Getting Back on the Wagon of Fitness

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Having 3 kids in 4.5 years has taken a toll on my body, and I don’t mean that solely in a negative sense. I certainly look different than I did before babies, but I loved, LOVED, being pregnant (other than the obvious sickness and exhaustion in the first trimester and discomfort in the very end of the pregnancy). I’d say 85% of the time I was over the moon as a pregnant person. It’s probably the happiest I’ve ever felt with my body. I know this may sound crazy to some of you, but it’s just something I love.

My postpartum body stirs different emotions than my pregnancy body, though I try to be as gracious and patient with myself as I can as a nursing mom.

Anyway, in my efforts to get back in shape and feel strong and healthy again, I’ve started to do a few things to set myself up for success. I thought I’d share those today in case you need a little motivation too!

  1. Find a way to work out at home. I love a class but going to the gym is not really an option right now. Emily is not a super chill baby and naps are pretty questionable during the day, so the notion of leaving her in childcare at the gym sounds horrible. The reality is, as much as it’s not preferred, my highest likelihood of getting a workout in without being interrupted is at about 8:00pm at night. Justin can put her to bed after I nurse her, and then all I have is free time to work out, then take a shower, and go to bed. So after dinner I try to immediately put on work out clothes (even my shoes!) so I’m ready to go when Justin takes her. If I put it off, I’ll be likely to find some excuse.
  2. Look for online classes that you can do at home! I just discovered Fitness Blender which is a site that offers free work out classes. There is a huge variety on there that I’m eager to start trying out! Beyond something on a laptop, I love the Aaptive app for having a “trainer in my ear”. I’ve flagged a few of my favorites so I’ll return to those or try a new class for a workout. It does help to know a little bit about form and methods when doing an Aaptive class because there is not a video to go along with the audio. But what makes it really nice is you only have to focus on the workout itself, instead of watching something and getting distracted!
  3. Having the right gear READY to go makes it quick and easy. For most home workouts I try to do bodyweight classes for strength training, meaning it does not require dumbbells or really any gear other than a yoga mat. I have a bluetooth speaker that plays the class loud enough for me to hear, or if I’m outside I’ll throw in some bluetooth earphones! My favorite athletic shoes are Asics, though New Balance also makes great sneakers too (I have these lightweight ones)!

Beyond that, having comfortable clothes that you can move in while you are exercising is also key! I have a pair of these “build your own” leggings from Amazon which is a genius idea. They are a nice thick material so nothing will be stretched until it’s see through while you are doing yoga! I also love finding work out clothes at Athleta. The quality is fantastic and they even have a great return policy if an item doesn’t work for you.

This tank is a recent addition to my workout gear and I love that it’s a high neck. I also got these tights and they are the absolute closest I’ve found to the iconic Lululemon Align pant. I just hope these don’t pill like the Lululemon ones do!

I’d love to hear how you stay motivated to work out on your own when a gym or classes aren’t an option!

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Lindsey Neff says · 08.08.18

I recently signed up for Daily Burn. It is so versatile – I can stream through my TV, laptop, or on my phone. There is a new workout each day, but also plenty of programs and options if I’m not feeling that day’s workout. The community of people are amazing, and I definitely have my favorite trainers. Being able to work out at home has totally taken away my excuses, and I find myself working out 6 days a week now.

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Diana says · 08.08.18

I, too, am a Daily Burn addict. I would second everything Lindsey says and add that they never push product on users like some other services do. I have been using it for over a year and can’t see myself ever stopping it!

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Lindsey Baker says · 08.08.18

Me too! I was just going to comment on Daily Burn. My husband and I do a 365 every morning before baby wakes up. I work out 5-7 days a week – both at home and when on the road for work. I love that it’s 30 minutes and different every day. Some of them really kick your butt!! I’ve also done some of their new 10 minute ones and you can really feel the burn in 10 mins! highly recommend. I never have been this consistent in working out, EVER, and have been at this since January and really like it.

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Lindsey Neff says · 08.08.18

I have been adding in 1 or 2 of the 10 min tone after the 365.. I love that I can target specific body parts that I want a little more focus on!

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Melody says · 08.08.18

Hi! I started Kayla Itsines program BBG last October with modifications. It’s a tough workout but I’ve seen great results! I just turned 63 even though this program is geared to 18-30 year olds. Check out the transformations on her blog. Whatever you do, be consistent and enjoy the process!

