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5 “It” Workouts To Get Your Sweat On

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

Photography by Photograph via Kayla Itsines

Finding the time to get in shape and stick to a regular fitness routine can be a struggle for anyone, but when you’re also a mom it seems nearly impossible to find a spare moment for yourself, much less set aside time to workout. And when we do get a few minutes of breathing room, it’s common to feel zapped of energy and just want to relax. We all know the benefits of exercise, both physically and mentally, but going to the gym on the reg is not in the cards for everyone. Luckily, there is now an abundance of at-home fitness programs you can do in the comfort of your own home and on your own time. We’ve found five of the best, ranging from circuit training to yoga to cardio. Check them out below and get to sweatin’!

BBG: Bikini Body Guide (a.k.a BBG) is a set of PDFs developed by fitness inspiration to the masses Kayla Itsines. The 12-week program is a combination of circuit training, LISS (low impact Steady State) and HIIT (high intensity interval training) that can be done in as little as 30 minutes a day. And it promises results—just search the various #bbg hashtags to see the impressive transformation photos. Kayla’s program includes everything you need including gear recommendations, warm-ups and cool-downs, and a Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Plan to help keep you motivated and on track. Bikini Body Guide, starting at $52, Kayla Itsines.

Barre Online: We’ve all heard of Barre, which is a bar-based, non-impact total body workout that can transform anyone’s body. Created by Burr Leonard in 2001, Bar Method is designed to quickly re-shape students’ muscles through a series of high-intensity exercises both on a bar and mat, followed by active stretching to elongate the targeted muscles. Normally practiced in a studio, Bar Online can now be streamed 24/7, and includes a variety of different class levels, such as Beginner, Accelerated, Mixed, and even Prenatal. The classes range from twenty-minute targeted workouts to sixty-minute full body routines, which is perfect for a busy mom’s schedule. Even a twenty-minute session is enough to get your blood flowing and heart rate up. You can purchase a monthly, six-month, or annual plan and have access to all classes and instructors for a low cost. Give it a try! Barre Online, starting at $15/month, Bar Method.

Ballet Beautiful: Created by professional ballerina Mary Helen Bowers, this workout mixes ballet poses with targeted exercises and stretches designed to sculpt a lean and toned body. Everything is modifiable, and women of all ages and fitness levels can take these hour-long classes via DVD or online right in their living room. The exercises start off relatively easy, but increase with difficulty as the time and intervals progress. There are a variety of different classes (i.e. Body Blast, Cardio Fat Burn, Total Body Workout), but each one is directed towards strengthening your abs, inner thighs, outer thighs, arms, lower back, and buttocks. Wondering if it works? It definitely does—Mary Helen Bowers trained Natalie Portman for her Academy Award-winning performance in Black Swan. Ballet Beautiful, starting at $8, Amazon.

Yoga Camp: Adriene Mishler is a yoga teacher based in Austin, Texas, and has created a free online library of yoga classes and tools for all body types and skill levels. Her content is designed to inspire people to connect with their bodies daily through active yoga poses and stretching. Her “Yoga Camp”, which is a 30-day in-home practice, can be accessed via YouTube. Each day is a different routine that includes gentle instruction, calming music, as well as emotional guidance and support for the mind, body, and soul. She also offers other free videos that include: Yoga for Beginners, Foundations of Yoga, Yoga for Weight Loss, and Vinyasa Flow, which are all available on her site. Adriene has a calm and soothing demeanor, and makes yoga accessible and approachable to everyone—all the more reason to break out your mat! Yoga Camp, Free, Yoga With Adriene.

SBC: While we might roll our eyes at what SBC stands for, The Skinny Bitch Collective, creator Russell Bateman knows a thing or two about getting women in shape. What was originally known as “the secret class for supermodels”, this high-intensity training program includes less-than-average exercises and dietary assistance. The regimen is extreme, to say the least, and is famous for it’s ‘primal movement’ patterns, which include jumping, squatting, crawling, and fight-or-flight movements similar to somewhat animalistic practices. This secret society was created as a members-only club in London, but SBC training can now be purchased through its website and accessed anywhere via phone or computer. The online features include video tutorials, nutritional guidance, and workout music that are designed for “girls on the move”. We know this one sounds a bit intimidating, but the results speak for themselves, and may be worth a try! The SBC Experience, Starting at $257, The SB Collective.

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