Five 20-Minute Living Room Workouts
Exercising with kids around is about as easy to do as a crow’s pose after eating a plate of nachos. If it’s not a drowsy five-year-old trying to keep up on his bike for your morning run, it’s a teething baby, a bailing babysitter, or a closed sign on the daycare at the gym.
For parents, squeezing in a workout is sometimes so laughable that it becomes a nonstarter, but the benefits of a daily workout might just outweigh the hassle.
Exercise Makes Us Happier Parents
Look, nobody who knows any better is going to look ANY parent in the eye and tell them that working out with kids around is easy. But one thing they will do is tell you that you’ll be a better parents — and a happier person — for it.
When we exercise, we don’t just sweat and fit into our jeans better. Exercise relieves stress, triggers the release of happy hormones like endorphins and serotonin, and in most cases, actually provides a boost of energy.
Numerous studies have shown that aerobic exercises like jogging and swimming have an enormous impact on our mental health. Exercise improves circulation in your brain, clearing mental fogginess, improving memory, mood, and even making us more resilient to mental stressors (like teething babies).
Moving your body has an enormous impact on your mental health, and your kids will benefit from you making time for it.
That said, it’s easier said than done.
These living room workouts are short and sweet, pack an intense cardio punch (especially when you pick up the pace), and don’t require the round trip to the gym. Roll out your yoga mat, put on your shoes, and put the baby down for a nap — it’s time to sweat.
Supersets by The Seasoned Mom
This simple living room workout routine is perfect for a space that’s just big enough for a mat. In this equipment-free routine, you’ll target your lower body, shoulders, and arms, and hit your abs a bit as you hold a plank pose.
Pro tip: Remember — abdominal exercises are a no-no for moms suffering from diastasis recti. If you have abdominal wall exercises, focus on healing that muscle gap before attempting any abdominal exercises (including planks).
Learn More About Diastasis Recti
The 20-Minute Hotel Room Workout by NerdFitness
Hotel room workouts are a great term to Google because they’re also perfect for a living room crowded with toys. This 20-minute routine is full of moves you’ve heard of, so there’s no need to crane your neck to follow along with a video.
There are three different levels to this workout, and it includes some jumping jacks to elevate your heart rate.
20 Minute Full Body Living Room Workout by Elan Fitness and Nutrition
Don’t let a 20-minute workout duration fool you — this living room routine is anything but mild. It’s full of familiar moves, easy to follow along with, and crazy intense. Move through it all at once (no breaks) and I promise, you’ll feel the burn.
Four Weeks of 20 Minute Workouts by Lauren’s Fitness
If you get sick of the same workouts really easily, a four-week plan might be the way to go. Lauren’s Fitness is full of great workouts and tips from the pros, and this plan is no exception.
This month-long program includes a lot of different moves, so it might take a time or two to get used to. As you progress through the program, the workouts will increase in intensity to give you the most out of your 20 minutes.
Silent Death Cardio by Blogilates
Blogilates die-hards know that these workouts might look like small potatoes, but are painfully effective. This apartment-friendly short workout routine is intense and will have you crying for your mama by the time it’s over.
There’s no jumping around, and it’s short enough that you can try it once or twice to get the hang of the moves, and then repeat it until you’ve killed 20 minutes. Be patient with yourself on the balance part, keep at it, and you’ll get everything you need in less time than it takes to suffer through another episode of Daniel Tiger.
