Mammy Poppins

I can't even wee in peace and I'm expected to exercise?!

You've got to be kidding right?

If I can't even go to the toilet without a mini-me attached to my legs, then how on earth can I find time to exercise?!

Before becoming a Mammy, I used to be able to exercise whenever I wanted! Then little Jimmy arrived and I couldn't do anything without him attached to my boobs feeding, wanting to be held constantly, or continually pulling my legs - my little ankle ankle biter!

My body cries out for me to exercise and I crave the endorphins that it creates, especially being so sleep deprived at times, this really does boost us and helps our brains to function.

Like many of us, especially working Mammies, long exercise sessions or gym classes are simply out of the question! And that's not even mentioning the cost when you're on maternity leave pay! Who has got spare cash for gym membership! Long exercise sessions are never a favourite of mine anyway - so quick, intensive sessions really are the only way forward to keep us toned, fit and in shape, especially when the abundance of time is NOT on our hands!

High intensity shorter work outs are the most effective for weight loss, gaining tone/muscle and keeping a strong body and a strong mind.

Benefits of Short, Intensive, Heavy (for the individual) Sessions...

Improves Strength & Increases muscle growth - no you're not going to look like a man or look like a female body builder - all of the above just means TONED and NO WOBBLY BITS. Cardio encourages muscle LOSS (less toned bits)

Boosts fat loss - your metabolic rate will be through the roof even up to 24 hours after you've stopped exercising! INCHES WILL BE LOST in this process.

Limited equipment necessary - a kettle bell will suffice to be strong and gain muscle tone.

Increase your HGH (human growth hormone) - HGH is fabulous, not only does it increase your fat burn, but it slows down the ageing process both internally & externally! Win Win!

This is what our bodies are designed to do! Think cave man activities not slogging hours and hours at the gym activities. You would never try to out run an antelope, you would stalk, sprint and throw a heavy object.

Better use of your time - These types of work outs are actually manageable to fit in 2-3 times a week when you have other commitments. Think lunch break, nap times or even get the kids involved too!

You won't become bored - every session is different so you don't have to ever repeat a work out!

But I haven't got a home gym? Where will I do such work outs?

It really doesn't matter if you don't have equipment - Thankfully, I have a kettle bell at home which is a great piece of kit for training and without breaking the bank! Although, you may break your back training with one! *jokes*
You can pick up inexpensive kettle bells from most supermarkets these days, in a variety of weights to suit your ability.

I've been lucky enough to have some expert guidance on creating this blog post and have collaborated with Justin Lord from THE LIFE LAB (insta @the.life.lab) and Emma from Crossfit Llanelli (insta - @crossfitllanelli).

Now that I am back working, I am happy to be a member of Crossfit Llanelli and am grateful that I can train about twice a week there...my third session of the week is at home.

Today's session is from Emma @crossfitllanelli and it was over in 15 minutes... thank god!

15 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

15 burpees, 10 kettle bell swings & 5 thrusters

If you can only train at home and with minimal equipment then Justin Lord's THE LIFE LAB is really for you! (@the.life.lab)
Not only does Justin provide quick daily work outs to do at home and with limited equipment, he also gives video tutorials on techniques, incase you're stuck on a movement! HOW AWESOME is that?
THE LIFE LAB offers so much more than work outs, it is the HUB of nutrition and a healthy mindflow. Have a look, it might just change your life! You can contact Justin Lord on Facebook and on instagram @the.life.lab

Below are examples of the daily work outs you could get sent to you...