“My priorities have shifted hugely since having kids”—a Pilates instructor shares her realistic home workout routine that keeps her strong and mobile

Welcome to Workout Diaries, 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.

Annabel Luke is a Pilates instructor based in London, and the founder of online studio Pilates By Bel.

Luke specializes in mat Pilates and this is the focus of her home-based workout routine.

But this hasn't always been the case and the way she works out has changed significantly since becoming a mother.

“My priorities have shifted hugely since having kids. It’s 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,” she tells Fit&Well.

“I focus on consistency with movement that keeps me strong, mobile and pain-free, so I can keep up with my high-energy toddlers,” Luke adds.

The Pilates instructor also explains that movement is crucial for her mental health.

“Regular 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.”

Here's what a typical week of movement looks like for her.

Annabel Luke's weekly workout routine

Monday 6.30am
40-minute full-body mat Pilates workout

Tuesday 9am
Filming three Pilates classes for her online platform

Wednesday 1pm
Rest day with 30-minute ice bath and sauna session

Thursday 6.30am
30-minute strength-focused, full-body Pilates workout

Friday 1pm
20-minute mat Pilates routine

Saturday 8am
40-minute family run

Sunday 7pm
Rest and 30 minutes of stretching

Annabel Luke's tips for building a workout routine

1 Find discipline, not motivation

Luke says staying disciplined with your routine is key, because motivation comes and goes.

“I don’t rely on motivation because it’s not always there,” Luke says. “Instead I focus on discipline to show up consistently.”

2 Aim for consistency over volume

Rather than scheduling in three one hour workouts a week, try small amounts of regular movement.

“Every bit counts, and it’s that consistency that really makes a difference in how I feel, look and function day to day [...] even if it’s just five minutes on the mat to maintain momentum.”

3 Discover exercise you find joyful

“Find something you love, that feels like a joy and not a chore, and that genuinely helps you feel your best,” Luke advises.

“When you enjoy your movement, consistency becomes effortless and it’s much easier to stick with it long-term. The results will speak for themselves!”