Busy Mum? Overcome barriers to attending the gym and make exercise an easier part of your life.

As a busy mum does it seem like your life is on fast forward and you never have time for yourself? Your non-stop work schedule with the added responsibilities of running around after the kiddos, general chores around the house piling up, busy weekends and being the mum-taxi, means finding dedicated time to exercise feels like an impossible task! 

“There’s just so much going on right now!”

If you suffer from the dreaded “mum guilt” each time you try to step away from your duties of care to others, you can practice setting strong “Me Time” boundaries. These can help you to begin to schedule time for yourself.  Providing you with a block of spare time so you can pop over to your nearest gym, get to that class you love going to or grabbing a quick run session outside in the fresh air. Using this time to decompress, clear your mind and of course have some fun all whilst getting healthier each time. 

“I just haven’t got time!!”

If you are constantly finding that you can easily fill up your calendar with work meetings and social events but are never able to find time to attend the gym, I have the perfect solution,  begin to add your workouts into your diary as fixed appointments, treat them just the same as you would other work based commitments, so that you are less likely to cancel your sessions or find “more important” stuff that needs doing, instead, choose you, choose your health. When you go to the gym for just one hour a couple of times a week, you will find yourself making leaps and bounds with your fitness goals and I guarantee you'll feel absolutely fantastic for it.  

As well as setting aside a dedicated time slot for your workouts each week and continuing to stay firm on those “Me Time” boundaries, next you might consider explaining to loved ones you are taking time out each week to exercise, this will help them to provide you with the extra support and accountability you need on your journey.  

“Can you guys help me out?"

This might look like asking your spouse or other family members to help keep you on track with your diet, as this will be a large part of your wellness journey. This might involve making changes to the weekly grocery shop, maybe as a family you decide to cut down on take-aways or sweet treats. Perhaps it is a decision to consume less alcohol for a set amount of time or striving to meet your five fruit and veg portions each day. Whatever your nutrition goals are, as a family you are all in this together, you can keep each other motivated each and every step of the way, until all the small habits add up to a more healthy routine.

“I don’t know how to use the equipment”

Now, I understand that learning your way around the gym can feel like a daunting prospect, especially when you are a beginner, but now that you're ready to make a commitment to your sessions, a great way to speed up your progress within the gym is to work with a personal trainer. I can provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to reach your goals faster, you'll enjoy the sessions so much you won't want to miss any, let me keep you on track without the headache of planning anything, just show up and have fun.  

With my support you'll soon be learning your way around all the different kinds of weights, machinery, movements, exercises and stretches, you will gain the confidence to move around the different areas of the gym with ease, even the areas you've never dared step into in the past, and the best part is your be getting healthier each session. 

“I don’t like some parts of my body”

Are you worried about your body, have you had a considerable change in your body recently, perhaps you have had a child or your body has changed due to an injury?

Changes in your body shape, size or how you feel in your own skin can have a huge effect on your motivation to workout, perhaps you don't feel comfortable in a gym setting yet or you're worried about moving your body in the wrong way?

Seeking out specialist practitioners can really help you. Sessions and classes tailored especially to your specific needs, for example postpartum classes, are a great way to get back to the gym in a way that is comfortable and achievable. If you are returning after a long gap in your training, go slow and steady and allow yourself plenty of patience to, step by step regain your confidence and know that each step you take will take you closer to where you want to be.  

“There’s not enough hours in the day”

If time constraints are your biggest reason not to workout, or you're just lacking energy for long workouts in the gym, finding time around your busy day can help get those all important sessions in, this could look like getting up an hour earlier than you normally would to workout. Finding time during your lunch break for a brisk walk to raise your heart rate and move your body. This is especially important if you are seated at a desk all day. It might mean you schedule your workout later in the evening, perhaps the last session the gym is open, pro tip, these are normally quite quiet or perhaps joining a gym that opens 24 hours, so you can access the facilities at unsociable hours. Whichever options sound the best are the right choices for you because going at the most convenient for you, will make it easier to get out the door and go. 

Are you ready to overcome all of the barriers and make it happen today?

If these barriers sound familiar, you don’t have to face them alone. As a personal trainer specializing in working with busy mums, I understand your unique challenges. Together, we’ll build a flexible, realistic fitness plan that fits your life, and helps you build confidence with exercise — all without adding more stress.

Let me guide you through a journey where your health becomes a priority, guilt fades away, and you feel stronger and more energized every day.

Join me today and take that empowering first step toward a healthier, happier you—you deserve it!