About a week ago I was once again reminded of something I need to be doing: consistent exercise. We went on a leisurely hike... at least it should have been leisurely. Seriously. It was NOT a difficult hike... except for me (and Cody--don't tell him I told you. I just felt a lot better knowing I wasn't alone in my wheezing and breathlessness). We went about 100 meters up the steep steps and were already hot, sweaty, and stopping for a rest to catch our breath. Can you say PATHETIC? Mind you it was hot, humid, and in the middle of the afternoon...but still! I was ashamed. So ashamed...and, I must admit, pretty amused.So, my question is: how do YOU do it? How do you fit in regular exercise? Especially with little ones running around? And what type of exercise do you like to do? And how do you stay motivated long-term?
Here is my situation (aka my pitiful excuses): small apartment, no gym, no car, hot and humid weather (even in the wee hours of the morning), a very busy toddler, no jogging stroller, no babysitter, and a husband that leaves early and gets home late (7 a.m to 7:30 p.m., on a good day). Any suggestions for fitting in a regular exercise routine? I know it can be done. Especially after hearing that my BFF, who just had her second baby almost three weeks ago, is already doing pilates every day (yet another inspiration to kick it in gear--okay, that and me putting my hands on my waist on Saturday night and feeling nothing but a soft pillow).
On the up side, we had an awesome time on our hike (even if it was difficult for us pathetic souls) and we got to see some great views and a really cool temple. 
{Hey! That's our apartment!!}
As always, to see more pics, click here and go to Our Picasa Pictures.
11 comments:
I agree! It's so hard to fit exercise in every day. It's something that I constantly struggle with, too. But from the pictures of your new flat that you posted a few weeks ago, you've got more room than I do and I still manage to do dvd's at home sometimes. :) Just move those white tables, roll up the rug, and you've got more room. I know when your hubby gets home, all you want to do is put the kid to bed and spend time with him, but you could also use it as a time to go running (or walking) while he's home to watch J, even if it's 9pm. There are ways to do it, it's just a matter of doing it. lol.
I'm a fan of the workout videos. I do them after Hunter goes to bed or sometimes during naps. Good luck!
You have to just make the choice and the commitment. No excuses are worth it! I love doing Turbo Jam when I can't get outside to bike or jog. Great investment. If it's any consolation, you don't look like you're out of shape:)
I try to get up before Spencer and get a workout in. I have a stationary bike that has made all the difference. It sits in a corner and I can read while I ride. I am not one for gyms so that along with workout video's has been my routine. And I agree with the reimers family, you don't look out of shape. You look just great!
Ha ha ha - thanks for the shout out! Okay Nicole, here's where you find motivation. You ready??? It's........being fat. There ya go. That's the only reason I can find the desire to do it every day. The fact that I don't fit into my clothes, my stomach looks like pizza dough, and my butt looks like someone shoved a couple canteloupes down my pants. Seeing as you don't have any of those problems, you may need to find your own form of motivation! :) But in all seriousness, the only way I will consistently work out is if I have a routine that I enjoy (if I don't like it, I won't do it), which to me is the biggest factor, and then secondly it has to be one that offers semi-immediate results. I really hate doing something every day and then after several weeks I still feel the exact same way. That's why I do pilates - I really enjoy doing it because it's not too difficult but I can still "feel the burn", plus I know it's making me more flexible which is always important to me. I also notice things right away with it. Not always in the form of visual results (although sometimes) but I like the way it makes me feel. Immediately after doing it I feel energized, healthier, and more productive. Things like running and lifting weights only make me tired after, so I could never do those with kids. I need something that right after working out I feel like I want to take them to the park. Not like I want to lay around and take a nap. Plus it helps if you have a video or a friend to do it with. A video is nice because you just do what it tells you - you don't have to rely on yourself to keep going. You just keep doing it until it's done. If you don't have a video then a work out buddy is a great way to go because then you have to be a bit more responsible. You can't just decide to not do it one day because then you've left your friend hanging. It also helps if your workout buddy is more motivated than you. Then you won't just be able to talk her out of it. But my favorite is something I can do in the confines of my own home. In the air conditioning. Well, that was lengthy. Hope there was at least something in all that rambling that you can use! Good luck!
Oh, I'm in the same boat you're in! I really want to get back into running, but I can't with the 115 degree weather outside!
Do they have any mommy n me classes there? I don't know if Jadyn would be too big for those, but I know they have those here.
Love the post. I use Netflix workout videos on the instant feature. I like the Full Frontal workout video by Jillian Michaels. It's a great workout. I do the workout when Lily is napping and Mason is watching cartoons.
Oh Nicole, I whish I had something to add to everyone's comments but I'm having the same problem myself! Tommy was born 6 months ago and I'm just now starting to exercise, and it's not even consistently. So I must thank you for posting this, seeing as how I'm getting ideas and help! Thanks for your previous email bytheway. Still haven't jumped into the whole MBA business, but hopefully soon!
You don't have a waist to lose from! But... It's still FUN to work out.. I think I need to come show you some moves in person... How far away is Taiwan? =)
Nicole...I think you look great but I also understand that the look is not always the most important thing. Often, it is the feel that matters more. So, it seems your best option is to figure something out at home, Jadyn might join you and have fun doing it! I always have a hard time remembering that working out will actually give me more energy, especially since it takes a few weeks for that to happen. However, once you are used to it, you will be amazed and might not care about missing some sleep to get it in (cuz then you usually sleep better too since you tire yourself out). Also, cut yourself some slack because chasing a 15 month old must count for something!!!
I must say if you exercise at all, you will probably blow away. You are so skinny! But if you feel the need to tone, I do recommend the work out videos. Those you can do while Jade is taking her nap and they don't require too much room. I buy all of mine on Amazon! They have great deals.
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