I was listening to a podcast a while back while I was on a walk with one of my boys and heard something that has stuck with me ever since. “Why not just start now!” Without making this article 20 pages long, the context of this comment was talking about New Year’s goals and not waiting to January to start them. I mean what a “duh” comment that i’ve never even thought about! I prep for everything else in my life, why shouldn’t I prep for this so come January I can hit the ground running!
In January 2020 I set myself some pretty realistic intentions for the year and, not to brag, have done a pretty good job on all of them. Except for travel… I don’t think anyone is meeting those intentions this year… And to my own credit, this was my first year to formally set out intentions for myself and I have to say that I really like it.
This blog was one intention and while I have been completely inconsistent with it, I feel like I have a lot to say and get asked my opinion often by friends and family. So why not just put it all in one place?
For so many, those new year “resolutions” often include weight loss, healthy eating, getting your “ish” together, etc.
I intentionally did not add any health intentions to my list for this year as I was just working on surviving being a new mommy of two and getting back into working again. This next year, however, I will include a few health goals.
One thing I get asked by my friends a lot (seriously, a lot) is how I work out from home and find the motivation… I think a lot of people are struggling with these questions right now given that COVID has turned everyones workout routines on its head, so I thought I’d take a quick jump into how over SIX years ago I said adios to my gym membership and have never looked back!
Over the years, I’ve done a lot of programs and joined a lot of communities to make my at home fitness work for me. There are so many good programs out there and the ones that have been around the longest have seriously upped their game since we’ve been stuck at home for so long with COVID quarantines which has been wonderful.
The programs I follow don’t require a ton of equipment and generally very little space. So, with that, here are the programs I am currently a part of to keep my at-home fitness routine fun and interesting.
- Tone It Up!- After the birth of my first son, I needed more of a personal trainer and quicker, more efficient workouts I could do at home during nap times. I fell in love with this program! At the time, they were mostly based on YouTube but have since moved to a subscription app. They also have nutrition guides that are an excellent source to utilize while learning all the tips and tricks for creating a healthy life style. In the beginning, I followed their programs religiously and I love that the trainers are real and understand that wine and chocolate will not be leaving my diet anytime soon (or ever). Over the years, I’ve learned how to integrate their tips and tricks into my everyday and no longer follow their nutrition plan step by step. They also have regular guided challenges that help to make the onerous task of working out fun.
2. Peloton- While you don’t have to have a Peloton to enjoy their programs, I do have a Peloton Bike and I love it! It doesn’t get a much love as I would like since I really like doing my cardio outside, it helps to be able to just jump on and get a cardio class in when I’m just not willing to deal with the elements. Between me and my husband, it gets plenty of use and will never be used as a clothing rack. When we purchased our Peloton, I was in need of being able to clip in a get a good 20 minute cardio burst while the baby was napping and I was also looking for a more active way to watch TV. I get that it sounds weird but seriously, ever little but helps. At the time, I was stuck behind a desk all day and just being able to clip in and watch my nightly TV shows was the best of both worlds. Since we purchased our bike, they have released more programs and I love them. I mean really! Another handy thing about this is that our companies actually cover the cost of our memberships so Peloton will be remaining a staple on my at home work-out circuit for the foreseeable future.
3. SWEAT- Apparently, I was a little late to the game with this one but OMG! I really like this program as well. It has just recently added some video to the programming with the new additions of yoga and barre being added. I have only done the BBG program, post-pregnancy program and am currently in the Barre program and have to say I have not been disappointed. There a several other programs as well as on-demand workouts. I save these for when I have 30-40 minutes of time I can devote. The BBG and post-pregnancy program are set up in framed slides and are mostly HIIT based. These workouts make me shake and they are a good change of pace from what I get from Peloton and Tone It Up!
4. U Pilates- I love pilates! Reformer and mat. This is a relatively new app, launch this year. This is not for beginners, IMO, but there’s a good chance you’ll be just fine if you are a beginner. I think it’s really important that you have the base knowledge of mat so that you’re able to maximize the benefits of each movement. I have not tried the reformer classes as I do not have a reformer in my house. Jury is still out on this app but I’d say if you’re really missing you pilates studio, this is one to try.
Lastly,
5. Apple Fitness- This isn’t really a workout app, I’m aware, but there is just something about closing the rings on my Apple Watch. It is so satisfying in seeing the little ring dance you get on your watch after closes and, for me, it’s good motivation to move and do something!
For most of the programs you only need a few pairs of weights and yoga mat. Almost all of them have movement substitutions if you don’t have a dumbbell or a resistance band.
If you’re ready to start the new year with a fresh fitness start without having to walk into a gym or in-person fitness class, I recommend checking some of these out. Each has it’s own style which helps to keep things interesting.
The reality of it all is that there a so many free programs online so you really don’t have to pay for these subscriptions if you’re willing to do a little research!
I hope looking forward to and preparing to 2021 benefits you as much as I hope it will benefit me! Have a great rest of your day!