Real Mums Share Their Realistic New Year Fitness Resolutions

Maybe 2023 was a bust in terms of fitness goals. Maybe you didn’t end up going to the gym as often as you’d have liked, or never got around to signing up for that Pilates class package you fully intended to join. It’s completely understandable, being a busy mum. No matter, the new year is here — so it’s time to start afresh and inculcate some new healthy habits! 

But we know, the chaos of motherhood can make it difficult for healthy habits to stick. This is why we've gathered insights from six amazing moms at different stages of mumhood. Their ideas might just set off a spark for you to make 2024 your best year yet.

Make hay while the baby naps

“As I did with number one and two, my plan is to nurse, put the baby down, get my running shoes on and go. The nap usually gives me time for a five-kilometre run, cool-down stretches and a very quick shower. I have no excuse this time either because of the treadmill that now sits in the study. Come rain or shine, I will be up and running!” says Karah, a writer and third-time mum-to-be, who took a hiatus from long runs and mat exercises during pregnancy. 

Set a start date

Regina, a first-time mum-to-be and human resources professional is a fitness fanatic who did Pilates, boxing and cycling, and exercised five times a week up until her third trimester. Her goal is to get back to her routine within a month of giving birth. “Once my gynae clears me, I intend to maintain my fitness regime with the new baby in tow. It’s possible thanks to the time flexibility of my personal training sessions!”

Running after kids is a sport

Esther, a mother of four, has never had a domestic helper. This means, she cooks, cleans and takes care of her children pretty much on her own. “I have not exercised in the strictest sense of the word for years. My life is pretty hectic every day. Who needs a gym when you have to chase down two toddlers running in different directions? I consider this my daily cardio workout - let’s call it ‘Advanced Mum Fitness 405’”, she jests. 

Gun for quickie workouts 

“My realistic new year fitness goal? Ten-minute workouts. Because, let's be real, that's about the window I get between diaper changes, meal and snack times, and playtime. I’ll take quantity over quality now. For example, I can do ten-minute vacuum lunges, ten-minute laundry squats and five-minute baby deadlifts,” says Sophia, stay-at-home mother to a one-year-old boy, who used to do long runs and attend circuit training classes. 

Eat well and adjust the workout intensity

Recently diagnosed with high cholesterol at an annual health check-up, Lin, an accountant and mum of two, has decided to cut back on baked good, rich foods like beef and fatty meat, and opt for wholemeal and high-protein foods instead. “I was surprised to be told I have high cholesterol! And my heart rate was getting too high during my circuit training sessions so the doctor advised me to do medium intensity exercises instead of HIIT. So my plan in the new year is to get in 10,000 steps a day through brisk walking and slow jogging. I’ll also incorporate Pilates with weights for strength training. And of course, running around with my boys—but only at medium intensity!”

Bond with baby and exercise at the same time

Belle, a mother-to-be and HR professional used to take one-hour walks and hikes with her friends pre-pregnancy and attended spin class twice a week. In her pregnancy, she shortened her walks to 30 minutes but continued doing them so as to better manage her gestational diabetes. Her goal after delivery is to resume walking, but this time in the company of her baby girl. “ “I’m going to hike with my baby in the carrier! That’s my goal for the new year—deliver my baby and take long walks with her,” she shares.