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Gracen says · 08.08.18

I love Leslie Sansone’s Walk At Home program. She has some free videos on her Youtube channel but she also has videos which can be purchased and downloaded and I think she’s got an app as well. I’m a busy mom of 2 so evenings are usually the only time I have I have available to workout as well. 🙂

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Amanda says · 08.08.18

FYI, the link at the top just brings me back to this page.

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 08.08.18

This is so helpful! I need to get back on track with my fitness goals too, haha! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Lauren says · 08.08.18

Link for the clothes aren’t working. Just refreshes current page.

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Sarah says · 08.08.18

I work out every morning in my neighbors basement. Three of us – we split the cost for Beach Body on Demand. Up at 5 every morning to work out at 5:15 AM. We are going on Month 4 – the first time i have consistently stuck to a program, thanks to the gals I’m meeting! Good luck!

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Megan says · 08.08.18

I LOVE the athleta tights. Just a fair warning though that they do pill in the thigh area where my thighs rub #nothighgapforme. Even with the pilling I still have multiple pairs I love them that much!

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Abby says · 08.08.18

Love this!! I feel like even in today’s day and age people still criticize home work outs. I don’t know about you but I feel like I’m gonna die after doing mine! I am recently restarting my fitness/health journey and struggle with motivation on the daily. I have found writing it down and setting multiple sort term goals. I am new to following you and am absolutely loving it.

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Michele says · 08.08.18

I wish I could find the peace and grace you seem to have with your post-partem body. My son was born a year ago today and I’m not where I want to be, and it’s such a weight (pun intended? Not gonna lie….kinda!) I enjoy doing some Zumba videos on YouTube at home…my 3 year old loves to do it too. I’m so self conscious about my lack of dance skills that I won’t set foot in a class (tried, but got crazy anxious), so doing it at home allows me to tailor it to my tastes. Plus, with my kids loving it, it’s very motivating to do, even if it’s only see them enjoying it so much!

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Natasha Rowden says · 08.08.18

8 years ago, when my 3rd son was 1 year old (I had 3 babies in 3.5 years!), we bought an elliptical machine, and it has been a life-saver for me. When it first came, I could only do 7 minutes(!) at a time on it, but gradually I got up to 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week. Combined with healthy food choices, I lost 45 pounds in 2 years (slow and steady). I loved that I could hop on the elliptical anytime I had a few minutes without having to drive anywhere, which really helped me maximize my time when my 3 boys were little and very time-consuming! (Said with love, of course!)

I still use it, although it has gone through periods of time just sitting as a dusk collector 😬, but of all the fitness videos and trends I’ve tried through the years, the elliptical had been ol’ faithful to me, and the thing I always come back to.

Nowadays, I do 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Ideas to keep it fresh while I’m on it…listen to music or podcast, watch a show on the iPad, or just pray.

Love your blog and sweet family, and I’m cheering you on in your goals!!

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Diane says · 08.08.18

Fitness Blender has been great for me! I have done several of their programs. I also like HASFit on YouTube. They have great programs that are super motivating.

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Becky says · 08.08.18

I love HASFit and Bodyfit by Amy on YouTube, both are excellent and have a TON of videos to choose from, all levels, all different kind of work outs!

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Alison G says · 08.08.18

Another vote for Bodyfit by Amy – free videos on YouTube & she’s not annoying like some other trainers! I’ve really gotten into her kettlebell videos for strength training. I work out in the evening too after my son is in bed. Put my workout clothes on AS SOON as I get home from work. Otherwise I won’t do it. We also got a treadmill in the spring which should help me after baby #2 (maybe next year?). My husband travels for work M-F so I just can’t leave the house… glad I found some workouts I like to do at home.

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Anna lyon says · 08.08.18

Fitsugar has great free workout videos! They have a range of 10, 20, 30, and 45 minute workouts to choose from!

