Work(out) From Home
An affordable, mostly from Amazon list below. Create your own little space to give back to yourself.
Have you ever tried to go to the gym with a toddler and a breastfeeding baby? I go to a gym that has daycare, and it is still terrible. The toddler is screaming that she doesn’t want to stay in the daycare, and I only have one hour until the baby wants to breastfeed again.
I leave them both home with dad, hustle to the gym, walk on the treadmill, and then fumble around the weight section for a minute. But my boobs are leaking, and my leggings keep rolling down my squishy belly. I am overstimulated and just want to leave, and as soon as I get home, I am thrown back into breastfeeding, bath time, and five bedtime books. This felt productive for no one.
So, when I was three months postpartum, I decided I was going to build a little workout corner for myself in the garage. That was the only way I was going to make this work. I could work out during naps or whenever I wanted to. The toddler could run around in the yard and chalk on the driveway. The baby could sit in the swing and stare at me (her favorite thing to do).
I was facing a few challenges though:
We live in a 1970s home with a less-than-aesthetic wood-paneled garage.
Like most people, half of our garage was filled with things that should probably be in storage.
I had a very small budget and an even smaller corner.
The only person who wanted to clean out the garage less than me was my husband. However, I just gave birth to his second child in under two years, so he kind of owed me one. I got my husband to clean out the garage using my favorite move—I start doing the project with no notice. He drives up from work with the garage door open and half the contents pulled out into the driveway “so I could sweep.” He comments that he was going to do it later, but then jumps in and takes over, just like I knew he would.
After one evening of work, my garage is not any more aesthetically pleasing, but it is now at least clean and organized, with the perfect little corner just for me. I have to realize that no moment is ever going to be the perfect situation. I have to make the best of what I have and give what I can.
But back to point number three—a small budget.
I pulled together enough items from Amazon and Target to create a functional and flexible space. Here is the recipe for what I bought, in case you would like to replicate it. I did own a few items before creating this space, but have been personally worth the investment because I have had them for years. A small commission is earned when you shop through my links, but feel free to find similar items from anywhere!
The foundation:
Mats for the floor- https://a.co/d/0bbe9DMS
Yoga mat- https://shop.lululemon.com/p/yoga-mats/The-Mat-5mm/_/prod10990033?color=75464 (similar color)
would also try this one- https://amzn.to/49DUCfy (Stakt yoga mat)
Gear:
Pilates kit (core ball, ring, resistance bands) - https://amzn.to/4fzDD1E
jump rope- https://a.co/d/0gpR1MDq
gliders- https://a.co/d/0aA6Q2ob
wrist weights- https://amzn.to/4deBp6w
Recovery items:
foam roller- https://shop.lululemon.com/p/equipment/Double-Roller/_/prod8900773?color=33234
Fun additions:
vibration plate- https://amzn.to/3RixWeD
walking pad- https://amzn.to/4ues9Fn
tile mirrors- https://a.co/d/0a99Ew94
storage- https://amzn.to/4uiuwah
My future wish list:
WeGym dumbell set- https://amzn.to/4uiuwah (2-8 lbs), https://amzn.to/4umFTy2 (10-20 lbs), https://amzn.to/4nLEGOf (full set)
pelaton bike- https://amzn.to/4uhT6bb
peloton treadmill- https://amzn.to/3PJLKyl
Cleaning supplies:
manual vacuum- https://amzn.to/4wDFadd
wipes- https://amzn.to/4uet5cR
so now, NO EXCUSES. I have this space to use, it’s spring outside, and we are getting after it. I have a goal one day to create my own workout videos on different ways to utilize this equipment only. I am so many big plans on how to help mothers give back to themselves after having a baby. Thanks for reading and being a part of our little motherhood MOVEment community.
xoxo,
Elisabeth
