Home Workouts for Busy Moms {YouTube-style}

I hate the gym. There, I said it!

No shade on anyone who loves it, but the gym just isn’t my thing. Walking into the large open space, full of what appears to be torture devices, I always feel insecure. Overwhelmed by all the machines that I have no idea how to use, I’ve always pulled the ole’ “fake it ’til you make it” scenario. 

One time I sat down and uncomfortably wrapped my legs into the cushioned bars. I started lifting my legs up and down, feeling so proud of myself, because I was able to do it! Nothing about this particular exercise felt good, and I just assumed my discomfort was normal. Glancing in the mirror, I not only felt awkward, but looked it. That’s when I realized I was being stared at . . . and not in an endearing way. My husband, Ian, was across the room and he looked up to see me and burst into laughter. This was my indication that I had missed the mark, and I was in fact faking it, but not making it. 

Seemingly stuck in this large contraption, my husband came to my rescue and informed me I had noodled my legs into an arm machine. I was completely upside-down on a bench designed for your arms. This was a moment I will not soon forget, nor will my husband. It’s only natural for me to have such disdain towards the gym; having been thrown into the ring with little guidance and after one weird encounter with the gynecological machine, I knew the gym life was not for me.

I personally love working out, but I like to keep my workouts in the privacy of my home. I enjoy the occasional fitness classes, but have very little time for those. It really works out well: my kids can run amok in the comforts of our home, while I burn calories. Another huge perk is not looking like a total idiot in a room full of people. I call that a triple win!

I pride myself on being creative, but being a busy mom, I don’t always have time to create my own workouts. Whether you’re a fitness pro or a newbie, it’s nice to have a plan and a guide. My home fitness routine stemmed from a few cool Instagram pictures that led me to YouTube channels, where I discovered a love for yoga. Yoga not your thing? No problem! The internet is a great tool — simply search your fitness interest and see what comes up. It’s also a good way to research how to use proper form and body placement during any exercise.

I have linked a few of my favorite YouTube channels below. They are quick, fun, free, and effective home workouts. All channels have level options, as well as features to choose workout lengths and workouts targeting specific areas of the body. I hope these will spark some inspiration to get your perspiration on, without the hassle of the gym. 

Home Workouts for Busy Moms

Fightmaster Yoga

Lesley Fightmaster has a huge database, full of great programs. I personally love her fix challenges. She has 30- and 90-day challenges, geared towards all levels, from beginner to advanced. Visit her channel here.

Yoga by Candace

Candace is an international yoga instructor and a popular lifestyle blogger. Her videos range from 15 minutes or a full hour — just take your pick. She is a big fitness guru and has videos for weights, HIIT work-outs, and tons of proper form videos and how-to’s. Check her out here.

Blogilaties

Cassey Oh has a fun and funky approach to fitness, which she calls POP pilates. Her channel features cardio, dance, and booty work-outs. My personal fave is her song challenges. She also has videos with recipes for clean eating and smoothies. Find out more here.

POPSUGAR Fitness

This channel features different celebrity trainers with a fresh spin on getting into shape. They cover popular, on trend classes including the Victoria’s Secret workout and Barre method. Popsugar also has clean eating recipes that cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Take a look, here.

What about you, Mama? How do you like to stay fit?