Finding time to focus on yourself is one of the most challenging things to do when you become a parent. It is so important, though. When you take care of yourself, you will be in the right mindset to give everything else in your life your full attention. Not only will you be in a better mood if you fit in a workout routine at home into your schedule, but you will also be doing something that your future self will thank you for.
Looking for one of the best quick workouts at home? Look no further than this list.
1. Walking/Jogging/Running
One of the most obvious ways to get your workout in is to go for a walk, jog or run. Whenever you have time during the day, go for a walk. This could be on your lunch break or even in the morning before your day begins. The important thing is to get moving. If possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Try parking a little bit farther than you normally would so that you can get an extra walk in.
Whenever the weather is nice, I take my son for a walk in his stroller. When I’m feeling really ambitious, I jog with the stroller. I put in my headphones and go. There is a way to incorporate your workout into your daily activities so it doesn’t even seem like a workout.
2. Squats and Lunges
A couple of my favorite moves to do at home are squats and lunges. To me, they are a couple of the most effective workouts, too. You can do these anywhere because they don’t require any equipment. I’ve done squats and lunges in my kitchen while cooking or heating something up in the microwave. You’re just standing there anyway; might as well get a little workout in.
If you want to challenge yourself a little bit, pick up some weights and do squats and lunges with them. I used to use my son when he wanted to be picked up while I was working out. He would think it was a fun game that I was playing and I would have some weight resistance to make my workout at home more effective.
3. Zumba (or another dance workout)
If you love to dance, then this is the workout for you. If you don’t think you’re a good dancer, but you love to do it, then this also is the workout for you. You’re at home – no one has to see you do it. You can let your hips move as much as you want without worrying about doing the moves right or seeming silly in front of others.
I’ve done Zumba and another dance workout called CIZE. Both of them are so much fun! You won’t even realize how many calories you are burning. Dance workouts are some of the best quick workouts you can do because you don’t even realize you’re working out.
4. Yoga
Whenever you want to rest your muscles a little bit, yoga is the workout to do. There are numerous poses that vary from easy to difficult and once you get going with it, you will enjoy mastering the harder ones. It’s about pushing your body and becoming not only physically fit, but mentally fit as well.
I enjoy yoga because it’s not like all my other workouts. You are taking a break from the more physically demanding workouts, but you are working on your mental capabilities and balance. All of these aspects are important when working out.
5. Tabata
A Tabata workout is a cardiovascular workout that uses high-intensity interval training. These minute-long workouts alternate short periods of intense movements with rest periods after each set is completed. This type of workout is good to do at home and if you’re on a time crunch because it requires little to no equipment. For this one, all you need is a minimum of five minutes.
6. Kickboxing
I grew up doing Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo with my aunt. It was one of the times I really looked forward to working out, even back then as a kid. When I tried Chalene Johnson’s Turbo Kick, I knew the kickboxing-style workout was one of my favorites. There’s something about kicking and punching the air with all your might that makes you feel so indestructible.
Even if you don’t have the actual workout DVDs on hand, you can create your own combinations. This is one of the best quick workouts you can do at home, and probably the sweatiest one, too.
