4 At Home Workout Moves To Do When You’re Strapped For Time

No time for the gym? We’ve got you covered.

Kels here! Today I’m partnering with Emily and Fabletics to write a post that I hope will help fellow mamas who want to stay in shape, but feel like they’re always struggling to squeeze in a work out. Emily and I were chatting a few weeks back about how the gym is such a luxury — one that we’d love to find the time to go to more, but that we often forego because it’s all we can do to shower and get the kids ready for the day! (Especially in the summer, when school is out for the kiddos.) In those cases, at home workout moves are definitely the way to go! They’re quick, (fairly) easy, and you can do them at your own pace. Best, they work!

No matter who you are — a stay at home mom, or working mom on the go — a long workout can feel daunting. I get it! But, working out is a priority of mine, so I try to do it as much as possible. It keeps my mind and body healthy, happy, and feeling great.

Why focus on these specific moves?

Throughout the years, I’ve learned to rely on some core at home workout moves that I love, and I’m excited to share them with you today. These 4 moves are great because they blast calories with a combination of strength training and cardio, while also targeting your abdominal muscles, upper, and lower body! A full body work out, that you can do right at home and with just your own body weight. I hope these are helpful for you!

Emily edit: Oh my gosh, you guys. Kelsey kicked my butt with these moves when we did the workout for the photos below! I learned a lot from her, and have been doing a few circuits in the mornings before the girls wake up, and can definitely feel and SEE a different in my body.

4 At Home Workout Moves To Do When You’re Strapped For Time

Repeat the below circuit 2 – 3 times. (Or, as much as you’d like! The more, the merrier.)

At-Home Move #1: Plank Saws

Plank Saw (1 minute)

• Start in a forearm plank with weight on just your toes.
• Saw (rock) forward and backward, using just your forearms and toes for 1 minute. Keep your core tight throughout the movement.

Alternating Single Leg Reverse Lunges (20 reps each leg)

• To begin, stand tall with your hands at your hips. Take a large and controlled step backward with your left foot.
• Lower your hips so that your right thigh (front leg) becomes parallel to the ground.
• With your right knee positioned directly over your ankle, your left knee should be bent at a 90-degree angle and pointing toward the floor with your left heel lifted.
• Return to standing by pressing your right heel into the floor and bringing your left leg forward to complete one rep.
• Alternate legs, and step back with right leg. Continue alternating for 20 reps total on each leg.

Mountain Climbers (1 minute)

• Start in a traditional plank with your shoulders over your hands, and your weight on just your toes. 
• With your core engaged, bring your right knee forward under your chest, with the toes just off the ground. Return to your basic plank. Switch legs, bringing the left knee forward. 
• Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position.
• Continue “running” in your plank for one minute.

Burpees With Jump (1 minute)

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms by your sides.
• Bend your knees and reach forward to place your hands on the floor.
• Kick your legs straight out behind you and immediately lower your entire body down to the ground, bending at the elbows (like you are doing a push-up).
• Use your arms to quickly push your body back up and hop your legs back under your body.
• Jump straight up into the air, reaching your arms overhead. End with your knees slightly bent, and go directly into the next rep.

Repeat entire circuit 2 – 3 times.

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Of course, an at home work out is always more fun when paired with a great outfit! Here, we’re wearing Fabletics, which always has such stylish and quality gear at an affordable price point. This brand is great for athleisure clothing, because their items are so easily worn from the gym (or, hey, at home!) to running errands with the kids. Outfit specifics are below — we both were raving about our tops specifically when shooting this post — they’re both fun to wear different ways including tied, like we did here!

On Kelsey // Salar Statement Ultra Cool Pants + Cashel Open Back Tank in White + Devore Seamless Sports Bra

On Emily // Mila Pocket Legging + Zoe High Impact Sports Bra (Color is “Rosebloom”) + Corrine Sculptknit Tank

What other at home work out moves do you like to do? Leave them in the comments below!

PS – How going with the flow leads to happiness + A reflection on the meaning of “Me Time” + 10 easy ways to go green