No time or energy to work out? Not anymore!
You're obviously already getting your 10,000 steps chasing or delivering your kids to their assorted commitments, practicing deep breathing whenever your toddler finds a way to get a hold of your lipstick, and doing plenty of bicep curls with a glass of wine after bedtime.
If, however, you're one of those moms who wants to step it up a notch, but don't have the time, this exercise routine is for you.
I call it the "Do What You Can" routine, and it takes the best moves and breaks them down into tiny bursts that can be done while you're doing mundane tasks or during those precious moments when you're not busy saving the world.
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Here's how it works:
In the Morning
• Get up, do 25 dips from the end of your bed. Work up to 50. Watch out, Michelle Obama!
• Do 2-5 sun salutations to stretch out if you're feeling tense or knotty. This shouldn't take more than 3 minutes, but feel free to go longer if you have the time.
• Do 10-20 squats while brushing your teeth. Work up to 30.
• Stretch your hips by resting one leg on the counter while you do your makeup and lean forward. Switch legs halfway through.
In the Car
• Work on your mommy tummy by pulling your belly button in, holding it for a count of 10 and releasing slowly, at least 15 times. Bonus points if you do Kegels at the same time.
• Do a cross-body shoulder stretch at every red light.
If you're serious about your tush, do 10 squats every time you use the restroom.
At Work
• Take walking meetings. If your boss or colleagues moan, remind them that walking meetings are scientifically proven to have less conflict and higher creativity, and that sunlight, movement and vitamin D are essential for good sleep, healthy metabolism and productivity.
• Take your lunch in a faraway building, go for a walk to digest, or, if you're a serious badass, go do 10-20 burpees in the storage room.
• If you're serious about your tush, do 10 squats every time you use the restroom.
At Home
• Sit on your yoga ball while watching TV, periodically pressing up from your legs in order to work your thighs and buttocks.
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Bedtime
• Repeat those 20 squats while brushing your teeth.
• Do another set of 20 dips from the edge of your bed.
• Stretch out your hips by laying on your back, placing your ankle on the opposite side and pulling your legs towards you.
• Do what Christmas Abbott calls "Sky Humpers" while lying in bed. Put your feet flat on the mattress, suck in your tummy, and push your hips to the sky while squeezing your buttocks. Repeat 5-20 times.
• Practice those tummy tucks! The more you do, the stronger your lower back and the quicker you heal your diastasis recti. I find these so boring that I usually fall asleep, but I choose to feel accomplished anyways!
Voila! You've managed to squeeze in a full workout.
Have your own fitness tips? Share them below!
