Blog 89: How to Move Towards Getting Stronger (Not Just Thinner)
Introduction
For years, fitness was sold to us as a number on a scale. But as mums juggle it all, we know that life and wellness are about so much more than being thin. It's about feeling strong in your body, confident in your choices, and energised enough to handle what the day throws at you.
This blog explores how to shift from chasing thinness to embracing strength. It's not about rigid routines or heavy lifting unless those lights you up—it's about redefining what healthy means to you and building habits that make you feel alive, resilient, and empowered.
Why Strength Over Thinness?
Because strength is about so much more than looks. It's about:
- Feeling energised to run after your kids without gasping for air.
- Lifting groceries (and toddlers!) without hurting your back.
- Waking up feeling capable, not exhausted.
- Trusting your body to support the life you want to live.
Thinness is a number. Strength is a feeling.
7 Steps to Start Moving Toward Stronger (Not Just Thinner)
1. Shift Your Goalposts
Instead of "I want to lose X kilos," try "I want to feel stronger daily." Notice how that feels softer, more loving — and way more sustainable?
2. Celebrate What Your Body Can Do
Focus on achievements like:
- Doing a full push-up
- Holding a plank for 30 seconds
- Walking further without feeling tired
- Getting through the day with more energy
(And yes, "getting out of bed without groaning" counts too! 😉)
3. Fuel Your Body, Not Punish It
Eating enough — and eating well — is key to getting stronger. Think vibrant plates of veggies, good proteins, and joyful eating experiences. Nourish, don't deprive.
4. Find Movement You LOVE
Pilates? Yoga? Dance parties in the living room. Weightlifting? Long walks? Movement should feel like a celebration, not a chore.
Even a humble 30-minute walk three times a week can make a powerful difference to your strength, energy, and mindset. Bonus? Invite a friend to join you. Maybe ditch the coffee or dessert catch-up and go for a walk—you'll nourish your body and bond simultaneously. Movement should feel like a celebration, not a chore.
A game-changer for me personally has been investing in a weighted vest. I try to walk to and from Pilates at least twice a week — that's over two hours of walking with a 5kg vest. Every two months, I challenge myself to increase my weight by 1kg. My vest can go up to 10kg, and I also use it during gym workouts and PT sessions when I feel like adding that extra layer of strength. A slight shift has greatly impacted my endurance, posture, and confidence.
5. Rest Like It's Your Job
Muscles and minds grow stronger with rest. Schedule rest days like you would any important appointment. (Because you are important.)
Here are a few gentle ways to rest:
- Swap a workout for a slow, mindful walk.
- Epsom Salt bath
- Lie down with a book or calming playlist.
- Take a 20-minute nap without guilt.
- Sit in the sun with a cup of tea.
- Try a short, guided meditation or deep breathing.
- Turn off your phone for an hour and be fully present.
Remember, rest is productive. It restores your energy and supports your strength journey.
6. Speak Kindly to Yourself
Ditch the mirror criticisms. Choose words that uplift. Would you speak that way to your child? No? Then don't speak that way to yourself, either.
Here are a few swaps to get you started:
- ❌ "I look so tired and frumpy" →
✅ "My body is showing up for me, even when I'm tired."
- ❌ "I should have a flatter stomach by now" →
✅ "My core is getting stronger with every movement I do."
- ❌ "Ugh, my arms are so jiggly" →
✅ "These arms carry my children, groceries, and so much love."
- ❌ "I'm not fit enough to go to the gym" →
✅ "Everyone starts somewhere, and I'm proud I'm showing up."
Your words matter. Be your own biggest cheerleader, Mumma.
7. Surround Yourself with Support
Find a coach, a community, or even one friend who cheers you on. You don't have to do this alone.
Here are a few ways to find support:
- 👯♀️ Join a local mums' walking or fitness group.
- 💬 Create a small WhatsApp chat with friends to share workouts, wins, and encouragement.
- 🤝 Hire a PT or attend a group class to stay accountable.
- 🧘♀️ Find a wellness coach (like me!) who understands your journey.
- 📱 Follow inspiring women online who make you feel strong, not small.
Support doesn't need to be big or loud—it just needs to be real. 💛
6 Beautiful Benefits of Focusing on Strength
🔥 Higher calorie burn — The stronger your muscles, the more energy your body burns at rest. That means you may naturally need (and enjoy!) more food — no guilt, just fuel.
💪 Physical resilience — fewer injuries, better posture, and more stamina. You’ll also be in better shape as you get older. And if you have grandkids one day? You’ll be chasing them, playing with them, and keeping up with ease—no sore knees or breathless breaks needed!
🌿 Mental toughness — strength training (and the mindset it builds) helps you tackle life’s challenges with more grit and grace. Plus, you’re modelling resilience and the importance of movement to your children, showing them that being strong is something to be proud of.
Don’t think of going to the gym, a Pilates class, or out for a walk as time away from your kids—this investment will repay you with better health, more energy, and stronger relationships in the long run. Yes, your kids might not always love it at first. My nearly 9-year-old still doesn’t like it when I go to Pilates in the morning or hit the gym on the weekend, but I go anyway most of the time. I do it for me—and I do it for them. Over time, this becomes your new normal, and they’ll respect it too.
💛 Confidence — when you feel strong inside, you shine outside. Forget the scale—track your progress by how your clothes fit or how you feel in your body. Confidence isn't just about physical changes; your mindset shifts, too. You start to stand taller, think clearer, and see life through a more empowered lens. And then something magical happens—you actually look forward to your next gym session, Pilates class, or walk. It becomes something you crave because of how good it makes you feel.
💡 Energy boost—Say goodbye to the 3 p.m. slump! Who said you have to feel tired every afternoon? Instead of reaching for another coffee or that sugary treat, ask yourself: What could I choose that supports my strength? A walk outside, a stretch session, a protein-rich snack, or even a 5-minute dance break can shift your energy and mindset.
👨🏋️ Leading by example — your kids will learn from your self-love and care. But it’s not just for them or future grandkids — it’s also for YOU. When you choose strength, you’re choosing to look and feel better. You’re building a body and mindset that supports your best life. It’s a win-win that empowers you now and in the future.
Top Quotes
"It's not about being the best. It's about being better than you were yesterday." Jigoro Kano
"Strength grows in the moments you think you can't go on, but you keep going anyway." Karen Salmansohn
“Strong is not just about muscle. It's about mindset." Unknown
3 Questions and Reflections
🤔 Am I setting goals that make me feel excited and empowered?
🤔 What movement brings me the most joy and energy?
🤔 Where can I add more rest or nourishing food into my day to support my strength?
Conclusions
Stronger Mum, Happier Life
Choosing strength over thinness isn't about adding another "should" to your life. It's about adding more life to your life.
It's about waking up feeling good in your body, trusting yourself to carry the loads (literal and emotional), and showing your little ones what it looks like to treat yourself with love and respect.
Because Mumma, when you thrive, your whole family thrives.
And remember — it's not about perfection. It's about progress, one breath, rep, and loving choice at a time.
You've got this. And I'm cheering you on every step of the way!
Connect with me:
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Feeling stuck in a rut and yearning for a life transformation?
🌿 Ever felt like mindfulness is one more thing on your endless to-do list? In Blog 90 (out May 25), I sit down with the inspiring Tal—yoga teacher, therapist, and mum of two—who shares practical ways busy mums can reset their energy and reconnect with themselves in just minutes a day. I met her at the Yoga retreat in March this year, what an amazing soul. 💫
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Live your Life on Purpose!
With much Love
Mukti 💫
"The body achieves what the mind believes." — Napoleon Hill
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