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:28 pm

      Maxine Barratt is a great teacher! I’ve done a few of her classes: would highly recommend!

      Reply
  6. Sarah Mackay says

    27/03/2017 at 6:10 pm

    Love the look of stretch and shine

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:28 pm

      That’s the first one I ever did, on 1st January 🙂

      Reply
  7. Claire Woods says

    27/03/2017 at 6:17 pm

    The one for busy Mums..that’s me.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:27 pm

      Me too 🙂 The busy mum thing is a collection though, not a specific class.

      Reply
  8. Lorraine B says

    27/03/2017 at 6:31 pm

    I think I would take the rejuvenate your spine class. My back sorely needsit.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:16 pm

      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!

      Reply
  9. Hassina Begum says

    27/03/2017 at 8:04 pm

    i would choose to do Pilates Express #ChooseLove by Michael Musch

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:35 pm

      I only spotted pilates on there yesterday! It’s definitely on my list of things to try 🙂

      Reply
  10. Claire Willmer says

    27/03/2017 at 8:18 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 8:26 pm

      I’ve done that class a couple of times and it’s great for my (awful) posture! Short and sweet too!

      Reply
  11. Sam McKean says

    27/03/2017 at 9:03 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      27/03/2017 at 9:45 pm

      I’ve done that class and it’s brilliant!

      Reply
  12. Jodie Cook says

    27/03/2017 at 11:56 pm

    I would choose Rejuvenate your spine, as I have arthritis in my spine, so anything to help the pain would be very welcome!

    Reply
    • Mel says

      28/03/2017 at 9:29 pm

      It really is a great class. I’ve done it a couple of times and it’s made a difference to my back.

      Reply
      • Jodie Cook says

        30/03/2017 at 10:07 pm

        That’s good to know 🙂

        Reply
  13. Karen Stirling says

    28/03/2017 at 10:18 am

    Yoga for Neck and Shoulders

    Reply
    • Mel says

      28/03/2017 at 2:36 pm

      I need that class today 🙂

      Reply
  14. Lisa Conn says

    28/03/2017 at 7:43 pm

    The spirit lifting flow class

    Reply
  15. flowerpowerlife says

    29/03/2017 at 12:11 pm

    I’d do Vinyasa Foundations – I take a yoga class every week but would love to do a daily class

    Reply
    • Mel says

      29/03/2017 at 12:23 pm

      It’s so much easier when you can do your daily practice at home 🙂

      Reply
  16. Sarah Brokenshire says

    29/03/2017 at 12:12 pm

    the busy mums one 🙂

    Reply
    • Mel says

      29/03/2017 at 12:24 pm

      It’s a collection of classes. Which specific class in that collection would you go for?

      Reply
  17. Stephanie Usher says

    29/03/2017 at 12:18 pm

    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

    Reply
  18. Janice says

    29/03/2017 at 1:16 pm

    I would take one of the beginner classes to get me started

    Reply
    • Mel says

      29/03/2017 at 1:23 pm

      Wise move!

      Reply
  19. Gary Topley says

    29/03/2017 at 1:41 pm

    Mindfulness x

    Reply
  20. Kaz & Ickle Pickle (@IcklePicklex) says

    29/03/2017 at 7:59 pm

    Oh I hate exercise! But I have been to yoga, and it is great. I am a great faffer too! Kaz

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:24 pm

      Seriously, these yoga classes are brilliant Kaz. You should sign up for the free 2-week trial 🙂

      Reply
  21. Samantha Atherton says

    29/03/2017 at 8:26 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:47 pm

      Totally!

      Reply
  22. Sarah says

    29/03/2017 at 8:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:47 pm

      Ha ha, story of my life!

      Reply
  23. Renee @ Mummy Tries says

    29/03/2017 at 9:01 pm

    Just signed up for the free trial, and will start with a Spirit Lifting session. Thanks Mel 🙂

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:24 pm

      I’m so glad you signed up for the free trial sweetie. Go on, let’s get back into shape! We can do this!

      Reply
  24. sarah says

    29/03/2017 at 10:47 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:46 pm

      Definitely!

      Reply
  25. Solange says

    30/03/2017 at 12:42 am

    I would do Yoga for Neck and Shoulders.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:24 pm

      That’s a brilliant one!

      Reply
  26. Zoe IKIWN says

    30/03/2017 at 10:43 am

    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

    Reply
  27. Lynit Bennett says

    30/03/2017 at 2:49 pm

    Neck and shoulders yoga for me! I could really with it! boo! X

    Reply
  28. Ana De-Jesus says

    30/03/2017 at 6:56 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Mel says

      30/03/2017 at 9:25 pm

      Go on, have a go: you’ll love it! Plus with the free trial, you have nothing to lose Ana 🙂

      Reply
  29. Katy Komping says

    31/03/2017 at 10:00 pm

    I’d do yoga for stress and anxiety first 🙂

    Reply
  30. helerinablogs says

    01/04/2017 at 8:08 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      01/04/2017 at 9:22 am

      Brilliant! I hope you like it, lovely!

      Reply
  31. Katy Malkin says

    01/04/2017 at 4:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      01/04/2017 at 6:22 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Katy Malkin says

        01/04/2017 at 6:32 pm

        Yes can’t hurt to try once. Hopefully you don’t need to be too bendy! 😀

        Reply
        • Mel says

          01/04/2017 at 6:41 pm

          Oh gosh, was being bendy mentioned? I’m scared now!!

