Movement is so vitally important for both our physical and mental health. There are very few people who would not benefit from a little more exercise in their day. But! We’re all busy.

The solution is to squeeze in just a little exercise but CONSISTENTLY. I religiously do 30 minutes of at-home exercise daily, plus as much walking as possible, and other additional physical activities that my life allows (family bike rides, hikes, yoga classes, tennis, etc). As long as I get this consistent minimum exercise, my body feels good, and I sleep well at night. Of course I “should” be getting more movement, and one day I will, but right now with kids, my job, and all of the other things, this is the minimum commitment I have gifted myself, and it’s working well for the time being.

Here are my two favourite Youtube gals (below), which I do on alternating days. I love these ladies because they are calm and relaxed, and I am up for investing the 30 mins of movements even if I’m feeling tired and lazy. But it’s challenging enough (especially if you progressively increase your weights) that my muscles are sore the next day (I’m building strength), and my flexibility has definitely improved.

If you don’t have any weights at home, you can easily pick some up at Decathlon, and for starting out you only need 2x light weights (2-5lbs) and 2x medium weights (5-10lbs). You can also get one heavy one for squats (15+ lbs), but I just hold the two medium weights together (#cheapskate #minimalisttoafault).

Be sure to consume 20-25g of protein within 30 minutes of completing your exercise to ensure that you are benefitting from your efforts and building muscle mass. I like Good Protein because it’s plant-based, tastes really good, and also has added vitamins. Shaking it in a mason jar with cold unsweetened organic soy milk is an easy, and hormone-balancing way to get it in.

STRENGTH TRAINING WITH CHERYL COULOMBE

YOGA WITH CHARLIE FOLLOWS