In this post, I’m sharing my favorite at-home workouts that I’ve tried in the past few years. I’ve included everything from barre and pilates to resistance training and dance cardio. I hope this helps you find a workout program you enjoy!
When I became a mom, my attitude towards exercise changed. It was no longer something I had to do, but something I wanted to do. It was my alone time; my time to myself without any whining, crying or ridiculous requests. If you have kids, you understand me, I’m sure.
That being said, a trip to the gym is a lot more work when kids are involved. Packing up diapers, snacks, coats, making sure babies are fed and happy, finding a gym with good childcare all while working around nap schedules and meal times. The planning of a trip to the gym is more exhausting than the actual time spent working out at the gym.
In order to cut down on the chaos, I started trying at home workout programs that I could do either in the morning before the kids woke up or squeeze in around nap time. I’ve tried a lot of different at home workouts, and today I’m sharing my favorites.
It is my belief that daily movement is absolutely necessary to good health, but you should find a type of movement that you like best whether that’s barre, resistance training, running, walking or any combination of these. I like variety, too, and tend to switch up my programs fairly often.
I think this topic is especially relevant considering most of us are choosing to work out at home instead of at the gym due to the pandemic. Plus, almost all of these programs have a free trial period so you can test it out before committing to a subscription. I hope you find a workout you love among this list!
Barre3 Online
I have never been to a in person Barre3 class, but I have signed up for several months of their online workouts that are available to stream to your phone and computer. I love that their workouts are gentle on the body, yet really effective. I also LOVE that there is no mention of weight loss or getting abs or burning off calories. That’s not why I work out. The instructors also offer several modifications for those who need it.
Obe Fitness
I love Obe! This streaming workout offers live classes that you can participate in at home, and also on demand replays. The variety of workouts available is really great, too. Everything from dance cardio (so fun!), power strength, yoga, pilates, and HIIT. The classes are 28 minutes long which means they are perfect for someone who doesn’t have a ton of time to fit in a workout.
Madeline Moves
Okay, if you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I absolutely love the Moves app. I have been using this app since last April, and I have no plans to stop. Each week, Madeline puts out 5 workouts that are resistance training based with some cardio mixed in. Each day focuses on a different muscle group with a full body workout on Friday (my fave!). I love that I don’t even have to think about what I’m doing for my workout that day. I just open up the app and all the sets are laid out for me. I also really appreciate the community aspect of this program. Madeline is very active on Instagram with meal ideas, form tips, and wellness advice. She also emphasizes that fitness is a long term endeavor, and we should enjoy the process and not the end results. Advice I wholeheartedly agree with.
The Sweat App
I used this app on and off a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it. I did the BBG program specifically which is 3 workouts per week. It includes strength training and cardio moves. Each day focuses on a different muscle group. The workouts are tough, but short at around 30 minutes. My only gripe with this app is that the moves are a bit repetitive. I would also be wary if you have any injuries because the program includes lots of plyometrics.
The Balanced Life Sisterhood
This is a pilates based program that was created by Robin Long. She puts out a new workout calendar at the beginning of each month with a workout video designated for each Monday through Friday. My body felt really flexible and balanced when I was doing this program. I combined it with running at the time because I need some heart pumping workouts in my schedule to help with anxiety and sleep. The sisterhood is not available to join all the time; you have to wait for it to open up, but if you get on her email list, you can be the first to know.
Tone It Up
The Tone It Up app is run by two friends, Karena and Katrina. I have been doing these workouts on and off for almost 10 years. I tried out their newish app last year, and I really liked it. There is a large variety of classes from strength training, HIIT, yoga, cardio, kickboxing and even meditation. I would prefer if they had a suggested schedule to follow (outside of the special challenges they offer every few months). I kind of dislike having to choose a workout (some people may prefer this, though). I also really like their protein powder which is available at Target.
The Sculpt Society
I did a two week free trial of The Sculpt Society app last year. Megan Roup just launched this app in 2020. She is a former dancer who now teaches dance cardio classes along with sculpt classes. I love the dance cardio classes! I mean, is there a more fun way to exercise? I don’t think so. It does require some coordination, but after a few classes, you get the hang of it (and no one is watching you in your home anyway!). The program is still fairly new, and I was a little confused about which classes were recommended which days, but overall I really enjoyed it.
PopSugar Fitness
This is a Youtube channel that offers free workouts from different trainers. I’ve tried about 10 of their classes, mostly the cardio based ones, like kickboxing, dance cardio and HIIT, but they have a ton of variety. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford a subscription membership, I would highly recommend checking this one out.
These are the ones that I’ve tried within the last few years, and I would recommend them all. Pick a type of exercise that you actually enjoy and then it won’t feel like a chore (at least most of the time!). Feel free to share a favorite at home workout in the comments!