At home in the middle of December with a 2 month old baby juggling mommy duties, wife duties, and finals, it's kind of difficult to find time to go workout anymore. Now a days it seems its much more of a hassle getting to the gym than just working on a quick routine at home for a couple minutes...and who wants to leave their baby anyway?? I know the few times I've been able to leave my baby to go to the gym all I can think about is finishing my routine as quickly as possible so I can run back home to my baby.
Sew...for those days that going to the gym is almost impossible, here is a quick 5 minute routine you can try while your baby naps. Using resistance bands, with this routine you'll workout your glutes, quads, and hamstrings and still have time to get other things done around the house before your baby awakes.
**For each of these exercises use the band strength you feel most comfortable with however, remember it should not be too easy and should be somewhat of a challenge while you are doing each set. I personally use the XTRA-HEAVY resistance band which is the strongest resistance.
Kick Back Leg Raises-3 Sets of 12 Reps each leg
With the band at about 2" above your knees, kick one leg straight back as high as you can and bring it back down to meet your other leg. Repeat 12 times for each leg, 3 sets. You should feel this in your quads and glutes.
2. Side Leg Raises-3 Sets of 12 Reps each leg
With the band just above your ankles, raise one leg straight up at your side as high as you can and bring it back down to meet your other leg. Repeat 12 times for each leg, 3 sets. You should feel this throughout the entire side of your leg especially at your glutes. *You can try these standing or laying down on your side.
3. Jump Squats-3 Sets of 15 Reps
With the band just 2" above your knees, squat as low as you can go keeping your back straight and your knees without passing your toes. Jump up when coming back up from the squat and repeat.
4. Squatted Side Walks-3 Sets of 6 Reps each leg
With the band just 2" above your knees, keeping a squat pose at all times, side step 6 times with one leg in one direction then repeat 6 times in opposite direction. Repeat for 3 sets.
5. In place Lunges-3 Sets of 15 Reps
*Without the use of resistance bands*
Lunge forward keeping your back straight with one leg and alternate lunging forward on opposite leg, repeat 15 times.
*Remember to always stretch before or after any workout. I usually prefer to stretch before I begin.
*I purchased these very useful yet inexpensive set of resistance bands from Amazon.
Now as a mommy, I can no longer rely on being able to get to the gym to stay active and continue on my fit lifestyle. Now I have to learn to make it work around my baby...Sew This is Life!