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caroline says · 08.08.18

my husband and i are really working on this together. he works for a startup so usually he goes in later than i do and has no problem working out in the morning. I’ve started just making sure I get up and do a yoga video, but this morning i went to the gym with him
x0x0 caro https://thecarolove.com/

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Laura says · 08.08.18

I LOVE Fitness Blender, and do their workouts several times a week, but I wouldn’t recommend it to you so soon post-partum, especially if you are like most women and have a healing pelvic floor and/or diastasis recti. I did MuTu online for 12 weeks so I could heal after my third child before doing the more intense stuff. If you don’t have any post-partum issues, I’d say go for it! Otherwise give your body some time (and good physical therapy) to heal. 🙂

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Mandy says · 08.08.18

I absolutely love Fitness Blender! Been doing their workouts for a few years

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Natalie says · 08.08.18

Fitness Blender is the best at home workout I have found! I like having so many options. Some days I can do a 40 minute and other days I’m lucky to fit in a 10 minute! I just don’t care for going to the gym and having workouts on tv at home means no excuses!
Also, as you are able i would add in dumbbells. Building muscle helps burn calories all day.

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Susan gilbert says · 08.08.18

I haven’t read other comments, but Popsugar is an awesome free YouTube option too. I like it even better than Fitness Blender, so many options and different lengths of time required

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Beth says · 08.08.18

I became a member of The Balanced Life Sisterhood with Robin Long. It’s an online Pilates program for busy people who struggle to make time to exercise. I do it on my own time, wherever I want and for however long I am able that day. Her mantra is “Grace Over Guilt”. ❤️👍🏻

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Stephanie says · 08.08.18

If you find the motivation, help a sister out . LOL

I also need to get and stay motivated with working out. It’s just so hard to keep it going.

http://aneducationindomestication.com

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Chelsea says · 08.08.18

Athleta’s powervita fabric (that’s what the elation tight is made out of) doesn’t pill or show wear at all and is unbelievably comfortable. I replaced all my lulu leggings with them. You’ll love them!!

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Dianna says · 08.08.18

I’ve used the GlowbodyPT postpartum workout plan after each of my kids and can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s 12 weeks of at home workouts and nutrition tips with videos to follow:

https://www.glowbodypt.com/12-week-post-pregnancy-plan-2

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Karen H. says · 08.08.18

I’m still doing BBM (Bikini Body Mommy) which you posted about about 3 years ago. I love her workouts! I also have tried TIU (Tone It Up) and they’re super motivational as well.

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Gina says · 08.08.18

I work out at home with DVD’s. I order from Amazon or a site called Collage. I love Leslie Sansone’s walk DVD’s and I use her program 4 or 5 days a week. Three days a week I mix it up with either a strength training DVD, (working with free weights), or I use my Total Gym. Yes, the Total Gym you see on tv, but hey, it works! I’ve got killer arms & shoulders. 😊

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Hildy says · 08.08.18

I love fitness blender, and I like spending the $15 for their programs so I don’t have to worry about choosing a workout each day! As far as motivation goes, I usually put my workout clothes on first thing in the morning so I *have* to work out before I shower. Also, getting into a habit will help your kids see that it’s important to you, and at least for my kids, they’ve learned to respect that mommy time. It’s just at fact of life for them now and I rarely get interrupted (they’re also 8 and 6 so they’ve been watching me do this for years now!). For me working out at home is just so much easier than all the travel time to/from a gym and the hassle of getting child care.

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Jenna Curry says · 08.08.18

I discovered Lindsay Brin of Moms Into Fitness during/after my first pregnancy six years ago and she’s pretty much all I use for workouts! She’s so so encouraging and specializes in pre/postnatal so she takes that into consideration when creating her workouts. They’re all around 30 min or less which I feel is doable as a busy mom! Look her up!!

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Stephanie says · 08.08.18

I found the 21 Day Fix program last year and really enjoy it! It’s the first thing I’ve actually stuck with! The workouts are approximatey 30 minutes and you can do them from home! However, you would have to purchase light and heavy handheld weights since the dvds include a mix of cardio, Pilates, yoga and weight training. The trainer is super motivating, they have free online coaches available and the eating plan with colour coded, portion controlled containers make meal planning a breeze. The meal plan isn’t crazy, all food groups are included. The program allows you to be healthy in a realistic way, with a focus on balance in all areas of your life. Within weeks I could see changes and my friends and colleagues noticed as well. Regardless of what program you choose, I wish you luck and know that we all support you through this journey! Be patient with yourself, the results will come in time!

