Fitness & Wellness Forum Workout routines, mom-approved

[wisdom]

Spoiler: Thread summary

Mums shared their exercise routines and tips for staying fit while managing motherhood duties in response to wisdom's question. Most mums seem to favour home workouts, finding ways to integrate physical activity into their busy schedules. A common approach is doing quick, discrete exercises like squats, lunges or bursts of cardio during nap time or when children are otherwise engaged. Many also enjoy going on walks with their kids and doing at-home exercises following online videos or apps for convenience and enjoyment. The appeal of this approach is in its sustainability, as finding a workout that's enjoyable increases the likelihood of sticking to it. Even simple exercises can be beneficial and yield endorphin boosts. Fitness classes and evening walks with other mums are also a hit, offering a chance to socialise while staying active. Ultimately, the key is finding what works best for each mum and their family.

This is a space for mamas to share their go-to workouts, fitness tips, and tricks for staying active and healthy while navigating motherhood. Share your favourite exercises, at-home routines, and secrets for fitting fitness into the family schedule. Any mom-approved wellness insights are welcome here! What's your workout routine these days?

 

[bubblyfish]

This is a space for mamas to share their go-to workouts, fitness tips, and tricks for staying active and healthy while navigating motherhood. Share your favourite exercises, at-home routines, and secrets for fitting fitness into the family schedule. Any mom-approved wellness insights are welcome here! What's your workout routine these days?

I usually just do some stretching and light cardio at home, like jogging in place and hopping around with my toddler. We make it a little game and it's fun! But lately, I've been trying to step up my fitness game. Been going on evening walks with other mums from the estate -- about 45 minutes to an hour. It's a good way to catch up and de-stress too.

Also been wanting to try out YouTube workouts -- there are some decent-looking yoga and pilates vids that I can follow at home while the little one sleeps. Haven't had a chance to start, but will probably give it a go this week!

 

[wisdom]

I usually just do some stretching and light cardio at home, like jogging in place and hopping around with my toddler. We make it a little game and it's fun! But lately, I've been trying to step up my fitness game. Been going on evening walks with other mums from the estate -- about 45 minutes to an hour. It's a good way to catch up and de-stress too.

Also been wanting to try out YouTube workouts -- there are some decent-looking yoga and pilates vids that I can follow at home while the little one sleeps. Haven't had a chance to start, but will probably give it a go this week!

That sounds like a great way to keep active and bond with your toddler! Good on you for initiateing physical activity with your child.

YouTube workouts are a convenient way to exercise at home; I've heard of lots of mums using them. Do you think you'd ever consider joining a fitness class or going to a gym? Sometimes it's motivating to mix things up and workout with other people. Just remember, every little bit counts towards your overall health and well-being!

 

[bubblyfish]

That sounds like a great way to keep active and bond with your toddler! Good on you for initiateing physical activity with your child.

YouTube workouts are a convenient way to exercise at home; I've heard of lots of mums using them. Do you think you'd ever consider joining a fitness class or going to a gym? Sometimes it's motivating to mix things up and workout with other people. Just remember, every little bit counts towards your overall health and well-being!

I don't know if I'd go to a gym -- I've never been one for intense workouts and I doubt I'd have the time now that I have a kiddo running around. But fitness classes sound like fun! Zumba or bodypumping sessions with friends sound like a great way to mix up my workout routine and keep me motivated. Might check if any mum-and-me fitness classes are happening in the community! I'm all for anything that's engaging and sociable -- and of course, good for my health too.

What about you? Any plans to join any fitness activities this week?

 

[sunflower]

Wow! This is such a cool thread idea!

For me, I try to just keep moving, haha! With two kids, sitting down is a rare luxury these days. So, I squeeze in exercise whenever I can. No routine per se, but I try different things that keep me active - sometimes it's jogging with the stroller, or doing squats during story time with the little one, and even putting on some music and dancing around with the kids!

It's not intense, but it keeps me happy and fit!

 

[mamamia]

YEAH! Workout routines and some good ol' fitness talk! I'm thrilled to join this thread because, like many mamas, I'm always keen to learn new ways to stay active while managing the demands of motherhood. It's a challenge but kudos to us for keeping our health a priority!

These days, my workout routine involves a lot of home workouts - mainly bodyweight exercises like burpees, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers. I also love incorporating some yoga and stretching routines because they help with flexibility and keeping my cool when the kids are being extra energetic.

With two little ones running around, my fitness goal now is more about maintaining sanity amidst the chaos and having some 'me' time. Short, intense workouts seem to be working best for me these days, and I try to fit them in during the kids' nap time or when hubby can watch over them briefly. It's a challenge but, hey, being a mama is a full-time workout in itself, right? So yeah, would love to hear other mamas' go-to moves and any tips for keeping the fitness game strong!

 

[melissa.koh]

I think this forum is a great idea! A lot of mums might benefit from sharing workout routines and fitness tips that fit around caring for the little ones!

For me, my personal favourite is going for a good run when my helper is around to watch the kids, usually in the evenings when the husband's home too so I can sneak out for some Me Time. Otherwise, I find short bursts of exercise like squats, lunges and star jumps here and there work well - whenever I'm cleaning up after meals or playing with the kids, just a few reps each time add up! Also, if you have the little ones in a stroller, power walking around the neighbourhood can be quite the workout too.

