Fitness tips for working moms from Rozanne McKenzie
Hands up if you agree that being a mom is hard work. Well working out shouldn’t be unnecessarily hard. That’s why we chatted to Rozanne McKenzie from Jacaranda FM in the hopes that she’ll give us some fitness tips for moms.
A mom’s day can be loaded with additional responsibilities that can be often overwhelming on top of work and other everyday challenges. With the additional food prep, bath time, school trips and playtime, finding time for things like fitness proves to be more and more difficult.
Rozanne shares some of her tips that have helped her stay the course and that actually work.
You don’t need to commit to an hour at the gym
With functional training or HIIT, you can fit a lot into a short space of time. If I can’t make it to the gym, I have a few workouts that I’ve compiled in my Notes App. A few sets of lunges, burpees and squats can take just 15 minutes. Not a long time, but sometimes that’s all I need just to get my body moving.
Early morning workouts are a game-changer
Training first thing in the morning puts me in such a good mood. The endorphin high in the morning is my favourite. I feel like I’m ready for the day and then training is done. The rest of the day can be spent focusing on other things. For me, it’s making exceptional content on Jacaranda FM and my other business endeavours. For others, it could mean going to work without feeling guilty about not working out. With this in mind, you will find me at a Fitblock class at 5:15 am most days. My pole classes are in the evenings twice a week. I will however admit that I struggled initially to find the energy to push through a class at that time, but once the class kicks off, I get into it.
Start with the basics
My advice for moms starting out on their fitness journey would be to start small. Don’t try and go from zero to hero. This a real luxury, but If you can, get a personal trainer I would highly recommend it. A trainer can show you proper form so you build a strong foundation. They can also work out a programme that works with your fitness level and abilities. Training in the right gear also makes a big difference. A good sports bra and the right shoes will make a world of difference. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but the right gear will go a long way to getting you a little closer to your goals.
Be experimental with your fitness
Working out can be done in so many different ways. Pole dancing has been so good for me both physically and mentally. My upper body has never been stronger and my core has improved so much since I started pole. The weight training that I do also helps a lot in pole with conditioning. On a mental level, the sense of empowerment I feel with regards to my body since starting pole is unmatched. When you’re on the pole it’s just you lifting your body up, getting into the poses. What my body can do now amazes me every time I’m on the pole, even in the classes that are less successful than others. Regardless of what many people think, pole is for everyone.