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Krystin says · 08.08.18

I cannot speak highly enough of the Glow Body Personal Training 12-week Postpartum workout plan! Ashley Keller is the trainer in this video series. It’s $99 and I asked my husband to get it for my “push present” after having my 5th child last August. I have done many at-home workouts and I can honestly say that this one is amazing!! The workouts are only 20-25 minutes and are a combo of strength, cardio, and abs (diastasis recti safe!) She also has prenatal workouts and several other videos on YouTube. Absolute game changer and worth every single penny! The 12-week plan also has nutrition “goals” that are helpful but not too strict and very nursing friendly..

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Marie says · 08.08.18

I just started my fitness journey (no kids) but it was just time, completely unhappy with myself… I went out and bought a pair of jeans that didn’t fit but the size I wanted to be, I’m 20 pounds down and now fit in those jeans, now my goal is what my drivers license says I am 🤣 (from high school weight) only 40 more to go!! 🙂

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Angie Boger says · 08.08.18

I’ve been using Aaptiv for a while and I really like it!! Its great for motivation. Before that I used a free app called Sworkit. It is like Aaptiv but has videos of the moves.

Question for Kate, after you work out (especially at night), do you always wash your hair? I try to work out at least 4 times a week, but I really don’t want to wash my hair every time. A lot of times I will try to dry out the sweat and then my hair will go up in a pony or bun. Is that bad or damaging for your hair?

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Kristin says · 08.09.18

I have the same question! I run 3-4 times a week and get soaking wet sweaty, but don’t really want to wash my hair that often.
Suggestions?

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Megan says · 08.08.18

It’s so encouraging to hear about your patience and grace you give to your postpartum body!

The best workouts I have done are all Beachbody. I loved the 21 day fix (I did this as my wedding prep, for several rounds) and more recently the 80 day obsession. I was able to do the 80 day obsession with my husband in the evenings and that was the longest run of time I’ve stayed committed to a single workout! My favorite is still the 21 day fix! Working out with my husband, though, was the best thing I could do for myself! I don’t do the online support groups that a lot of Beachbody members do – I feel like I easily get discouraged more than encouraged in those groups!

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Angie says · 08.08.18

I’ve been thinking about the 80 day obsession. What kind of equipment do you need at home and how much room do the workouts requir

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Angie says · 08.09.18

I second the 80 Day obsession!!! Its the longest I’ve stuck with a workout- and I’ve been going on this program since it’s launch on Jan. 15th- non stop!! I’ve lost 30+ lbs and 25 inches since Jan and I am addicted! (I guess “obsessed” would be the better word ? ? 😉 ) You need some sliders (these babies gave me some abs- they are the best!) , some resistance bands, and light- Heavy weights- all stuff you can get on amazon for cheaper than BB. Thats what I did. Good luck! You’ll love it!

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Dawn says · 08.08.18

Mindbodyfit.live was the turning point in my health journey. The idea of going to a gym and working out with others was an overwhelming concept for me. This approach gave me the best of everything. A live two way video gives you the opportunity to workout with a trainer, she is there to encourage, teach, critique and truly support you in all areas of health and fitness. I am so blessed to have found mindbodyfit.live!

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Erin says · 08.08.18

I LOVE fitness blender! So glad you found them. I’ve purchased a few of their programs (over the past 2.5 years) and they’re awesome. Nice to have my workouts planned out for me…highly recommend. Props for your 8pm workouts 👏🏿 😴

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Vanessa says · 08.08.18

I love HASfit.com. It’s free and they have so many videos. They are a married couple and totally real and down-to-earth in their videos. I like the workout calendars (less thinking and choosing on my end). Also for any pregnant ladies, the lady trainer is currently 20-some weeks pregnant, so they are filming pregnancy workout videos to build up that specific section as well.

They are the reason I fell in love with working out over 4 years ago. I love that I can do anywhere from a 5 minute video up to hour-long sessions and pick by workout type or body part or time. Highly recommend them!

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Nicole says · 08.09.18

Without a doubt the best thing I did for my health was purchase a Peloton. I can take a variety of spin classes and different resistance training classes whenever my heart desires. It’s an investment, but my health has never been better!

