Last week, although I was still on Spring break from work, I was so busy organizing things around my apartment that I barely had any time to get a REAL workout in. However, I did not let my race against the clock stop me from making my way to the gym and at least attempted to get something done. I strategically came up with a quick routine that would hit the 3 parts of my body I intended to workout for the day without going over 30 minutes this way, I wouldn't be late to pick up my daughter from daycare.
Here's what I did:
1. Stride/Step Machine on MAX INCLINE : 10 minutes
*Note this is not the elliptical machine. See photo below
What I really LOVE about this machine as opposed to the elliptical is that you can really feel a burn in all extremities of your legs (quads, hamstrings, calves) and glutes because it's more of a climbing movement instead of gliding. (The higher the incline, the greater the climb and the more likely you will be to actually get a burn even in just 10 minutes.)
2. Bicycle Machine : 10 minutes (*Switching constantly 2 minutes buttocks seated, 1 minute buttocks lifted off of seat.)
*Note you should not use the seated/chair bicycle but the actual bicycle as shown in the image below in order to target these areas of the body.
3. Sit-ups & Russian Twists : 5 minutes (*Alternating between each exercise, 30 seconds each.)
*Use 4 pound ball for Russian Twists exercise.
4. Stretch & Cool Down : 5 minutes
I remember before getting pregnant, I was on a strict diet and fitness plan. When I got pregnant, that's exactly when I was at the peak of my journey. I loved the way my body was transforming into a sexier, healthier, and more fit version of myself. Mentally, I felt at my highest as well. Going to the gym for hours at a time was like mental and spiritual therapy for me. As a mom, it seems nearly impossible to ever have time for ourselves and especially for our physical health. It's easy to feel like you have lost yourself and self-conscious about your body or your physical appearance. I can't remember the last time I had a FULL workout like the ones I used to since having my daughter! Although this routine may sound too easy and too short of a workout, trust me I woke up the next day really feeling sore in my legs, buttocks, and my core. Most importantly, I regained my spiritual and mental sanity in order to face the rest of my day. I think we can all use a little of that especially in the tough and overwhelming world we live in today.
Always remember that doing a little of something is always better than doing nothing at all. Even when you are feeling like you have no time or the hours are going to too fast and you think you can't keep up, don't get discouraged. Get in there and work with what you got, you won't regret it!
...Sew This is Life!
