I am not a group workout person. It’s just not my style. I am an introvert through and through and social interaction takes a lot out of me. Work requires me to be on all day, leading meetings and attending events for most of my day. At home, I no longer get a lot of quiet alone time until after the kids go to bed. So working out is really my “me” time, when I get to zone out and just be quiet and in my thoughts. I actually find exercise brings on some of my best ideas. So I already had a list of workouts to do at home.
When I was in the office five days a week, I used to hit up our building’s gym a couple times a week to get a workout on the treadmill, elliptical, or occasionally the Peloton bike. Now that we’re out in the suburbs and I’m no longer commuting into an office, I have been working out at home all the time and have had to find some new workouts to do at home. While I did fall back in love with tennis and paddle over the past couple of years, both of which have also provided a socialization that I didn’t know I really craved, the majority of my workouts have taken place at home.
I’ve always had a few standbys, but lately, I’ve found myself searching for more workouts to do at home. The good news is, so many studios and instructors have gone virtual. I love the variety of exercise classes that are now available online. I also like that working out at home means I can squeeze in some cardio while Brooks naps or Charlotte and James are at school or between meetings, which means I’m actually more likely to move my body five days a week (my resolution).
Now, before I share my list of workouts to do at home, I will warn you that I’m not one of those hard core exercisers who runs five miles a day or is at the top of the Peloton class (I waited too long deciding if I should get a Peloton and now it seems like I don’t need one). I like to get in cardio, sweat a bit, and burn some calories, but I know myself and if a workout is too challenging, I won’t stick with it. I prefer workouts that are fun, make me break a sweat, and that allow me to get lost in my thoughts for 20-40 minutes depending on my time for the day. I also don’t have a ton of time to workout these days between work, the kids, the blog, and everything else, so I just can’t devote an hour to it right now, so I picked workouts that are mostly shorter or allow flexibility and that are fun but not super challenging.
Here are my favorite workouts to do at home. Let me know if there’s any I’m forgetting that I should add.
Go for a jog outside: Jogging is probably my favorite workout. I love working out outside and will do it weather-permitting year round. I really do enjoy running in the cold when I’m bundled up properly and listening to a podcast or killer playlist. I aim for 3 miles and keep a leisurely place as our neighborhood has tons of hills.
Sprints at the nearby track: If I’m looking for more of a calorie burn or I only have 20 minutes to workout, I’ll do sprints around the track at the school near our home. It’s usually nothing too fancy. I’ll sprint where the track is straight and slow job around the curves. Other times, I’ll sprint for 1-2 minutes, jog for 1 minute, and repeat until I get to 20 minutes.
Tracy Anderson: I love Tracy’s home workout videos. Her beginner cardio dance workout is great if you’re busy and strapped for time and easing back into working out or into dance workouts. They’re broken up into 15 minute segments so you can do as many as you have time for or break them up into blocks during the day. This is one of my favorite workouts to help me get back into exercise postpartum or after taking a big workout break. I also love her 20 minute slim and sculpt cardio dance videos that are a little more intense but really fun once you learn the choreography.
Sculpt Society: I joined the Sculpt Society bandwagon when I was offered a free trial, and after testing a few classes, I joined. I don’t generally love monthly memberships — because I feel like I’m on the hook and I’m just not ready for that type of commitment. But I found these workouts to be super effective and there’s such a range so it’s easy to find one to fit your mood and any time frame you have (seriously, there are 9 minute workouts). I also just love the whole philosophy behind the workout program.
Melissa Wood Health: I feel like this is a workout and therapy session in one. I love how Melissa’s workouts give you long lean lines, aren’t straining or stressful, and make you feel better from the inside out. This is my favorite option if I want something low impact or if I’m not in the mood to workout but need to do something. She also gives you a seven day free trial, so you can try before you buy a membership, and her Instagram is a great place to find quick low-impact stretches and routines.
Walking or Hiking while Pushing the kids: I used to not consider walking or hiking a workout, but it’s now one of my favorite ways to burn some calories when I have the kids and can’t escape for a workout on my own. If I’m wearing Brooks or pushing two of the kids in the double stroller, I know I’m going to get a good workout in. It’s also a fun way to burn some energy, get them outside when they’re starting to go crazy inside, and to get some fresh air.
Any other at-home workouts I should give a try?
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