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Alyssa says · 08.09.18

I love that sports bra! Is the link for it in your article or am I missing it? Thanks! 🙂

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Tara says · 08.09.18

It’s like you read my mind on the topic of post partum body image! I joined the Beachbody community in 2015 and it has been instrumental in helping me rebound from now 2 pregnancies. Not a shameless plug, truly just sharing 🙂 The home workouts are great, and the community of women in the same life place as you is the BEST! Continue to give yourself grace! Love your blog!!

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Laura says · 08.09.18

Working out at home is a must for this stage of life for me too. I’ve been using fitness blender for a few months now and have enjoyed it! I tend to exercise in the afternoon during quiet time for my oldest and nap time for my youngest. It was tough during the baby phase where naps are unpredictable to find a time to exercise other than nights.

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Corinne says · 08.09.18

I appreciate your honesty! Our second was born this year on May 10th & I’ve been struggling on feeling “good” in my body. I remember bouncing back so much faster with my first! But I’m reminding myself what a gift it is what my body went through and trying to give myself grace. I’ve made a few small adjustments on my eating & signed up for Barre3 because of the same reason you said about Emily & the gym. So far I’m loving it! A little more of an investment over Aaptiv but it’s much more my style of working out and we have an elliptical in our basement that I should try to utilize a little more – here in Missouri it’s SO hot & humid right now…once we get a small break in the heat I’m looking forward to getting out on walks with the stroller!

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Kara says · 08.09.18

I love Barre3! It is so doable and I feel amazing when I am regularly doing it.

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Kassy says · 08.09.18

For starters, I am a full time working mom and my wife is also a full time working mom with a 1 year old and 5 year old. For me, I have found staying consistent Making fitness a regular part of my schedule helps with my motivation. If I have written in my planner that I need to go for a quick run At six in the morning on a workday, I get up and go for a run at six in the morning. If My wife can’t watch the kids, I put one in a stroller and take both of them with me. If my she is going for a run, she takes the kids with her and I Can go to a class at the gym or do a home out in peace. When it works out we go together. It’s also a great time alone with the kids And as a family. Even if we have to slow down to our oldest kids pays at least we’re getting some exercise in.

My advice is to find a work out that you enjoy doing, because if you like doing it then you’ll want to do it not being afraid to try new things or classes. I used to try going to the gym and just doing workouts on my own and found I really didn’t enjoy it so I wasn’t consistent. So then I tried taking up Running, which I never in a million years thought I would enjoy, and have found how much I love it. Luckily our gym has childcare, but during busy times it’s full so that wasn’t always an option.

My wife and I both enjoy running races and I have found that if I have a race coming up, I have more motivation to train. For a lot of the more low key runs, we do it together as a family with the kids. When I was pregnant I walked most of the races and when they were too young for a jogging stroller I carried them on me when they were babies. When we first decided to have kids we wanted to make fitness and wellness a priority in our family so we made it family time. But that’s what works for us and I know it won’t work for everyone.

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Christa says · 08.09.18

Check out Bikini Body mommy on Youtube! Her videos are effective and quick! Plus, her kids are sometimes seen in the videos which adds a bit of humor!

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Kelsey says · 08.09.18

I love using fitnessblender! So many choices!

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Annika says · 08.09.18

Jessica Smith TV all the way! Tons of free workouts on YouTube.

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Jill says · 08.09.18

You have to try the 90 degree by Reflex High Waist Power Flex legging with tummy control on Amazon—- they are only around $20 and have been compared to the Zella leggings from Nordstrom. They are awesome!!!

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Angela says · 08.09.18

I love exercising at home but found after baby #2 that I have way less time to do it. Very frustrating, especially since I really want to get my old bod back (somewhat anyways). I think I have a free Aaptiv pass that I never used and probably should!

Angela at Blush & Pearls

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Lisa DeAngelo says · 08.09.18

I have been a home exerciser for ever! I love group classes but the reality is it does not work for my schedule. I do get up at 5am but I don’t have to leave the house. I have been a long time devote’ of Cathe Friedrich…she has tons of DVD’s but she also has a $10/mo online service where she does one live workout a week and they are saved and archived so you can do them anytime you want. She has over 200! You can stream them online or she also has a ROKU channel. I also have a Total Gym and there are so many free work-outs available both on You Tube and Total Gym TV. Rosalie Brown is a huge inspiration. The bottom line is this…find something you LIKE TO DO and try to be as consistent as you can. My motivation is that I like to feel good and I know from experience if I don’t get some kind of movement in my life I won’t be moving at all.

