5 Ways to Simplify Your Fitness Routine

Family and Kids, Goals and Dreams

Post written by fashion and motherhood columnist Sherri Dickens of Edit by Lauren.

Life is busy.  And if you’re at all like me, the exercise routine is one of the first things to go.  Too much work, can’t get to the gym, I’m too busy watching reality tv….no? Just me?
I’ve learned that physical health is so instrumental to my emotional and mental health.  (Which is a fancy way of saying that I exercise to get rid of the crazy.)  So, it’s definitely worth figuring out a way to fit it in.  I’ve found five resources that will make it super easy to incorporate fitness into your daily routine.  I promise.
1.  Nike Training Club App
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Since we are all permanently attached to our smartphones, why not put the obsession to work for us? The Nike Training Club App is fabulous, because you can choose from various workout categories (Get Lean, Get Toned, Get Strong, Get Focused) depending on your fitness goals.  They also have 15 minute workouts that are tough and very effective.  This is a perfect choice for those who travel, or just need someone to tell them what to do.  It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket.
(But not in a weird way.)
2.  Pinterest
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You may have been under the impression that Pinterest is only for women who are looking for recipes or home decor ideas.  Wrong. There are some killer workouts (like the one pictured above from fitsugar.com) that will give you direction when you’re feeling unmotivated.  Just search the site for “fitness” or “exercise” and you’ll have more workouts than you ever imagined.
(Or wanted.)
3.  Pure Barre DVDs
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I’ve tried pretty much every type of workout there is, and Pure Barre is easily one of the most difficult.  This is definitely geared more toward the ladies, as the main goal is to “lift, tone, and burn,” certain problem areas, with which women tend to struggle.  It’s an easy workout to do at home, while kids or napping, or whenever you can fit in 40 minutes of exercise.
Disclaimer:  Please don’t blame me when you find yourself unable to walk for 3 days after.  It’s tough.  You’ve been warned!
4. Jillian Michaels “30 Day Shred”
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Somehow, I feel certain that Jillian Michaels can motivate nearly anyone to reach their exercise potential.  She keeps the workout upbeat, fast-paced, and most of all, it’s only 20 minutes!  It’s a progressive workout, so once you’ve mastered Level 1, you graduate to Level 2, and so on.
5.  Couch to 5K Program
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This is the perfect choice for those of you who really want to be runners, except for that pesky “actually having to run” part.  I get it.  I really do.  But this easy, run/walk program will ease you into running in a way that’s safe and easy on your body.  Before you know it, you’ll be running 3 miles without stopping!  This program also offers an app for your smartphone, which interrupts your music to tell you when to start running again.
So there you have it; five easy ways to fit exercise into your daily lives.  Have you tried any of these?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
(Unless you’re mad at me for eliminating your excuses and telling you not to watch any more reality tv.  In that case, feel free to keep your comments to yourselves.)