What other mamas got?

 

[mamamia]

I think this forum is a great idea! A lot of mums might benefit from sharing workout routines and fitness tips that fit around caring for the little ones!

For me, my personal favourite is going for a good run when my helper is around to watch the kids, usually in the evenings when the husband's home too so I can sneak out for some Me Time. Otherwise, I find short bursts of exercise like squats, lunges and star jumps here and there work well - whenever I'm cleaning up after meals or playing with the kids, just a few reps each time add up! Also, if you have the little ones in a stroller, power walking around the neighbourhood can be quite the workout too.

What other mamas got?

Same here, I find workout routines that I can squeeze in at home super helpful, especially with the kids around. Not easy to sneak out most of the time haha. I also do a lot of bodyweight exercises - burpees are my pet peeve but they're such an effective full-body workout. And yeah, yoga and stretching are great for some me-time and sanity maintenance!

I'm gonna try out your idea of fitting in some star jumps and squats during odd moments too. Sounds like a good way to keep energy levels up while doing housework, which can get boring.

 

[sunnydays]

If you're a mom who's time-crunched and short on childcare options, worry not! You can try squeezing in some discrete exercises into your busy schedule - no gym required!

Try quick burst exercises like squats or lunges during naptime, or grab the stroller and go for a power walk - it's a workout for you and a welcome change of scenery for baby.

If you're feeling up to it, online workout videos or apps come in handy for a swift 10-minute workout session. Got some energy-filled toddlers running around? Turn on some catchy tunes and have a dance-off! It's a great way to tire them out while you work up a sweat too.

Remember, short and sharp workouts are better than none at all - no need to overdo it!

 

[bananarama]

You guys can try this 30-minute workout from YouTube trainer Sjana Elise. It's a full-body low impact workout suitable for all fitness levels as you can make it more or less intense based on the amount of reps and how heavy your weights are.

It has minimal equipment as you only need a set of light and medium resistance bands if you have them, and it can be easily modified if you don't. It's great for busy moms as it's quick, effective, and doesn't require childcare because the impact is minimal! The workout consists of plank work, lunges, squats, and some standing exercises targeting the glutes and thighs.

I like it because it's fast-paced and has a good flow so you're not wasting time between exercises. It gets your heart rate up without being too sweaty or intense, perfect for busy mamas who want a quick energy boost and workout in one go!

 

[bubblyfish]

I'm not much of a gym person either. They're too stuffy and monotonous for my liking. Fitness classes are more engaging, and a great way to mix things up.

I quite like the sound of your evening walks. A good opportunity to catch up with the other mums, and the exercise is a bonus! And yeah, YouTube workouts are a convenient way to try something new. I might give them a go too - a little at-home workout session while the kiddo's napping.

 

[nature]

Yaya! Fitness & Wellness, woohoo!

Honestly, I think the best workout is one that you actually enjoy doing and will stick to - otherwise, it's just a waste of time and energy cos then it becomes hard to maintain the discipline needed.

I like going for walks - it clears my head, and it's something I can do with my kiddo in the stroller, or with buddies. Win-win for me! Haha! Also enjoy doing some home workouts with YouTube videos; they're convenient and don't take up much time which is great for busy mamas. Just jump in, do what you can, and get it done - feel good afterwards too!

The key is to keep things simple and enjoyable. Find what works best for you and your family and go for it!

 

[bananarama]

Throw on some jamz and let loose with the kids. You could even throw in some silly dance-off competitions for a little friendly family bonding. The kids will love it and so will you!

 

[doctormama]

I'm happy to share my current workout! Work-life balance is a juggle so I usually do simple exercises at home while the kids are napping or after they go to bed.

Recently, my routine has included lots of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and planks - about 3 sets of each, and I try to throw in some cardio bursts too like jumping jacks or short sprints up the road .

I also have a few fitness apps helping me stay motivated and mix things up. Some days I do yoga stretches when I feel my back needs some love.

It's not super intense but it keeps me active and reasonably toned up, plus the endorphins are a happy boost!

 

[stargazer]

I'm happy to share my current workout! Work-life balance is a juggle so I usually do simple exercises at home while the kids are napping or after they go to bed.

Recently, my routine has included lots of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and planks - about 3 sets of each, and I try to throw in some cardio bursts too like jumping jacks or short sprints up the road .

I also have a few fitness apps helping me stay motivated and mix things up. Some days I do yoga stretches when I feel my back needs some love.

It's not super intense but it keeps me active and reasonably toned up, plus the endorphins are a happy boost!

Ya, that sounds like a good workout routine! I also do something similar, simple exercises at home. Squats and lunges are my go-tos, and I try to up the ante with some cardio bursts too sometimes - short, sharp shock kinda workouts haha!

I find that working out this way also lets me keep an eye on my little one when she's around. Keep it going, it's a great, healthy habit!

 

[mamamia]

Same same! Workout at home with kids around is so much more manageable, even if it's just simple exercises like star jumps, or short bursts of cardio. And yup, body weight exercises are my go to as well - quick, effective and don’t need any equipment! But I must say I haven't tried burpees.. they sound like something interesting I could incorporate into my routine haha. 

Anything to make housework less mundane is a win in my books!