          Reply
  32. Dawn Wilkinson says

    02/04/2017 at 9:13 pm

    As a total beginner I’d like to try Mindful Breathing. I’ve been told it can help with chronic pain.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      02/04/2017 at 10:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
  33. Ailsa says

    04/04/2017 at 9:15 am

    The 45 minute energising flow. I need some energy!

    Reply
  34. Karen Oultram says

    05/04/2017 at 7:28 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
  35. Amy Jo McLellan says

    06/04/2017 at 9:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mel says

      06/04/2017 at 10:36 pm

      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.

      Reply
  36. Rich Tyler says

    09/04/2017 at 11:05 am

    Happy Hamstrings

    Reply
  37. Alix Smith says

    09/04/2017 at 5:04 pm

    The busy mums class sounds right up my street!

    Reply
  38. Hayley Payne says

    11/04/2017 at 8:49 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Mel says

      11/04/2017 at 11:45 pm

      They’re really great. I also have to work on my core muscles. That’s on my list as well 🙂

      Reply
  39. Sarah Fielding says

    12/04/2017 at 2:02 pm

    Happy hamstrings sound amazing! Would love to try this 🙂

    Reply
    • Mel says

      12/04/2017 at 2:07 pm

      I’ve got to try that one too! Not sure my hamstrings will be too happy after a workout, but hey!

      Reply
  40. Matty says

    14/04/2017 at 3:22 pm

    Awesome prize , good luck to all.

    Reply
  41. mundanetomagical says

    15/04/2017 at 12:17 am

    I’d take a yoga nidra 🙂

    Reply
    • Mel says

      15/04/2017 at 9:17 pm

      That one is on my list of classes to try!

      Reply
      • mundanetomagical says

        18/04/2017 at 10:40 pm

        You’d love it, it’s one of the most wonderfully relaxing yoga classes

        Reply
        • Mel says

          18/04/2017 at 10:43 pm

          Ooooh, got to try it!

          Reply
  42. Ce says

    15/04/2017 at 11:34 pm

    I must give it another go!!!!! Yoga for the lower back for me!!

    Reply
    • Mel says

      16/04/2017 at 12:05 am

      Did you sign up for the trial? Shall we motivate each other and do a class at the same time? 🙂

      Reply
  43. modzy78 says

    18/04/2017 at 12:15 am

    I’d try one of the short beginners’ sessions.

    Reply
  44. Rebecca Morgan says

    18/04/2017 at 12:20 am

    It would be one of the quick classes at first. Like you did. I also have kids and limited time!

    Reply
  45. mandydoherty65 says

    18/04/2017 at 7:23 pm

    The Yoga Nidra @chooselove it would help me clear my mind and fully relax

    Reply
  46. Rebecca Alderson says

    19/04/2017 at 11:35 pm

    I’d love to jump in with some Morning Stretch classes!

    Reply
  47. Hayley Elvin says

    20/04/2017 at 1:53 pm

    Yoga for lower back as I’ve suffered with lower back pain for years

    Reply
  48. justjules33 says

    20/04/2017 at 9:05 pm

    relaxing yoga would be good to start with

    Reply
  49. Selina F says

    20/04/2017 at 9:06 pm

    Relax, release and reset. Sounds like a great class to start.

    Reply
  50. Rebecca Barnes says

    21/04/2017 at 5:33 pm

    My other half did Vinyasa yoga for a while and I’d love to do the basic flow class with him!

    Reply
  51. Jill Fairbanks says

    23/04/2017 at 8:33 am

    Yoga for stress and anxiety would be the first one I would try out

    Reply
  52. Elizabeth Cooke says

    24/04/2017 at 7:53 pm

    I would definitely get stuck into the Morning Stretch class first!

    Reply
  53. Rebecca roberts says

    25/04/2017 at 7:54 am

    I would take my mum and I do this for posture mine is so bad

    Reply
  54. joanne oneill says

    25/04/2017 at 11:43 am

    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.

    Reply
  55. Diana Ross says

    25/04/2017 at 7:06 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
  56. Gillian McClelland says

    25/04/2017 at 7:40 pm

    I would do either the yoga for stress and anxiety or the one for neck and shoulders

    Reply
  57. Ruth Wollerton says

    25/04/2017 at 10:10 pm

    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

    Reply
  58. lynn neal says

    25/04/2017 at 10:46 pm

    Neck and shoulders sounds perfect for me!

    Reply
  59. Tammy Neal says

    25/04/2017 at 11:12 pm

    Stretch and shine sounds great x

    Reply
  60. mainy says

    02/05/2017 at 5:00 pm

    It looks lots of fun and ideal for a busy mum:)

    Mainy

    Reply
  61. Tishist says

    02/05/2017 at 6:09 pm

    The Yoga Nidra I would like to start off with

    Reply
  62. Victoria Allum says

    02/05/2017 at 7:28 pm

    Think I would like to try the Jivamukti Yoga by Nicole Heller!

    Reply
  63. Kerry Smith says

    02/05/2017 at 9:06 pm

    I fancy trying the abs express

    Reply
  64. Samantha R says

    02/05/2017 at 9:47 pm

    The yoga for stress and anxiety would be amazing for me right now.

    Reply
  65. Adrian Bold says

    02/05/2017 at 10:26 pm

    YOGA FOR CORE

    Reply
  66. Macy Aggers says

    22/11/2019 at 9:47 pm

    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.

    Reply

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