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It’s vital for every mom to find space and time to exercise. As fitness trainer and mom Sara Haley earlier told Mom.com, “I work out because I know it makes me stronger, healthier and happier, which ultimately makes me a better mom.”
By now, we all know the many benefits of exercise. And, if you’re like me, you probably also know the many excuses for NOT exercising. Like: The gym is closed, the weather is bad, and you don’t have a place to work out.
We’re here to help you strike the last excuse off your list. With COVID-19 and the many hours spent inside, many of us are even more eager to find a small space workout or apartment workout routine we can easily do at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a fitness diva, here are 10 ways to get started.
Try these workouts that help you stretch and flex
1. Yoga
Yoga makes you strong and flexible and busts stress. What’s not to love? Even better, no matter how small your space is, you can always find room for a mat. During the pandemic, many local yoga studios have taken their classes online. Or you can sign up for on-demand streaming classes from yoga powerhouses like Glo, Gaia (which also offers an app), and YogaWorks. And don’t forget to check out the many free yoga classes on YouTube.
2. Stability Ball
Although the stability ball is best known for strengthening your core and improving your stability, this one inexpensive piece of equipment can also work out your entire body.
3. Barre
Another full-body routine that can performed in a small space, ballet-inspired barre improves core strength, posture and tones muscles. YouTube is your source for free workouts, and full online programs are available from Pure Barre, Barre3, and Bar Method.
4. Pilates
A long-time favorite of dancers and performers, Pilates is justly popular for its low-impact workouts that improve flexibility, core strength, and posture. You can stream many free beginner mat workout classes on YouTube. For more detailed instruction and advanced training, Pilatesology features classic Pilates from world-class teachers.
Weight and resistance workouts to get — and stay — strong
5. Bodyweight Workouts
Bodyweight exercises, in which you use your own body as resistance, can be done with no or minimal equipment and really work to tone and build muscle. Push-ups, squats, and crunches are all examples of bodyweight exercises. “You can do push-ups, planks, squats and wall sits anywhere. Triceps dips from the couch are also a fab move to incorporate into your TV time,” trainer Erin Whitehead earlier advised mom.com. Some bodyweight exercises also up your cardio, like this heart-pumping routine from Self.
6. Weight Training
Lifting weights is the most well-known method of building muscle, which is also key to building health. You don’t need heavy weights or gym equipment to get started or keep going. All you need to weight train at home are dumbbells, kettle balls, or resistance bands.
Pump it up! Workouts that help you keep moving and stay fit
7. Cardio Machines
Do you miss spinning, using the elliptical or running on the treadmill? Lighter and more compact home versions of gym cardio equipment are available, at prices that range from budget all the way on up. Some machines are designed to be foldable, and some can be wheeled out of the way when not in use. If you’ve got more space (and more money), Peleton’s popular in-home live spinning classes have become a fitness phenomenon.
8. Dance
Look no further than YouTube for dance videos that will move your body and lift your spirits. You can learn how to twerk from Hipshake Fitness; discover moves to the latest bangers from choreographer Matt Steffanina</a>; dance to K-Pop with Ellen and Brian</a>; or get viral with TikTok shuffle dances. For more structured instruction on styles like hip hop, popping or jazz funk, learn from top instructors at Steezy Studio. And for you Zumba fanatics: your favorite classes are available live.
9. Apps and Streaming Programs
No matter the workout style you prefer, these apps and streaming classes have been created specifically for small spaces. Choose among a variety of workout programs and star trainers from Beachbody and Daily Burn, which offer everything from low-impact beginner routines to extreme HIIT programs. Get fit with one-of-a-kind programs from celebrity trainers Tracy Anderson and Jillian Michaels. The Instagram-famous Tone It Up plan focuses on women’s fitness and nutrition. Aaptiv promises to transform your body with audio-only workouts. And finally, YouTube is your source for free workouts galore.
10. Cardio Kickboxing
Looking for something a little more kickass? Get into fighting shape with cardio kickboxing. These high-energy routines will make you sweat and get you strong fast. Stream online bootcamp classes from Hollywood-based studio Foxy and Fierce or a mix of boxing, kickboxing, strength, agility and recovery workouts from national chain Title Boxing Club. And of course, find free workouts on where else – YouTube.