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Kristin says · 08.09.18

My first baby was a dream, so I was able to get back into working out a few months after she was born. My second child was a completely different story. He almost never slept – at night or during the day. And when he did, it was so sporadic, so you never knew when he was going to fall asleep and how long it would last.
During my second child’s infancy, I just had to accept that everything has a season. And this season meant sleeping whenever I could, which meant prioritizing sleep over working out. I hated it and felt so guilty that I wasn’t taking care of myself, but I just had to keep reminding myself to give myself some grace – and that getting sleep whenever I could WAS taking care of myself.
The second child is almost three and now sleeps 12 hours a night and naps 3 hours during the day; which gives me predictability and time to work out. Just in the last year and a half, I have finally been able to get back in the groove of working out, and it feels so good.
All of this to say that the gift of hindsight has taught me the value of giving yourself grace and understanding that there are seasons and none of the hard baby stuff lasts forever.

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Cameryn says · 08.09.18

Love this! Thank you for the tips. When I’m struggling getting my booty in gear, I like to find a video to follow along with. My current goal is to do at least 10 minutes of something before my day starts then if I can, so a more involved workout at night. But either way at least I have done something each day.

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Marissa says · 08.09.18

I love the YouTube channel: Bodyfit by Amy! She has great options for prenatal, post partum, and regular. I can play it right from my Apple TV and since the videos vary in length from 5 min+ I can even get in a quick workout while my 3 Little’s play nearby.

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Ashley says · 08.10.18

Love her, too!

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Katie says · 08.09.18

Great job, Mama!!

Check out Moms into Fitness! She has great online videos – all geared at moms, even for newly postpartum. 🙂

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Chris says · 08.09.18

I work from home so my go to is something I can do while working- I have one of these- the exact model is apparently discontinued. Thus, I try to get at least 90 minutes on the bike while I’m working. I lost 40 pounds last years doing this and eating well and I’ve kept 35 of it off because my eating hasn’t been as good. LOL

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Chris says · 08.09.18

I work from home so my go to is something I can do while working- I have one of these- the exact model is apparently discontinued. Thus, I try to get at least 90 minutes on the bike while I’m working. I lost 40 pounds last years doing this and eating well and I’ve kept 35 of it off because my eating hasn’t been as good. LOL
https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=under+desk+exercise&sprefix=under+desk%2Caps%2C235&crid=1UTKN883XQM16

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Tanya says · 08.09.18

You should check out Bikini body guides … she has an app it’s ama 28 minutes great results

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Jenny says · 08.10.18

I work from home (no kids) and do Leslie Sansone workouts, and sometimes ones with Jessica Smith, as I can nearly always fit them in.
Even if I am really tired and not in the mood I usually end up plodding for a while to feel energised afterwards!

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Ashley says · 08.10.18

Beachbody’s new program, LIIFT4, is AMAZING!!! 4 days a week, 30-40 minutes total. Even my 37 year old husband is doing this with me after work, and he hasn’t worked out in 20 years. It’s lifting, HIIT and a core component. Such a great workout, you would love it!

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Noelle says · 08.10.18

Oh, I want to try this! I love the Beachbody programs!

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Noelle says · 08.10.18

Oh, postpartum bodies… such a love/hate relationship 🙂 I’m 6 months PP with my third, still breastfeeding, and struggling to get back on the exercise bandwagon. I LOVE the Beachbody on Demand. It’s maybe $99/year and you get access to all of their programs. I am partial to 21DayFix/Fix Extreme and everything Autumn does but they have so many awesome options, many of which are only 30 minutes.

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HT says · 08.10.18

Have you tried the Down Dog app? It is for yoga. You can choose your workout times in 10 minute increments and your difficulty level. I have been using it for 2 years and it is awesome!

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Atowle says · 08.10.18

I agree with all of your points. I always work out at home to save money on the gym membership and gas. Sometimes my workouts become routine so I look for video inspiration to follow, usually on youtube.

But nothing, and I mean nothing lights a fire under your ass like getting either new work out apparel or work out gear!

