As a mom of young kids, it can be hard to find time to exercise. Our lives are busy and FULL. We are constantly running after toddlers, changing diapers, making meals and cleaning up after them. Our kids need so much from us, and exercise can just feel like an unnecessary stressor on top of that. 

Now while I don’t think we should obsess over it, and while I believe there are days and seasons where we need to let something like this go, doing a small workout can ADD so much and HELP so much. 

Now you might be wondering: when am I going to find time to myself to do something like this? But I’m here to tell you, you don’t have to be by yourself! When I exercise, my toddler is usually playing on his own or doing the movements with me. My baby is sitting in her bouncy seat, laying on her change table beside me or laying on a blanket. And I get interrupted. And that’s okay. I believe consistency is more important than intensity. Choose to be okay with doing what you can do. There will come a day when you can do more.

Now you might also be wondering: what if I don’t have dumbbells or an exercise mat or a treadmill? That’s okay too! This No Equipment Workout is a great place to start! Using your own bodyweight is still a great way to exercise.

And so I encourage you, Mama. Find a few minutes – with interruptions. Modify where you need to. Listen to your body. Have fun, and reap the benefits of exercise.

Warmup

• 20 Marches. Staying where you are, bring one knee up to 90-degrees and then alternate with the other leg. Continue lifting each leg while moving your arms purposefully beside you.
• 10 Arm Swings. Begin with your arms out straight on either side of you and then cross them in front of you like you’re giving yourself a hug. Return to beginning position. Alternate which arm is on top. Do this quickly but with control.
• Repeat

Lower Body Circuit

• 20 Jumping Jacks. Jumping your legs out wide, simultaneously swing your arms on either side of you until they are straight above your head. As you jump your legs back together, swing your arms back down beside you.
• 10 Squats. With your feet planted hip-width apart, move your bum back and bend your knees forward. Keeping your chest and head lifted, get as low as you feel comfortable or until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Slowly stand back up, squeezing your tail muscles and drawing your hips up.
• Repeat

Upper Body Circuit

• 20 Squatting Punches. Coming down into a squat (see squat instructions), clench your fists in front of your chest. While in a squat, punch the air in front of you, alternating your hands.
• 10 Push ups (knees or toes). While in a plank (either hands and knees or hands and toes), slowly lower your arms, keeping your elbows back if you can, until your chest is hovering above the floor. Come back up to a plank.
• (NOTE: If you’re on your knees and don’t have an exercise mat, consider putting a towel or pillow under your knees)
• Repeat

Abs Circuit

• 20 High Knees. Lifting one knee to a 90-degree angle in front of you and then the other, move as quickly as you can, jumping from foot to foot, while keeping your chest and head up.
• 10 Crunches. While lying on your back, lift your knees up and keep your feet planted. Put your hands behind your ears and keep your elbows out on either side of you. Keeping your neck long and your eyes up, slowly lift your shoulders off the ground and then lower. Remember to breathe through it.
• Repeat

Cooldown

• Touch Toes (hold for 30 seconds). Sitting on your bum, place your legs out straight in front of you and touch your toes.
• Shoulder Stretch (hold for 30 seconds). Cross one straight arm in front of your chest, and use the other hand to pull it close to you. Repeat on the other side.
• Glute Stretch (hold for 30 seconds). Laying on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite quad and pull that quad toward you with both hands.
• Repeat