Spring break is just around the corner, and summer isn’t too far behind. My hoodie and sweats body is on point, but I’m not quite ready to pull on my swimsuit. This miserable winter weather has made my motivation for exercising all but disappear! Did you make some fitness resolutions for the year like I did? Well, maybe you need some motivation to keep you going! That’s where I come in:
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made fitness more of a priority in my life. Even though I weigh a bit more than I would like to, I’m actually healthier and stronger than I’ve been in a long time. I am lucky to have a gym membership I use primarily for Zumba classes. If you can’t afford or don’t like the gym, consider these tried and true workouts you can do at home with little to no equipment!
Blogilates
Want to increase your strength and flexibility and still have fun? Subscribe to Cassie’s Blogilates channel on YouTube and check out her website. This is a Pop Pilates class, focusing on mat pilates set to fun music. These videos are free and there is a huge variety of exercises. Cassie is fun to listen to without being annoying, and you will feel the burn even as a beginner. Check out this post for some other favorite YouTube workouts, too!
Equipment needed: exercise mat, weights (optional)
Sworkit– App for Custom Workouts
This app has easy to follow exercises and workouts for everyone. My kids use this at school in PE. You can set up custom workouts to meet your goal. There is an annual fee, but it’s less than a gym membership and even gives you access to a real trainer if you need help. You can start a 30-day trial to see if it’s right for you before you subscribe.
Equipment needed: exercise mat, weights (if workout requires)
30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels
This is an older video, but I used it after every baby and in preparation for a trip to Mexico. I love that it progresses in difficulty over the 30 days, and there are modifications for those who need something less-impact.
Equipment needed: small hand weights
BeachBody on Demand
I have only done some specific BeachBody workouts, but I love that they now have 700+workouts in one place, plus eating plans if you want a whole body transformation. They have workouts for all experience levels and different interests. You can buy a 3, 6, or 12 month membership plan, all cheaper than a gym membership. My favorite part is that you can stream it on any device, making this super flexible!
Equipment needed: varies depending on your choice of workout (exercise mat, weights, resistance bands, etc.)
Walking/Running/Biking
When I don’t have the energy for a sweaty workout, but still want to get some activity in, I head out the door for a walk (weather-permitting). We have great trails around town, or map out a path through your neighborhood that gets you a couple of miles. Turn on some tunes to help you keep up a brisk pace. I don’t run due to my poor joint health, but running or biking the trails or your neighborhood can make for a great workout too! Just practice safety: let someone know where you are going, stay to well-lit, populated areas, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Equipment needed: good shoes, reflective clothing or accessories, good bike and helmet
Zumba Fitness World Party
Do your kids (or husband) have an Xbox 360/One or a Wii/Wii U? Pick up Zumba Fitness World Party for a fun dance workout. You can choose short, medium, or long classes, or work out to individual songs. Zumba burns tons of calories and is so much fun! Half the time I look ridiculous, but I do it anyway! I like trying to earn stars as I go, but no matter what, I always get a great workout in.
Equipment needed: game console
Don’t give up on those fitness goals, or make some new ones! It’s not about having a perfect body, it’s just about becoming stronger and healthier than you were yesterday! Go get ’em, mamas!
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