I’m not professing to be a fitness fanatic but I found the whole exercising post kids rather tough. Now they are a bit older I am upping my exercise and am actually really enjoying it.

Before having the girls I was a member of the gym and went at least 3 or 4 times a week, sometimes more. The gym was by my work so I’d get up early to do a workout before heading to the office or a few of us would go in our lunch break. I also did home workout DVD’s and went running. Obviously instead of trips to the gym. Not as well as. I’m not that crazy!

Over the last few years I have tried all manner of workouts and thought I would share some of my favourites with you.

Why Home Workouts?

Put simply I don’t have the time or the inclination to get to the gym. It also isn’t possible to get out for a run any more as Edd is never home till late. I sometimes manage a run at the weekend but find that unless I am doing it regularly I really struggle. I would really like to give Lolly’s Zombie running a go though. Sounds so good. I could go to classes at the gym but I would need to allocate at least a couple of hours for this by the time I have got there, done the class and got home. Then there is the cost. My pre kids David Lloyd membership just isn’t really an option and paying for one off classes is too pricey when you then have to put two kids in the creche as well. I need something that I can do quickly and easily and that works around the kids. When I just had Molly I could go walking with her and if they had been in my area I would have joined Buggy Fit or the like. My friend was even telling me about a class near her in Blackheath where the babies go in all manner of bouncers around the room whilst the mums complete a circuit of exercises. Sounds brilliant.

Finding your optimum time

Easier said than done but I think I have now got this nailed. Before kids I found I was better exercising before work. When they were little there just wasn’t a right time at all. I was shattered or one or the other was always demanding something. No one wants to start a workout only to have to stop and tend to a crying baby. It was just frustrating. I now do my workout at around 5 30pm. The girls are normally fed and will happily play or watch some TV for half an hour whilst I do a quick workout. We can then all go and get showered and in to our PJs. And yes I am therefore normally in my PJs at 6pm!

The Kit

I do not look AT ALL Elle MacPherson whilst working out. Due to time constraints I normally grab my workout top and shorts and do a quick change in the lounge before popping the DVD on. I am ashamed to admit that sometimes I don’t even manage this and just do it in my bra and knickers as I can’t find said workout gear/haven’t managed to sort the washing out yet! Oh the shame!

A lot of the workouts I do don’t need anything in terms of kit but hand weights and a workout mat are useful for some.

The One You Need

This is a bold claim but this DVD may have changed my life. I have long used the Davina workouts and love her style but found I was a bit bored of the ones I had been using. Plus I’m sure your body gets used to the workouts so stops being so effective. Whilst on a recent RMW photoshoot I was recommended the new 5 Week fit DVD and it is IMMENSE. I absolutely love it and never ever thought I would say that about exercise. The DVD has about 8 mini workouts, each of which are 7 minutes long. Yep, just 7 minutes. There are 3 add on minutes you can do to boost the workout to 10 minutes but even that seems super speedy. The DVD gives you a programme to follow so each day you do a mixture of the workouts, normally just two, so in 20 minutes you are done. You also get rest days. Phew. They are really fast paced but I love that I can quickly do this and know that I will always manage to fit it in to my day. I haven’t lost weight but have really toned up since I started it. The lack of weight loss is probably due to my lack of willpower. I am currently writing this whilst eating a rather delicious salted caramel flapjack. Everything in moderation I say!

Insanity

Yep, this is the actual name of the workout and it is, as expected, intense. This was seriously tough and I only ever managed month one as month two was just too darned hard. Shaun T and his (far too toned and enthusiastic) trusty crew guide you through a series of ridiculous workouts. You will be sweating buckets but boy do you feel good. I am not good at exercise so I am impressed that I managed even a month of this. It is hard. I had to get up early to do this or do it once the girls were in bed as once you are in the middle of the workout it is hard to stop for one of the many demands that come from the teeny tiny occupants of my house. This is one if you want to completely smash your fitness levels. After doing this for a month we went down to Devon for our holiday when Alice was one year old. Normally I struggle climbing the 300 steps followed by giant hill back to the cottage but that year it didn’t phase me at all. And I did it all with a rather heavy little Alice on my back. Go me. Ashamed to say I have just never got back in to it again but would certainly give it a try again if I hadn’t discovered the Davina DVD that you all need.

Do It Yourself

I have a few sets of hand weights and they are ideal for a few cheeky bicep curls whilst watching yet another episode of Paw Patrol. I’ll normally add a few squats and some sit ups in to the mix too. Whilst doing said sit ups Alice is normally sat on my stomach which surely just increases the effectiveness?!

The Body Coach

Joe Wicks is great. A cheeky chap who lets me eat cheese. All good in my books. If you follow him on Instagram you’ll know he makes simple tasty food and combines these with quick HIIT sessions. I like HIIT as you get great results but in super speedy time. His workouts are about 20 minutes and you can find them on You Tube. They are tough but I definitely feel like I have had a workout at the end. When you have kids you need your workout to be fast. In fact, I’m just about to do one of these in a moment.

Dance

Charlotte has always been a big advocate of Tracey Anderson and her father fabulous dance moves. So upon her recommendation I purchased the cardio dance for beginners and attempted to get my dancing shoes on. I failed miserably. I just don’t think I am co-ordinated enough. That said, I did persevere and the routines got (slightly) easier. If you have a touch more co-ordination and are a pro at a good grapevine and a slight hip wiggle then this one is for you. It is definitely fun and a great way to get moving.

And Relax

For many years I was an avid yoga fan. Then I started going to the gym and somehow I couldn’t fit in gym workouts and yoga in to my day. I have always meant to get back in to it but never have. I struggle as this is definitely one I need to do without the kids around so early morning or late at night and need a good hour to dedicate to it. I had a brief flirtation with pregnancy yoga but am yet to find a new DVD I like to do at home. I quite like a faster paced yoga so please do let me know any recommendations.
 
Is anyone else joining me with the at home workouts? Any recommendations or suggestions welcome.