Great post! keep up the hard work! Atowle|https://formationvacations.com

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Rebecca Busby says · 08.10.18

I am SO happy you discovered Fitness Blender!! I’ve been using them for probably three/four years now and LOVE their mix of strength and HIIT, plus the varying durations of their videos.

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Justine @ Raising Redheads Blog says · 08.11.18

Hey Kate!
This is so helpful and relatable. 19 months after baby #2 and I’m still struggling to get back on my workout routine. This is just the motivation I needed!

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Lesley from NE says · 08.12.18

I have been a home excersiser for over eight years. I love the convenience of hopping down to the basement in the morning and not driving anywhere. If you are looking for a quick, effective workout try Kelly Coffey. Almost all of her workouts are 30 minutes or less. If you don’t want to buy hand weights try her boxing videos. They are my favorite and you don’t need any special equipment! I am sure you will do great.

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SBakes says · 08.13.18

Check out HASfit for hundreds of free workouts you can do from home. I think their workouts are a lot more varied than Fitness Blender and the instructors are so personable and motivating. I never dread their workouts and I never get bored.

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Emily says · 08.13.18

I recently tried a free Barre3 class at our local botanical gardens and i completely fell in love with it. I can’t afford their monthly membership but they offer an at-home option for 29 a month and now I can do them right from my living room! The workouts are different every single time and its a great mix of strength and cardio. I love it!

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Laura says · 08.20.18

Hi Kate
HASfit is a utube workouts I love. Some of the workouts really kick my butt!! I also like Popsugar they have some good workouts as well

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Bridget Rauch says · 08.28.18

This is so great! Thank you for sharing all of these great items and motivation! I used to be an avid gym goer in college, but shortly after, I found myself simply wanting to have workouts in the comfort of my own home and on my own schedule…also without feeling inadequate with all the skinny thangs next to me not huffing up a lung. ha!
I do yoga on a regular basis and have for about 10 years now. I love ‘Yoga with Adriene’ and Leslie Fightmaster Yoga. I have also used an App called Yoga TV, and that has a ton of variety for all levels, short vs long practices, etc. It is one of my favorites.

Fitness Blender has also been one I have done in the last year and love it, too. There is also an 12 week program I have done on YouTube called ‘Ideal Shape’, and it is AMAZING! I’m on my third or forth round of it. It starts out slow and eases you into it and helps you build up endurance and muscle over time, and they have a fun and very doable challenge at the end of each 15-20 minute workout just for a little extra.

Hope this helps. Thanks again for sharing! I love and laugh pretty much every time I watch your Instastories. : ) Keep it up! and Never Change.

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Bridget says · 08.31.18

I quit my gym membership over a year ago and solely focused on at-home workouts because I was getting overwhelmed by so many options and not finding that I could make enough time for it all. At-home workouts have become my favorite and pushed me to find creative alternatives to effective workouts. There are so many great resources available! I really like BBG (different options for different seasons of life) if you’re looking for an at-home workout that is tough, but doable. You can try a month’s trial before paying anything. I have stuck with Bodyfit by Amy for over a year and I really like her workouts (all on YouTube & free) and that’s how I’ve learned kettlebell. She’s awesome! Finally, Nourish Move Love is a wonderful website that provides workouts, meal prep recipes, and tips – all free, too! I really enjoy her workouts and tips.

https://www.kaylaitsines.com/collections/guides
https://www.youtube.com/user/BodyFitByAmy
https://www.nourishmovelove.com/

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Kayla Hedin says · 10.25.18

Hi Kate,
I’m curious about your wood flooring, is it real wood? If so, what species and stain color is it?
Thank you!
Love your blog!
-Kayla Hedin

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Kate says · 10.25.18

I wish I knew! It is real wood but it was stained before we moved in!

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Lora says · 12.03.18

Hello! I use Running by Verv app as a “trainer on my Iphone” together with my husband. We started to train last December. You can search for that app on https://verv.com

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Jessica says · 12.05.18

Have you found a good nursing sports bra?

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Okonfit says · 11.16.20

Hello,
Love this!! I feel like even we need a little motivation too! After studying your blog, I have motivation so much. I’ve seen great results! Though this program is geared for 18-30 year olds. Whatever you do, be consistent and enjoy the process! But today I had read a new blog of the fitness. https://www.okonfit.com/blog/5-female-boss-mantras

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