If you are a mom, you are most likely juggling ten thousand different things at once. Dropping the kids off at school/daycare, getting to work on time, shuffling kids to this practice and that practice – it can be NEVER ENDING! But oh wait, aren’t we supposed to keep ourselves healthy and fit too, while juggling all the other hats?!?! So how do we making working out from home EASY and FASHIONABLE too?
I don’t know about you, but as a working mom of three young kids, I don’t have a ton of extra free time to make it to a class at a gym on the regular. As easy as it would be to just push my fitness goals aside until the kids are grown, or until I have more time (whenever that might be), who is that really benefiting? I want to be that mom that is out there out running her kids, or joining them in whatever fun activity they want to do. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and I also don’t want to look back wishing I had put my health first sooner.
For the past 4 years, I have been doing 99% of my workouts at home, ranging from my living room, to my sun room, to my pole barn. I usually spend no more than 30 minutes a day getting my Street Parking workout in. I don’t have to feel guilty about being gone more than I need to be from my family. The other benefit is that my kids get to see me working out as part of my regular normal routine. Somedays I get up before they wake up to get my workout in, but other days they are right out there with me, somewhat cooperating (ahem.. Toddlers)
Yes 4 All Kettlebell Grip – If you don’t have a ton of space to workout, this is a game changer. A single dumbbell can be turned into a kettlebell. No need to have extra pieces of equipment laying around, especially if you’re already tripping over kids’ toys like I usually am!
Rubber Head Dumbbells – I LOVE the rubber headed dumbbells. Since working from home my appreciation of dumbbells has sky rocketed. Previously, while at the CrossFit box, I rarely used a dumbbell. But these are great for improving your strength equally on both sides of the body. Extra bonus- dumbbells are way easier to throw in the car when you are traveling. This makes it easier to still get your workout on while on the road!
The Dreadful Assault Bike – The assault bike and I have a love/hate relationship. While I usually complain about how bad this bike hurts (in a good hurt kind of way of course), this piece of equipment is super versatile, especially if you are short on space. The bike can be placed in a corner somewhere (as long as you don’t use it for a clothes rack.) You can use it for any cardio portion of a workout. You can sub it for running/rowing, etc. When I was primarily working out in my living room, I had an assault bike and a set of dumbbells, that was it! I got great workouts in! If you’re looking for a more affordable option there are choices too.
Even if you are working out from home, no one says you can’t look cute while doing it! Because if you don’t post your workouts to social media, do they really even count. Kidding (or am I?!?! Check out my IG page (@nicolestott_sp) and you will get your answer )
High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Leggings – I have become a HUGE fan of the Old Navy High-Waisted Powersoft leggings, with pockets of course. I have tried SOOOOO many leggings in my day. Usually they are either too tight (hello muffin top hanging over) or not tight enough (hello pants falling down during box jumps, not cute!). I know personally, I don’t want to pay $70 plus for a pair of legging (because, well, mom budget.) But I still need high quality leggings! Most of my leggings these days are these Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft, whether they are the crops, full length or 7/8. They aren’t see through, they stay put, and they don’t create the dreadful muffin top look. 10/10 in my book! For reference, I am 5’3, 130-135 lbs. and wear a size medium.
Next Level Racerback Tank – I LOVE these tanks. They don’t shrink, they’re soft and they are super comfy for working out in. PLuS, if you are one of those crafty moms with a cricut, you can add whatever creative design you come up with! I use both the tanks and tees for my nutrition challenges that I host in my “Fit In The Mitt” group. For reference, I am 5’3, 130-135 lbs. and wear a size small.
I hope this gives you some helpful ideas on how to make working out from home EASY and FASHIONABLE! Feel free to join me and other working moms in our supportive fitness group on Facebook! Until next time, Nicole