Why Mums Need Restorative Exercise (and Not Just More HIIT)

When most people think of getting fitter or stronger, they often jump straight to high-intensity workouts. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is often promoted as the “gold standard” for busy women — quick, sweaty, and effective.

And yes, HIIT does have its place. It’s fantastic for boosting fitness, building strength, and supporting long-term health when used at the right time.

But here’s the challenge: for mums — especially those who are postnatal, busy, or sleep-deprived — layering more intensity onto an already stressed body and mind can sometimes do more harm than good.

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Why intensity isn’t always the answer

Motherhood places huge demands on your body and nervous system. Interrupted sleep, constant multitasking, and the physical recovery after pregnancy and birth all keep your system in a constant “fight or flight” mode.

When you add HIIT on top of that — without the right recovery — your body can struggle. Instead of feeling energised, you might end up feeling:

• More exhausted than before

• Achy in your back, hips, or pelvis

• Stuck with recurring injuries or niggles

• Depleted rather than refreshed

What restorative exercise looks like

Restorative exercise is about moving in a way that recharges your body instead of draining it.

Think:

• Pilates-inspired movement to reconnect your core and pelvic floor

• Mobility work to ease stiffness and release tension

• Breathwork to calm the nervous system and improve posture

• Gentle strength-building to create solid foundations without strain

It’s not about “taking it easy” — it’s about rebuilding from the inside out, so your body is strong, stable, and ready for more intensity later if you choose.

Why it’s especially important for mums

For mums, restorative exercise helps to:

• Support pelvic health (with 1 in 3 women experiencing dysfunction, this matters)

• Ease back and hip pain from lifting, carrying, and feeding

• Improve posture and breathing patterns

• Reduce stress and overwhelm, giving your nervous system space to reset

• Leave you feeling repleted, not depleted, which is what your body needs most in this season

The balance

HIIT and strength training can be fantastic for women, but they work best when your body is well-rested, fuelled, and supported by strong foundations. For many mums, restorative movement is the missing piece that makes higher-intensity training sustainable and safe.

That’s exactly why I created Core & Restore Pilates at My Little Play Place. It’s a calm, restorative class designed for mums to rebuild from the inside out, with the added bonus of childcare and coffee time afterwards.

✨ Every Tuesday, 10:15–11:00am.

👉 www.mbwomenswellness.com/mlpp