cardio – Mom Sew Simple

Okay guys and gals, it looks like warm weather is here to stay! Have you noticed all the people that are now jogging or walking outside? Or the extra people at the gym? I sure have and I love it. It’s awesome to see people trying to better themselves no matter what the motivation is behind it. My motivation changes throughout the year. There’s always a need to be strong enough and fit enough to keep up with my brood of kids 😆 but then there’s the random times that extra motivation hits; like after Christmas, when you’ve eaten so much that leggings are your only option. Or post-pregnancy blues when you’re in between maternity clothes and the pre-baby clothes collecting dust.

Anyway, whatever your reasons, I’ve got a few things that I love to use both in the gym and at home.

Let’s start with an awesome plan for pregnant women, nursing moms, and moms in general. It’s called the 15 day fit mommy challenge. I joined this group after baby #2 arrived. I had a terrible pregnancy and barely got out of bed the whole 9 months. Which means that I put on quite a bit of weight. I think it was around 35-40 pounds, and for my frame that was a lot. This challenge is free, has a Facebook support group, YouTube videos to follow along with, and a meal plan that isn’t expensive (and of course you don’t have to follow it if you choose not to). The women that I started with over a year ago are awesome! They keep repeating the challenge, adding weights, or doing more reps/sets. All while being a mom and having their kids join in or sit by and watch.

If you prefer going to a gym that’s great! I do too, because someone can watch my kids while I workout 😆. Also, as a bonus I get to shower in peace when I feel like taking my gym bag. Though most days I just take my phone and keys and shower at home during nap time 🤷🏼‍♀️ whatever works. However, I have a problem that many others share….I don’t have a clue what to do when I get in there. I don’t want to go to the gym just to hit the treadmill because we walk to school everyday. When I’m in the gym, I want to lift weights. So I use an app called BodySpace and I love it! It’s like Facebook for gym enthusiasts. There are sooooo many different plans that you can choose from (for free). They are customizable as far as how much weight you lift, what you have access to and how many reps you do. The app keeps up with your statistics so that you know if you’re improving. Currently, I’m doing a 12-week plan to tone up. It’s a 4 day/week plan. There are plans for those that want to go more or less to the gym. I’m more realistic in knowing that I won’t go everyday, but I can do 4 days….maybe. If you would like to join, friend me to follow my progress!

If you just want to get out and do some cardio, I highly recommend finding a Greenway! They are amazing walkways that are typically paved, and have playgrounds for kids, scenery, and usually some wildlife. My kids love going and keeping up with them is a great way to get my heart rate up!