6 Home Workouts for the Whole body whilst Watching TV!
When you’re a busy mum, it’s not uncommon to experience a dip in energy sometimes and particularly now as its kids holidays some of us are already run ragged! Knowing this, we’ve pulled together the best pick-me-ups to help you feel brighter and more lively!
So if you’re feeling ‘blah’, try our 7 quick TIPS for boosting your ENERGY levels today!
1. Work those feet
If you’re feeling ‘blah’, then you’re probably sitting (or lying) down right now! So stay right there – and try our Lazy Day Workout ‘Feet ‘n’ Boost’ from our FitMama app!
First, bring your legs together and stretch them until they feel strong. Then point your toes with your legs straight and knees locked, and hold for 5 seconds. Next, bring your toes right up for 5 seconds as if you’re trying to reach your face, keeping those legs straight. Repeat these two moves 5 times.
After that, do some slow circle movements with your feet, rolling them first outwards to make a circle, then inwards. Do this as many times as you like!
Feel the warmth in your feet Mums? That’s what happens when your muscles work harder!
2. Have a good stretch
From a sitting position, straighten your upper body and lock your fingers. Then rotate your wrists and palms outward, straighten your arms in front of you and slowly raise them up, keeping your elbows locked and shoulders down.
Breathe evenly and hold this position for 30 seconds, then gently lower your arms and relax.
Now, interlock your fingers again but with the opposite thumb on top and repeat the stretch one more time so both sides of your body have an equal workout.
Are your body and arms warm now? Great! Ready to do some more?
3. Up on tiptoes
Time to stand up! Stand in front of something solid, like a table or kitchen worktop, then place your hands on it with your feet together. Raise your heels and stand on tiptoes, then slowly lower your heels towards the floor, but make sure they don’t make contact. Rise up and down on your toes 15 times. Great if you’ve been carrying or holding your baby all day or simply being a busy mum!
Are your legs warm now? Then let’s use them to boost your energy…
4. Dance time, ladies!
Remember how wonderful it felt to dance the night away with the girls? Let’s recreate that feeling right now. Go on – turn on the music. LOUD. And start dancing – it’ll increase your energy levels instantly and will entertain your children if they’re watching or joining in!
And for next time, why not use a music app to collect your favourite dance tracks in one place?
We have found you some good suggestions for apps here:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-music-apps/ for for iPhone, Android & Windows
http://www.androidcentral.com/best-music-players-android for Android
5. Have a quick sing
Just like dancing, singing releases a whole host of feelgood hormones into your bloodstream and makes you feel great! You could sing along to your favourite songs, or try a karaoke app on your mobile device. Whichever you choose, let your child be your audience or your singing partner – both are great for developing early language skills.
Find some suggestions for karaoke apps here:
http://www.topapps.net/apple-ios/top-karaoke-apps-for-iphone.html/ for iPhone
http://www.phonearena.com/news/the-best-karaoke-apps-for-android-and-iOS_id63300 for Android and iPhone
If Music isn’t your thing…then we have an easy alternative for you! If you have a baby under 2 years old, open our simple PlayMama App and a play a learning game! Sometimes when your baby has woken you early, or you’ve had a tiring day doing everything else, the creativity just isn’t there! Enter PlayMama!
Pick baby’s ages, MOOD (!) place and play! Even tracks your baby’s 7 key skills for you and helps you to fit that special bonding time into the day. Now that’s what we call Mum-friendly!!!
6. Have a (non-alcoholic!) drink
Don’t forget to rehydrate after all that exercise – it’s been proven that even mild dehydration leads to fatigue. If plain water isn’t your thing, then ginger or citrus in hot or cold water taste great (we love hot water and lime!) and bring additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. If in post-pregnancy period especially this can help you to detox your body too.
If you’re feeling a bit sluggish you can pick yourself up with these energy boosting foods and drinks.
7. Use that energy
Now you’re up and raring to go, why not do something that you’ve not had the energy to do for a while? Dress you and your child up nicely and go for a walk – and don’t forget to say ‘Hi!’ to someone you don’t know! Invite some friends over (quickest way to get the house tidy!). Or phone someone for a long chat. Have a nice day!
Like the Lazy Day Workouts from our Free FitMama app? Now improved with no registration and FitMama still tracks your progress! Just pick your time, body area and pace and start your 5 minutes a day of exercise at home around your normal routine!
Re-energized? In the mood for something different or in desperate need to find a new activity for you and the kids? Find some inspiration from our Pinterest, from sensory play activities for babies and kids to delicious no-bake treats to craft ideas and tonnes more!
Stay Energized Mum!