{"id":315844,"date":"2025-11-30T05:52:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T05:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/315844\/"},"modified":"2025-11-30T05:52:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T05:52:16","slug":"my-priorities-have-shifted-hugely-since-having-kids-a-pilates-instructor-shares-her-realistic-home-workout-routine-that-keeps-her-strong-and-mobile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/315844\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cMy priorities have shifted hugely since having kids\u201d\u2014a Pilates instructor shares her realistic home workout routine that keeps her strong and mobile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to Workout Diaries<\/a>, a series where we ask expert trainers to talk us through what a week of exercise looks like for them, helping you figure out how to develop and maintain an effective workout routine.<\/p>\n

Annabel Luke is a Pilates instructor based in London, and the founder of online studio Pilates By Bel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Luke specializes in mat Pilates and this is the focus of her home-based workout routine.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

But this hasn’t always been the case and the way she works out has changed significantly since becoming a mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy priorities have shifted hugely since having kids. It\u2019s no longer about chasing intensity or aesthetics. My priority now is feeling strong, energised and clear-headed so I can show up for my family as my best self,\u201d she tells Fit&Well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI focus on consistency with movement that keeps me strong, mobile and pain-free, so I can keep up with my high-energy toddlers,\u201d Luke adds.<\/p>\n

The Pilates instructor also explains that movement is crucial for her mental health.<\/p>\n

Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegular movement anchors me in my routine and gives me some non-negotiable me-time, which can be hard to come by in a busy household.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here’s what a typical week of movement looks like for her.<\/p>\n

Annabel Luke’s weekly workout routine<\/p>\n

Monday 6.30am
40-minute full-body mat Pilates workout<\/p>\n

Tuesday 9am
Filming three Pilates classes for her online platform<\/p>\n

Wednesday 1pm
Rest day with 30-minute ice bath and sauna session<\/p>\n

Thursday 6.30am
30-minute strength-focused, full-body Pilates workout<\/p>\n

Friday 1pm
20-minute mat Pilates routine<\/p>\n

Saturday 8am
40-minute family run<\/p>\n

Sunday 7pm
Rest and 30 minutes of stretching<\/p>\n

Annabel Luke’s tips for building a workout routine<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pilates\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Margaux Chanaud)<\/p>\n

1 Find discipline, not motivation<\/p>\n

Luke says staying disciplined with your routine is key, because motivation comes and goes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t rely on motivation because it\u2019s not always there,\u201d Luke says. \u201cInstead I focus on discipline to show up consistently.\u201d<\/p>\n

2 Aim for consistency over volume<\/p>\n

Rather than scheduling in three one hour workouts a week, try small amounts of regular movement.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery bit counts, and it\u2019s that consistency that really makes a difference in how I feel, look and function day to day […] even if it\u2019s just five minutes on the mat to maintain momentum.\u201d<\/p>\n

3 Discover exercise you find joyful<\/p>\n

\u201cFind something you love, that feels like a joy and not a chore, and that genuinely helps you feel your best,\u201d Luke advises.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you enjoy your movement, consistency becomes effortless and it\u2019s much easier to stick with it long-term. The results will speak for themselves!\u201d<\/p>\n