My 5 Favourite At-Home Workouts
I remember the days when working out was the hardest part of my day - HA! Those were the days.
Post-motherhood, exercise can be….tricky.
But squeezing it in can be life changing.
As much as we joke about binge watching tv and wine at noon, I found movement to be HUGELY therapeutic when trying to find my groove as a new mom. I’m not talking about marathon training or CrossFit competitions. I’m talking 20 minutes of something that doesn’t involve an infant!
Your workouts may never look like they used to (mine sure don’t) but doing SOMETHING physical has the power to make your whole day seem brighter! Especially in those early days.
Now that I’ve had a few years practice working out with a human on my back, I’ve created a rotation of current favourite ways to get movin’. Here they are in no particular order…
#1 Cardio Circuit
This circuit is quick, doesn’t require any equipment and it will kick you’re a%& if you let it. Change it up by starting at the bottom and counting up. Once you’ve mastered it, run through it more than once per session.
#2 YouTube Yoga
Searching through yoga videos on YT can be a time sucker! Let me save you some time.
Here are my three favourites…
Yoga with Adrienne
This girl-next-door is part quirky, part yogi and 100% goodness. She has been creating yoga videos for years, and it SHOWS. Her content is professional, her instruction is spot-on, and she has a TON of options. Three videos in and you’ll feel like she’s a friend of the family.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Yoga by Candace
Her voice is like hon-eyyyy! And her outfits are always super cute. Oh - and her practices are straightforward, challenging yet do-able and the perfect length to get in and get out. https://www.youtube.com/user/YOGABYCANDACE
Boho Beautiful
This beauty is SUPERHUMAN. I’ve given up trying to figure out how she can bend like that. But her location videos are drool-worthy. So when I’m feeling feisty I give her practices a shot!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWN2FPlvg9r-LnUyepH9IaQ
#3 SUPER SIMPLE Cardio Circuit
I love this circuit for two reasons:
Each exercise is the same number of reps so NO thinking required
It’s short which makes it a perfect add-on to a run or walk - or when you’re just starting back-up postpartum!
Do it 3 times in a row if you are craving a good sweat sesh.
#4 Daily Challenges
Daily Challenges are. my. jam.
Choose something you want more of in your life – cardio, pilates, walking, abs – and then do it every day. For whatever number of reps/time length you choose. For whatever timeframe you choose. I like monthly challenges but choose what’s best for you – 10, 20, 60 days – anything works!
A few ideas: planks, crunches, yoga, running and push-ups.
Challenges are also perfect to do alongside a spouse or friend. We have more ideas and trackers in our shop for extra motivation - or just record in your agenda. Tracking progress is proven to increase success so make sure to track it somewhere!
My one tip is to do the challenge the same time everyday. So it doesn’t slip between the cracks!
5. Run/Walk
A good runner’s high pumps me UPPPPP. But I’ve also recently become OBSESSED with walking. Ok fine, maybe it’s the audio books that I listen to while walking. Either way – I’m in love.
Running and walking is the epitome of KEEPING IT SIMPLE.
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity - a solo walk across town not only tightens the glutes, it gives you time to THINK. Which can be magical when your day-to-day background noise is a mix of Disney Plus and threenager meltdowns.
I challenge you to do one activity this week – I don’t care if it’s 10 push-ups, 5 minutes of stretching or a bike around the block. JUST DO IT.
And if this list doesn’t speak to you then I hope it at least encourages you to go out and find YOUR thing. Because the world needs healthy mamas – who else is going to run this place?!
Happy Sweating,
Mary Ann K. xo
P.S. Don’t forget to tag me in those sweaty selfies!!
*Note: I have no affiliation or partnership with the individuals/companies referenced here. The information provided is meant for personal use only and is my personal opinions only. I am not a health professional. You should always consult your doctor for professional advice.
