FIT FITNESS INTO YOUR PARENTING

Being a parent means life is busier than ever with school runs, feeding and playing with the kids, so it’s understandable that health and fitness can take a back seat. Sports scientist and outdoor fitness specialist Luke Ashcroft says you don’t need a gym membership to stay fit, just incorporate exercise into your daily routine without even leaving the house. “Mums have some of the busiest and hardest jobs out there so it’s important that their fitness routine is adaptable to fit into their lifestyle,” he says.

LUKE’S TIPS FOR STAYING IN SHAPE

Plan, plan, plan: When you schedule a workout into your day, you’re more likely to get it done. Physical activity or ‘exercise’: There are great ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine including pushing a pram as you walk around the park, running up a flight of stairs, pushing a toddler on a swing or giving a horsy ride or a piggyback.

THE BUSY PARENTS WORKOUT

For a quick workout to get your heart racing, Luke recommends the following: 1. Squats

2. Bench push ups/wall push ups

3. Step ups

4. Side plank rotations

5. Lunges

6. Rest

Complete 30 seconds on each exercise. After completing the five exercises, have 30 seconds rest.

Repeat the circuit as many times as you like.