On Maintaining This Amazing Bod

I have everything  nothing figured out, but I know a singular truth to “working out” as a parent.  Namely, it’s all about maintenance. Since we don’t have endless hours to spend at the gym, not to mention getting to/from, efficiency is k-e-y. Which means I stay home and get my workout in here. But how, you ask? Well, I embarked on a quest to find out my options. Note: there was a lot, but since I’m lazy these were the top search results.

1. Daily Burn
So for around $20/mo you can use this very slick site for all your workout-y needs. I liked the little activity bar that shows you how far you have to go on a certain exercise. I also liked the instructors. Drawbacks? I found the site glitchy, especially when trying to cast via Google on my TV. Also, like any good diva, I require quick workouts, think 10-15 minutes. I couldn’t find much in that timeframe that featured strength training (so important for women).

Verdict: I spent more time fussing with the website than I did working out. Keep walking, Daily Burn!

2. Booya Fitness
Another $20 rangey streaming site which features an eclectic selection of workouts with varying lengths. No casting feature, which means I propped up my phone against the couch and waited for my dog to knock it over. I enjoyed the instructors and the content, but the workouts trended a bit long. Also, their search feature isn’t mobile-enabled, which made it really hard to find new, fresh workouts.

Verdict: The Mick Jagger effect. Not enough variety to keep me satisfied.

3. Youtube (like you need a hyperlink, you addict!)
A treasure trove! Lots of aspiring and established instructors post videos of their workouts, for free! The trick is FINDING them. It’s truly frightening how many polished workout videos Youtube offers. I had no idea that this is a viable employment option for young, white yoga instructors who live in Bali. You can also select videos in advance, making for fast queue-up time the day of. Why the streaming sites haven’t figured this out is beyond me.

Verdict: Minus the ads in the middle of your down-dog, Youtube has many decent options.

4. DIY
I have an old weightlifting book my father bought me years ago. I also have dumbells lying around my house. I gather these things together and boom! My very own gym. There is virtually no set up time for me to stumble over and begin “hitting the iron.” I do have to invest some time deciding what happens on each day, but my book has workout routines. Even better, it only takes me around 10-15 minutes per day.

Verdict: If you are disciplined (I am) and cheap (check) nothing can really beat this option.

So there you have it! I promptly canceled my trial runs for all streaming sites, and now use a mix of DIY during the week, and Youtube on the weekend when I have more time. Perfect? Hardly. There will come a time I crave the community of a group fitness class or the siren song of a $10/mo gym membership. Until then, I’ll stash away the money for a rainy day. Or when these nails are a horror show.