Confession. I haven’t been to the gym in almost two weeks. Wait, what? (every time I hear that now, I think of this) Yup. And I feel fantastic. Hailey and I have a pretty good little system down right now, where she’s going down predictably for a morning nap around 9:00. As soon as she hits the crib, my clock starts ticking. I run into the bonus room and knock out a workout in about 45 minutes, then still have time to shower before H wakes up. I can’t tell you how much time this saves me in my day. So why didn’t I always do this? Two reasons. First, H hasn’t always been this predictable or slept this long. Secondly, I didn’t always have Tina. Tina has made it possible, thanks to her clearly outlined workout plans during her Best Body Bootcamp. 
At home workouts never lasted long for me. I really liked Jillian’s 30 Day Shred, but eventually the repetitiveness would bore me and I’d end up slacking or turning off the tape. With best body bootcamp, I’ve had new strength routines 3 days a week to keep me engaged. Plus, all I need is a set of hand weights and an exercise ball. My weeks have looked something like this:
M: Strength Training (roughly 40 minutes) + 20 minute walk
Tu: 45-60 minute wog outside
W: Strength Training (roughly 40 minutes) + 20 minute walk
Th: 45-60 minute wog (sometimes just walk) outside
F: Strength Training (roughly 40 minutes) + 20 minute walk
I’ve never done strength training this much or this consistently in my life and it’s quickly making a believer out of me. 
I know I’m stronger because certain exercises are becoming easier and I can now close and lift my stroller with one hand, which is awesome because H is usually in the other. I can see more definition in my abs and thighs (!!!) and beginning to see more definition in my arms. 
I’m not rapidly losing weight, but that’s not a goal of mine anymore (new post baby body post coming soon), but I do feel like I’m firming up. I actually feel like I’m getting into the best shape of my life. Have I been skinnier? Yes. But I’ve never felt more strong or healthy. I’d never have guessed that I’d feel the most confident about my body AFTER having a baby, but here I am. I think it’s a combination of being fit and finally respecting my body for all the amazing things it can do. 
Do you prefer cardio or strength?
At home workouts or the gym?
Liz says
i hope she offers the best body work-outs again…i missed this time around! yey for strength training!
Brittany says
I think she is planning to! As soon as I hear anything, I’ll make sure to help share the info 🙂
Heather says
I want to do it toooooooo
Linda says
Awesome post!!! I am currently pregnant with my second child, and must figure out a way to fit in at home workouts once baby number 2 arrives. This looks like such a great plan and I love that it involves strength training at home! Thanks for the inspiration. Please keep sharing these great tips!!!
nicole @ making good choices says
This is awesome! you look so strong!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I used to be a cardio queen, but over the past two years have realized how important strength training really is. I love that my mindset has changed from “I want to be skinny” to ” I want to feel strong.”
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
so proud of you girl! at-home workouts are awesome!
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine says
I love your outlook so much…I’ve been feeling a little down lately and I’m not quite sure what about, but because I have been strength training more and toting around a 18 pound “little” girl I have noticed my arms are so much stronger. So I completely agree, I am loving the definition and trying to get less caught up with a number on the scale!
Beth says
Nice! Love at home work outs or walking and running outside. I havent had a gym membership in two years 🙂
blackhuff says
I’m a “at home” exerciser due to having two children and I love both cardio and strength training. Strength training also helps with my running = strong muscles fever injuries.
Andrea says
You said it! Respecting your body for what it can do…not for how it looks. This is the message we need to get across!
Danielle says
That link made me almost pee myself. It’s funny…because it’s true 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Brittany-you look great! I can totally relate (minus the baby part ;)) to this b/c I keep seeing the scale go up and yet I’ve never been stronger or more defined as I am now. I haven’t done cardio in almost 4 weeks on the Livefit plan (that’s about to change next week…rude awakening!) and my muscles are actually loving it! Stronger is definitely the new skinny 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
so happy you’re feeling strong! you look great!
I have to always mix up what I’m doing so I have a big rotation of workout videos, fitness classes, strength training sessions, and running/spinning that I’m always mixing up, plus I go for a walk almost every evening. If I’m not always changing it up I get bored with working out!
Jamie @ FoodinRealLife says
These posts are so exciting! Makes me feel confident that I will be able to have a better body after baby. I have a lot to lose still, but there is something kind of refreshing about postpartum weight loss. It’s almost like you give yourself a fresh start and lose the judgement. The weight is there because you created a miracle, and I’ve never been more respectful of my body since I started breastfeeding because I know I need to be moderate and kind to it. I’m really into at home workouts (recently got Turbo Fire and love it). I don’t get to do it every day since Olivia does not have a consistent nap schedule yet, but I have been able to do it in the early morning after a feeding around 5am and on weekends or evenings. It is such a time saver just to run down to the basement and press play versus all of the other stuff that eats into your precious time. Keep it up, you inspire me! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Good job on the at home workouts! While I prefer working out at home more, I sometimes find it harder to push myself to do it.
