My New 15 Minute Workout Routine
Finding time to workout has been an ongoing challenge for almost two years now. It’s kind of crazy to think that it’s been that long since I was in a daily workout routine that I was truly committed to. Before getting pregnant with Sebastian, Matt and I would both find time to get to the gym. Every morning, we woke up and went to the gym together. Then we’d come back home and have a coffee together on the porch. It was the best part of our day.
Halfway through my pregnancy, I stopped going to the gym. Someone slightly scared me and had me convinced I needed to slow down my exercise. I knew at the time that wasn’t true, but I got nervous because I was doing a lot of high interval training courses. In retrospect, I should have kept going to the gym, even if it was to just to walk on the treadmill. As soon as I got out of that routine, it was so tough to get back on course. I’ve struggled ever since to find that discipline again for my workouts.
After having Sebastian, I was too tired and didn’t have enough time to dedicate to the gym, or so I told myself. I truly believe you make time for the things that are important to you. Again, I lacked the discipline to make it happen on those busy days.
Making Changes
A few weeks ago, I decided to start listening to The Power of Habit on Audible. It completely changed the way I look at my daily routines. I want to add this book to my list of inspiring books. Waking up early and going to the gym is something that I wanted to get into the habit of doing. That along with a host of other things too. Over the last week, every time my alarm goes off, instead of hitting the snooze button, I roll out of bed. Next, it’s either a quick workout in the living room or I go to the gym.
My current workout routine is short and sweet. The last few weeks I’ve been going back and forth with BBG, but I can’t connect with the workout. I’ve seen so many success stories with the programs, but right now I don’t have the motivation to make this part of my routine. I hope after four weeks of working out on a daily basis, I will get in the habit of making time to workout.
The Hurdle
The main problem for me is mental. It’s my perception of working out. That I have to do some sort of strenuous workout to see any results at all. This is of course complete not true. So, I’m set out to prove to myself that I can do short workouts consistently and see results. The other piece to this puzzle is my diet. This is the area I have a lot of discipline. My diet consists of mostly fruits, veggies, and healthy grains. Of course, I love pizza, pasta, and cocktails, but all of these come in sparse moderation. I think it’s totally normal to gain a little weight throughout the year. When it comes to this, I try to not gain more than 5-7 lbs. Sometimes you just need and need to indulge!
As for my routine, this short workout is what I’ve been doing for the last ten days. I’m already seeing some definition coming back in my arms and abs. What I love most is that I can do this from home while Sebastian plays with his trucks, while traveling or anytime I need get in a short workout. The days I go to the gym, I add in heavier weights, cardio sessions, and a few more exercises.
What I love most about these short routines is that I’m enabling myself to workout anywhere and at any point in my day. For so long I thought I had to go to the gym to get in a good sweat, but there are plenty of workout routines that you can do to get your heart rate up and your body moving! 
Workout Routine
Each exercise in reps of 20 on a yoga mat and and this dumbbell set.
- Pushups
- Bicep curls (5lbs weight)
- Tricep extensions (5lbs weight)
- Shoulder press (5lbs weight)
- Crunches
- Leg lifts
- Pelvic thrust
- Squats
My current focus is to start to get into a routine and see more and more definition in my arms, legs, and abs. I hope that by recognizing where I’ve failed in the past and creating something that works for my lifestyle, I can achieve my goals. In 30 days, I will evaluate where I’m at and see what adjustments need to be made. Long gone are the days of all or nothing fitness.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on Instagram Stories!
xo, Olivia
Hello Olivia,
Thank you so much for sharing your challenges with getting back into a workout routine. The same thing happened to me. I was working out consistently and then in March of last year I stopped and have been struggling ever since. I will definitely try your workout for the next 30 days just to see if I can do it. Just a quick question: do you only do one round of all the exercises you listed above?
Love your blog and IG!