If you had told me that, in my thirties, I would be doing boxing classes in a small, hot gym to stay active, I would have laughed! I liked nice things and preferred training in a proper, well-equipped gym.
With the chaos of juggling work, kids aged 3 and 4, and household duties, it became clear that this was the only way I could make exercise work for me. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was effective, and it helped me stay active when I needed it most.
Have you ever felt like it’s hard to make time for exercise?
Exercise was (and still is) important for my health, my mind, and to keep up with the kids. Training in a small, sweaty gym was how I made it work with them. I tried other options, but they didn’t work, like:
Early Mornings
I tried waking up early to work out before the kids got up, but it didn’t work for me. My mornings were to start work earlier so I could finish earlier, and get dinner ready. When I worked out in the mornings, I ended up rushing around, yelling, and screaming at the kids to get organised. I felt like I was always behind, and it didn’t help me be the mum I wanted to be.
Home Gym
After having kids, training with them around made me feel anxious. I wanted to relax and exercise, not worry about managing kids while working out. I often found it easy to skip my workout then I would feel guilty and low.
Leaving the Kids with My Husband
For a while, I’d leave the kids with my husband and go train, but I felt guilty missing out on family time, especially since I was away at work all day.
Training After the Kids Were in Bed
I started training after my kids went to bed around 8:30-9 pm. The problem was that after a workout, I’d be too hyped up to fall asleep, which made mornings harder.
When I didn’t exercise I found my energy was lower, I was snappier at the kids and my weight would fluctuate. I kept experimenting and trying new things as I was determined to make it work only twice a week with the kids.
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, you just can’t make it work? I felt that way too. Then, one day, I took my kids to try a ninja warrior class. They loved climbing and swinging, and while we were there, I noticed adults going downstairs to train. Curious, I wandered over and saw them in a boxing cardio class.
I joined the class while my kids did the ninja training. It was fantastic! It was a mix of cardio and strength, and it worked for my routine and schedule because:
- The kids were upstairs: I could easily check on them though they never needed me.
- I had a group to train with: No need to motivate myself.
- The workout was great: A perfect mix of cardio and strength.
- The timing worked: it was convenient for the kids and I.
If you really want it, you’ll find a way.
I did this for two years, and I was a little embarrassed to admit I trained there because I called it a “sweat box.” It wasn’t the prettiest gym—it was sweaty, sometimes too crowded, and the class was filled with 20-year-olds who didn’t get my mum life.
Even though it wasn’t perfect, the vibe was really positive. I made friends with people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise because we had such different lives. It was great because my kids learned to be more independent and made new friends too! It ended up being a place where everyone grew and learned something new.
Why would I lower my standards and train in a place like this?
I did it because exercise was important. It was important because it:
- Improved My Health: Exercising boosted my immune system, and I found I got sick less often. It also helped me manage my weight after having kids.
- Increased My Energy: I felt less tired and had more energy to play with my kids.
- My Mood Better: Exercise releases endorphins, which helped improve my mental well-being. I was less snappy with the kids and my husband, and even work felt easier.
- Stronger Muscles & Bones: I built more muscle, making it easier to carry the kids, play on the playground, and made my clothes fit and look better.
- I Had Better Sleep: I started sleeping more soundly and woke up feeling more rested.
After a couple of years, that chapter passed, and thankfully my gym experience got nicer. Now, my kids can stay by themselves while I train, or they’re even fun now to have around when I train at home.
7 Years Later
Looking back, continuing to train and exercise made all the difference. It wasn’t always easy, and there were plenty of challenges along the way, but sticking with it gave me more energy, better mental clarity, and a stronger, healthier body.
Not only did it improve my own well-being, but it also set a powerful example for my kids about the importance of staying active.
I’m so glad I didn’t give up on my fitness journey, even when it seemed hard to make time for it. Now, I feel better than ever, and I’ve created habits that will last a lifetime.
What challenges do you face when it comes to exercise? Share your experience in the comments below – let’s support each other on this journey!
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If you’d like to discuss how you can fit exercise into your routine and brainstorm some ideas, I’m offering a free 30-minute call to chat. We can unpack what’s on your mind, or just have a conversation to help you get started. No pressure, just a safe space to talk with someone who understands. I’d be honoured to connect and support you. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
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