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Love this…mostly because you are happy and doing what works for you. That’s what is important! If you hate going to the gym or don’t have time to…why bother? Find something else that works. I’m quickly learning that things change (and sometimes change fast) as a mom working around a baby’s schedule. Sounds like you’re adjusting and doing what works for you and H right now!
Maria says
I’m really hoping that Tina does a second round! I’ve heard so many great things about her program!
You look great by the way! There is nothing more motivating than feeling strong!
Jen says
Love this! I’ve been doing my BBBC exercises at home too while W naps or plays on the floor next to me. You look great! And I completely agree that strong is the new skinny. I just wish my tummy would look strong instead of flabby 😉
Kelly@Runmarun says
You look awesome! For mommies, it’s great to be able to work out at home and you’ve got a great routine down! I need to get motivated on strength training…
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
You are a mommy machine indeed!!!! You look awesomely toned! I need to do whatever YOU’RE doing!
Paulina says
Look at those strong arms! That’s great that you can get in that strength training every week. My only time (on weekdays) would be after my daughter goes to bed, which is when I’m ready for bed too. I’ve been sneaking in some tricep dips off my desk at work and doing 30 second planks or a quick push-up or two. I have a very sedentary desk job, so every bit counts.
Keri says
Love this! I’m in the same boat w/ my 6 mo. 9am is workout time at home, and im also doing BBBC. My gym (on a military post) stopped offering childcare a few months ago so I have no other option anyways. My favorite part is the time it saves, and the fact that I can do it and shower by mid-morning instead of dragging it out. The only problem I’m having is I might need bigger weights lol.
Katherine says
You look great!!!! Makes me wish i had hopped on this best body bootcamp train! So many people think running/cardio is the only way to get fit but you are clear proof that strength training rocks. Keep it up 🙂
Cat says
Here’s an interesting piece on food deserts and some ideas folks have to change the situation and promote healthy options: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/conquering-food-deserts-with-green-carts/
Kayla @ The Best Things says
I love this post. You have such a great body!! I love the #strongisthenewskinny thing. I’m going to think about that next time I have a bad body moment..
Adria @ The Sparkles Diaries says
Woo hoo!! Way to go! With kids, I find it’s important that our fitness routine be somewhat flexible. Meaning, if we can’t make it to the gym well we should be able to take it outside, for example. I myself wog on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and just recently I thought of adding some strength training in my routine. After seeing your post, I believe my strength training days will not be on the same days as my wogs. Thanks for the pointer!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Oh I sooo hope I’m like you after I have a baby. I would love to feel even MORE confident and ever MORE stronger (that’s not really grammatically correct, is it … ?) after having a baby! Good for you!!
Sam @ Fit for My Fork says
I prefer strength training to cardio. I find cardio a bit mindless. I work out at home too – I am doing Chalean Extreme at the moment. I’ve never had a gym membership and may never have one – I like being able to come home after work and get in my workout in while dinner is in the oven or bf is cooking!
Yeaaaah! Strong is definitely the new skinny! You look great – not great for a new mom, just great, period!
Lisa says
Aw this was so nice to read! I’m so happy to hear your getting great benefits from training at home and you feel the happiest/strongest ever with your body! 🙂 You look awesome! And I love that you can be proof to new moms that working out at home can get you back to your before baby body. I never ever go to the gym, well except for spin 2 x a week. Other than that, all my workouts are at home. I love it so much more. Have a great day!
Carolynn says
Your arms look amazing! And pleeease do update us when she hosts her next challenge! I’d love to join in.
I prefer running over strength training, now that I can finally run 3 miles without keeling over and getting into the fetal position lol.
I’d much rather work out at home if I’m going to do strength training, which is why I need to get some gym equipment once I’m in a bigger apartment/house!
Jonathan says
I would prefer a gym because it offers more options, but lately I’ve been working out at home because it saves me a lot of time. I don’t have to commute.
I like to do circuit training and I feel like I get a pretty good cardiovascular stimulation out of it too.
Avery @ Southern Belle Living Well says
OOooo yes, definitely take advantage of her sleep pattern while you can! For me, I feel like I workout harder if I’m in the gym. I figure “hey, I’m here, so I’m gonna go kill that elliptical), but when I’m at home, there are SO many distractions that make me lose interest.
Julie says
I had a little bit of time when I didn’t go to the gym and knocked out 45 minute workouts at home. It was awesome and I really worked up a sweat, but like with all things, I get bored unless I have more or someone to motivate me. Sometimes it takes a year for me to get bored, but sometimes it’s sooner. I prefer strength right now but was a cardio addict for years.