Simple Workouts For Us Busy Mamas

( Photo with my daughter 6 months postpartum working out on the beach while vacationing in Maine)

It's been a wild year for my family filled with drastic life changes- moving provinces, moving houses, packing up our old house, unpacking and getting my current house in order in the first two weeks of having moved in, switching from a full-time homeschooling mom to a hybrid role, making new friends and neighbours, getting re-acquainted with the anglophones after being used to dealing with mostly francophones for the past fifteen years, volunteering and fundraising for my oldest daughters' new school, delving into various educational programs and fun activities for my kids while taking care of the home front while I juggling both my days out of town as my husband frequently travels for work, on top of not forgetting to make time for regular outings with my husband... my head is spinning just thinking about all I (we've) done this past year!

Although, I have accomplished a lot, there is something that I have dropped out of my schedule this past year that I regret, and that is my regular workout routine! My life is quite the workout naturally with all the carrying, lifting, and running around with my young kids. They certainly keep me fit and strong. But I do miss my Pilates and weightlifting home- exercises I used to do! It's not hard to fit in working out, like anything you prioritize what you value, and when you decide to value something you will fit it in your schedule! As my dad always says, " When there's a will, there's a way!"

I used to teach Mat Pilates & Barre Fitness group classes in Montreal, along with my home weight lifting area adds a balanced approach to my workouts. Today, I have decided to incorporate weekly short workouts to my busier than ever schedule! And if I can do it, you can too!

Here are some ways you can simply add working out to your weekly schedule!

1. 5 minute morning or evening plank exercises.

2. 50-100 free-body weight squats a day. ( optional- add dumbbells & Flex bands around thighs)

3. Daily powerwalks (15-30 minutes)

4. Bike rides

5. Jogging in the neighbourhood with a friend.

6. Workout with your baby at home, using them as a weight. ( many videos of this on Youtube)

7. Go for power-walks with your children who are in strollers, take breaks to add squats & lunges with your stroller. ( I used to teach mommy and baby workouts with newly postpartum moms, again you can find lots of this information online for free!)

8. Swim laps around a pool or take an aquafit class. ( Don't let the simple moves in those classes fool you, the water resistance makes it challenging and is a great workout especially for those who are injured and/or pregnant).

9. Stretching! stretching and holding those stretches for 30 seconds each is definitely invigorating and needed for the overall health of your muscles.

10. Mat Pilates- you and yoyr body on the mat anywhere anytime, Focuses on full-body alignment & strengthening. Activating and strengthening your T.V.A (transverses abdominus- inner most layer of your abs). If you can't find the time or afford a class package at the gym, the net always has countless free videos.

11. Workout with your husband and/or girlfriend! It's easier to stay motivated if you have someone to keep you accountable.

12. Join any group fitness classes at the fitness centers ( I used to be very regimented in spin classes, aer0-kick boxing, Pilates, toning with weight classes, aqua fit, etc)

13. Go for long walks on nature-trails or hiking up mountains.

14. Lifting weights is important for the longevity of your muscles and bones which is especially important as we age. You don't need to go crazy if you don't want too in order to achieve good results.

15. Any calisthenics-type of workouts you can do at home. Which means, training your body without the need for extensive equipment if at all.

16. Get your older kids to join you in your workouts to keep it fresh and fun. ( When I was a pre-teen I was very much into Tae Bo, which is mixed martial arts and boxing techniques with high cardio, and would encourage my mom to workout with me. It was a lot of fun!)

17. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Basic affordable winter activities that get your heart rate going and keep you in shape. ( Add ankle weights for an extra challenge!)

18. Take a dance class! I used to go salsa dancing with my sisters ad girlfriends all throughout my twenties, whether at the clubs or classes, it was so much fun and definitely a workout! I my thirties- tango lessons and line dancing lessons with my husband and a little bit of swing! We will have to pick that up again. You can also find free courses online for the ones who are homebodies.

Et Voila! None of these suggestions will demand too much of your money or time. Most activities on my list can be done at home or in your neighbourhood. Whether you have specific body composition goals or, like me, simply want to feel as strong and fit as you did previously, maintaining a consistent workout routine will help you achieve that.

Keep in mind, your diet plays a crucial role in the outcome you're trying to achieve. I strongly believe that 80% of your dietary choices significantly influence your body weight and overall health...

Let's go! You can do it Mama!

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit.” — Aristotle