3 No-Nonsense Fitness Tools For Busy Moms

3 Fitness Tools for Busy Moms

Credit: Thomas R. Stegelmann

3. The Pull-Up Bar.

My husband installed a pull-up bar in our home when we moved in, and it has become my favorite workout tool. If you’re looking for a way to strengthen your core and upper body—and your confidence!—a pull-up bar is a must. If you can’t muster a full pull-up, start out by just hanging out on the bar for 20 seconds at a time (or as long as you can). Come off the bar, relax for a few seconds, then do it again. For me, hanging was very uncomfortable at first, but once I got used to it, the pull-up was close behind.

My Favorite Workouts

I like to combine pull-ups with other forms of exercise. For example, you could combine exercises that use the three fitness tools I’ve outlined here to get a fast and furious workout that will strengthen and tone your body. You could do a max set of pull-ups, followed by 10 kettlebell snatches and finish up with 2 minutes of jumping rope. Repeat the circuit three to five times. Mix it up and be creative!

What are your favorite fitness tools for those hectic days when you can’t fit in a class or a visit to the gym? —Nicole