My Busy Mom Fitness Routine (Peloton, Weights & E-Bike Commuting)

I'm a full-time working mom of three kids. I cargo bike every day. I do not have a gym membership or a personal trainer. But I work out 5 days a week, and I'm in the best shape of my life. Here's exactly what I do.

My 5-Day Schedule

Monday: Upper Body (Peloton Strength, 20-30 min)

• Peloton app strength class focused on arms, shoulders, chest, and back
• I started with 5-pound weights and now use 15-20 pounds
• I do this at 5:30 AM before the kids wake up

Tuesday: Lower Body (Peloton Strength, 20-30 min)

• Squats, lunges, deadlifts, glute bridges
• Progression has been key — don't be afraid to go heavier
• Same 5:30 AM slot

Wednesday: Peloton Ride or Run (20-30 min)

• Either a Peloton cycling class or a quick outdoor run
• This is my cardio day
• If I'm short on time, a 20-minute HIIT ride does the trick

Thursday: Full Body or Core (Peloton Strength, 20-30 min)

• Full body strength or a dedicated core class
• Core strength has been a game-changer for cargo biking — you use it more than you'd think

Friday: Yoga or Stretch (Peloton, 20-30 min)

• Recovery day
• Peloton yoga classes are surprisingly good
• This is the day I'm most tempted to skip, but my body needs it

Weekends: Cargo Biking

• On weekends we bike everywhere — parks, farmers market, playdates, errands
• This is easily 5-10 miles of riding over a weekend
• It doesn't feel like exercise, but it absolutely is

Does E-Biking Count as Exercise?

I get this question constantly. The answer: YES.

Research from Brigham Young University found that e-bike riders get heart rates into moderate-to-vigorous exercise zones. A University of Basel study found that e-biking improves cardiovascular fitness comparably to conventional cycling.

Think about it: you're still pedaling. The motor assists, it doesn't replace. On my daily school drop-off/pickup commute, I ride about 5 miles round trip. That's real movement, real effort, and real calorie burn — especially with 80+ pounds of kids in the bucket.

My Weight Progression

For anyone who thinks strength training means getting bulky — here's my journey:

• Year 1: 5-8 lb dumbbells
• Year 2: 10-12 lbs
• Year 3: 15-20 lbs

I'm smaller and stronger than when I started. Muscle is denser than fat.

What You Need

• A Peloton app subscription ($13/month — you don't need the bike)
• A set of adjustable dumbbells (I use Bowflex SelectTech)
• A yoga mat
• 20-30 minutes before the kids wake up

That's it. No gym. No commute. No childcare arrangements.

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