Break the Cycle: How to Make Exercise a Habit You Actually Enjoy!

Hello, lovely mamas! It’s Ragini here, your friendly neighborhood yoga instructor and founder of Mother’z Yoga. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to keep up with an exercise routine, especially when you’re pregnant. Between the physical discomfort, busy schedules, and the emotional rollercoaster that pregnancy brings, exercise often ends up on the back burner. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be that way! Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you break the cycle and make exercise a habit you actually enjoy.

Understanding the Barriers to Exercising During Pregnancy

Physical Discomfort and Fatigue

Let’s face it—pregnancy can be tough on your body. Aches, pains, and fatigue are all too common, and the thought of exercising when you're already feeling drained can seem overwhelming. When I was pregnant, I had days where getting out of bed felt like a workout in itself! But here’s the thing—gentle, prenatal exercises can actually help alleviate some of that discomfort.

Tip: Start with small, manageable movements. A gentle stretch or a short walk can do wonders for your energy levels and help you feel more connected to your body. And remember, every little bit counts!

Time Constraints and Busy Schedules

We’re all juggling so much, aren’t we? Between work, family, and preparing for your little one’s arrival, finding time to exercise can feel impossible. I remember squeezing in a quick prenatal yoga session during my lunch breaks—it wasn’t much, but it made a big difference.

Tip: If you’re short on time, consider breaking your exercise into smaller sessions throughout the day. Even 10-minute bursts of activity can add up and help you stay on track.

Lack of Motivation and Energy

Some days, the motivation just isn’t there. I totally get it! Pregnancy can be emotionally and physically exhausting, and it’s easy to lose the drive to keep up with an exercise routine. But I’ve found that setting small, achievable goals can be incredibly motivating.

Tip: Set a goal to move your body for just 10 minutes a day. Once you get started, you might find that you want to keep going. And if you don’t? That’s okay too—what matters is that you showed up.

Unfamiliarity with Safe Exercises

One of the biggest concerns I hear from expecting mothers is the fear of doing something wrong and potentially harming themselves or their baby. This fear can lead to avoiding exercise altogether, which is understandable but unnecessary.

Tip: Educate yourself on safe prenatal exercises or join a prenatal yoga class where you can feel confident that you’re moving your body in a way that’s both safe and beneficial. At Mother’z Yoga, we offer specially curated programs that take the guesswork out of exercising during pregnancy.

Lack of Support or Encouragement

It’s easy to feel isolated during pregnancy, especially if those around you don’t fully understand what you’re going through. I’ve found that having a support system can make a huge difference in staying consistent with exercise.

Tip: Connect with other expecting mothers who are on a similar journey. Whether it’s through a local prenatal group or an online community like the one we have at Mother’z Yoga, having others to share your experiences with can be incredibly empowering.

Practical Tips to Break the Cycle and Build a Habit

Start Small and Build Gradually

Consistency is key when it comes to building a new habit. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on making small, sustainable changes to your routine. When I started my prenatal yoga practice, I began with just 10 minutes a day. Over time, that 10 minutes grew, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to my daily sessions. At Mother'z Yoga, we run challenges like 30 days of yoga, 14 days Pelvic Floor challenge as a fun and engaging way to help expecting mums get into an exercise routine.

Tip: Begin with a commitment to just 10-15 minutes of exercise each day. As you build the habit, you can gradually increase the duration.

Find What You Enjoy

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it should be something you look forward to! During my pregnancy, I discovered that I loved incorporating music into my yoga sessions. It made the experience more joyful and kept me coming back for more.

Tip: Experiment with different types of exercise until you find something that resonates with you. Whether it’s prenatal yoga, swimming, or even dancing around your living room, the key is to choose activities that make you feel good.

Create a Flexible Schedule

Life happens, and that’s okay. The key to making exercise a habit is to create a routine that’s flexible enough to accommodate the ups and downs of pregnancy. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it—just pick up where you left off.

Tip: Use a planner or an app to schedule your exercise sessions, but be kind to yourself if things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is essential for long-term success.

Celebrate Small Wins

It’s important to recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. When I completed my first full week of daily exercise during pregnancy, I treated myself to a prenatal massage. It was a wonderful way to acknowledge my efforts and reward myself.

Tip: Set mini-goals and celebrate when you achieve them. Whether it’s a warm bath, a favorite snack, or a relaxing activity, rewarding yourself can reinforce the positive habit you’re building.

Lean on Your Support System

Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. When I was pregnant, my partner was my biggest cheerleader. He would join me for my evening walks, which not only helped me stay active but also gave us a chance to connect and prepare for our baby together.

Tip: Involve your partner, friends, or family in your exercise routine. Having someone to share the experience with can make it more enjoyable and help you stay accountable.

Making Exercise a Habit You Enjoy

Remember, mamas—consistency over perfection. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be consistent. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself and your baby.

At Mother’z Yoga, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our programs are designed with expecting mothers in mind, offering a variety of prenatal exercises that are both safe and enjoyable. And if you’re not sure where to start, why not give our 7-day free trial a try? It’s the perfect way to explore our offerings and find a routine that works for you.

Conclusion

Making exercise a habit during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the barriers and implementing practical solutions, you can create a routine that you not only stick to but genuinely enjoy. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—Mother’z Yoga is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s break the cycle together and make exercise a joyful part of your pregnancy journey!