It’s not exactly a secret that I… hate… strength… training. I know, I know. Women should strength train. We need it. Increases bone density, protects against injury, blah blah blah. Still – I hate it. I can run (in theory…) for miles and miles, but convincing myself to do 10 sit-ups is like pulling teeth.
My dislike of strength training is compounded by the fact that, although I belong to a gym, I only have a 30 – 45 minute window to exercise. Time is precious these days! So it becomes a battle between “Do I want to lift weights?†and “Do I want to swim?†I think it’s obvious what my choice always is…
Anyway, I’ve started doing this very simple body weight-based routine in the comfort of my home. I chose these specifics exercises because 1) my OB-GYN said planks and bicycle crunches were good for post-pregnancy abdominal work; 2) I’m sore on a daily basis from carrying around a 8-pound baby (sad) and need to build arm strength; and 3) since I haven’t been running much this year, I need to strengthen my quads to protect against knee injuries. As a side note, definitely check with your doctor if you’re post-pregnancy before doing any ab work. If you do it too soon, you can destroy your muscles. After being warned over and over again by readers about the dangers, I had not one but two OB-GYNs feel around my tummy before I felt comfortable doing crunches.
(Push-ups, bicycle crunches, straight leg lifts, abduction leg lifts, plank)
I can only repeat the workout twice in a row, but I’m hoping to work up to three repeats very soon! And I’m stuck on modified push-ups – maybe I can graduate to real pushups soon, too.
My favorite thing about this workout? Not only can I do it at home, but I can play with Henry while doing it. He lays under me during the push-ups and planks (an opportunity for lots of kisses) and he does tummy time on my stomach during the leg lifts.
Lunch was more of the same.
Brown rice stir-fry with carrots and kale. I make the veggies ahead in big batches, and the brown rice is frozen kind from Trader Joe’s. A meal that looks like it takes thirty minutes comes together in five.
Cast-iron tofu. I need to make some Perfect Baked Tofu again soon…
I’d love to hear some suggestions for strength moves that I should add to my routine! What’s your favorite at-home move?
Wait until Henry is older when you are doing that. My 40lb almost 3 year old likes to sit on my back while I do push ups and planks. He is also the best drill sergeant in the world. I was doing a jump rope circuit earlier this week and all I heard was “again, mommy!” I ended up doing over 500 reps with jump rope b/c of him.