Tim Robards shares top exercise tips for busy parents

Exercise is key to being the best possible parent and partner, says former Bachelor star Tim Robards — but having a new baby around has made staying fit much more challenging.

Former Bachelor star Tim Robards says communication and planning are vital for parents who want to work out.

New dad Tim Robards says parenthood shouldn’t be used as an excuse for skipping daily exercise despite new mums and dads being sleep-deprived and time poor.

Robards and wife Anna have made it a priority to each get time to exercise every day since they welcomed baby Elle in November last year.

“It’s definitely been harder to fit in time for myself and it requires great teamwork and communication with Anna,” he said.

“But I have to be my best self if I’m going to be a great father to Elle and a great husband to Anna.”

Tim Robards says he’s had less time to himself since becoming a dad. Picture: Roman Liebich

Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich with newborn Elle in November. Picture: Instagram

While the days when he could disappear to the gym for several hours are gone, Robards said he had learnt to plan ahead and be more time efficient with his workouts.

“Sessions are short and intense,” he explained.

“Or I run across the road and do a TRM rings session or do some yoga at home.

“Classes have been good as well as it’s sometimes nice just to have someone put you through your paces for an hour.

“You know exactly how long the workout will be and can plan accordingly.”

Robards, who is featured in The House of Wellness autumn magazine, urged other parents to follow his lead and make time to stay fit by setting realistic goals.

“You don’t need to hit what you were doing pre-babies, but every little bit counts,” he said.

“Aim for something, then build on it with momentum over time.” 

House of Wellness autumn magazine is out this weekend.

Online classes or fitness programs such as the one he devised for Medibank’s Live Better at Home website and The Robards Method app also offered parents the flexibility to work out without leaving the house, he said.

“Unless you were training for a triathlon (and) training four hours a day, everyone can do something,” he said.

“If your goals were to be the fittest human on earth then, sure, it may be hard juggling parenthood and work.

“But most of us are not looking to be professional athletes and we just want to be healthy, fit and happy.

“You may just need to adjust your goals because the goalposts can change slightly, and we pivot. Just like we all had to do during COVID lockdowns.

“It’s not easy, but it can be done. It’s usually not as hard as you think. Take pleasure in looking challenge in the face and outsmarting and outwitting it!”

For more, pick up a copy of House of Wellness autumn magazine with your newspaper this weekend or at Chemist Warehouse stores.

TIM ROBARDS’ TOP EXERCISE TIPS FOR PARENTS

TIP 1:

Get motivated. Motivation is having a reason to carry out an action. Those reasons need to have a strong emotional why. You need to dig deep and connect your reasons for actions to something that is emotionally triggering for you. 

TIP 2:

Do short sharp sessions that are easily accessible. Don’t sign up to a gym that‘s an hour’s drive away.

TIP 3:

Take advantage of online classes and apps such as The Robards Method.

TIP 4:

Set small achievable goals that aren’t intimidating.

TIP 5:

Communicate well with your partner and talk about what’s important to each of you and how you can support each other to achieve these goals. This can also be done with friends and family. Set realistic expectations of each other.