We all know exercise is important for both our physical and mental health. However, sometimes as mothers, making the time for exercise may no longer be a priority.
So, this Mother’s Day we’ve spoken to three inspirational mothers who workout at The Ring to discuss how exercise can provide benefits to all mothers throughout their daily lives as well as help you to be a positive role model for your kids.
1. Feel happier, healthier, stronger
Fitness for mothers is about more than losing the baby weight. Working out can help to reduce stress, improve sleep and give you some time to yourself, away from the busy schedule of looking after your kids.
“It makes me happier, healthier and stronger.” – Keenan, mother and member at The Ring.
Motherhood can be stressful at times but by exercising regularly your serotonin levels will increase and you will release endorphins (the happy hormones) – helping you to release any tension which might have built up as a result of the weight of motherhood on your shoulders.
As mother’s there will be times when you’re short on sleep. Exercise can help to improve your sleep quality as well as increase your energy levels so that you’re ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
Keenan loves to exercise at The Ring because, “when you exercise you look fantastic, you look pretty, you look more confident.”
2. You'll have more energy carrying out chores
Being physically fit will translate into your household chores and help you to look after your kids better. You will feel more energised as a result of working out and more focused both inside and outside the home.
Ring member Natasha says, “the sparring sessions help me to cognate and focus better which is good for the mind. After each class I have more endorphins. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment and gets you ready for the day.”
If you feel like you don’t have enough time to head to the gym, squeeze in a 20 minute workout at home. Farah reminds us that, “you can workout anywhere. You don’t have to go to a gym. At home there’s a lot of bodyweight exercises that you can do. You just need a yoga mat and yourself.”
3. be a positive role model for kids
Kids watch our every move and want to emulate whatever we are doing. Farah says, “if we workout and show our kids that we are living a healthy lifestyle then that is a good example for them.” Exercise is something you can do with your kids as well. Make it a fun activity for the whole family and create positive habits which will stay with them throughout their lives.
Natasha, says, “my son works out with me. In fact, he’s part of my workout, he’ll be on my back! It’s a good example for the kids because it portrays that exercising is a very healthy habit to have. Your kid will see this and incorporate it into their own lifestyle in the future.”
Keenan also encourages her son to exercise to help him have a more positive attitude towards life and so that he has a positive activity to take part in when he grows up.
With so much on a mother’s plate, it can be difficult to make yourself a priority but it’s important for mothers to still make time for themselves. Fitness is the perfect way to do this and the benefits go way beyond just the physical, it even helps you to be an incredible role model for your kids too.
