moving... or not

The good news... I am at my half way poiint for number of pounds I want to loose! 50 down and 50 to go.

The bad news... I am not exercising. The first 2 months I was walking every day. I even started jogging a bit during my walk and bought running shoes! But work has beaten me down. I can give a list of excuses that I'm sure you have all heard before but I know that I can't keep making excuses. So the question(s) is...

How much is enough? Can I move on Saturday and Sunday and consider it an accomplishment? Do I bypass my reading OH in exchange for some moving? Do I let my work suffer?

I have put myself last on the to-do list. I know I need to change that but I just am not able to figure out how. I have a 2 and 9 year old and husband who owns his own business. I run a non-profit organization which is essentially like running my own business. How do I fit it all in?

Thanks for listening!!

 Hey Hunnie,

I understand the feeling of being pulled in a million directions. But it's so important to get into the habit of exercising early out.  The father out you get the more important that habit will become. I would encourage you to find a way to incorporate movement 4 to 5 days a week. Maybe find a video that your kids can do along with you. There a few express (20mins) workouts that would be easier to fit in than just going out for a walk. Also maybe find a buddy that will help hold you accountable and set up times to workout together. I do that and I find it really helps on those days that I typically would make an excuse.  Just really find a movement activity that you interested in, Zumba has been my favorite activity.  I hope this helps a little. You can do this!!!

-Holly <3

Thanks Holly! I tried Zumba a few weeks ago and LOVED it!! Maybe if I work on just getting to Zumba on Sundays, it would be a start!  Where can I find 20 minute workouts? Thanks for the encouragement.

Kristine

 I bought the zumba DVDs and they give you a 20min workout. Plus my friend has another workout video (I forget the name at the moment) that has a 20 min option. Basically though, you can turn any home workout video into the time you can give it for that day =) It's easier than trying to find the time to go to a place to workout on days that it just can't happen.

Start parking farther away from where you have to go, find every excuse to get the market or any big store and walk the isles with a shopping cart.  You don't need to buy anything.  It will also give you a chance to read labels on interesting stuff.

Kristine,

So what you're saying is that during the first 2 months, you found the time to care for yourself, then you let yourself slack back into the "me last" mentality, right?  

Wel, part of this journey is learning how and when to say "no" or "not now" and to reframe your thinking.  Exercise has GOT to be a part of your life, not only for losing the weight (and maintaining the loss), but for so many other health and mood related reasons.  Regular exercise will help with cardiovascular health, prevents osteoporosis, prevents a lot of cancers, can prevent or alleviate diabetes, etc.  So how can you afford to NOT do it?  

But exercise has so many different meanings.  It can be, as Nan said, parking as far as feasible from the store.  Taking the steps instead of the elevator.  Standing at work instead of sitting.  Getting one of those "treadmill desks" (there was a feature on good morning america about them the other day and one of my employees has actually asked for one) could be an option perhaps?   Exercise is:  dancing, swimming, walking, moving your upper body, moving your lower body... it doesn't have to be formal, doesn't have to be a class... just has to be movement.  it should vary between things that raise your heart rate and things that increase your flexibility or strength.  The key is to find something that you enjoy...

Making sure that you get at least 3 vigorous 30-minute exercise sessions in during the week would be a great start - can you go in the morning when you have no excuses? or late at night after the kids are in bed?  Commit to yourself that it's a part of your routine for your health.  Set that example for the kids!

You can do it!

(and congrats on making the halfway point - that's GREAT work so far!!!!)

Karen

You've gotten some really good responses.  And your post says it all, you know what you are doing, you realize you are making excuses, and  you realize excuses are just that.  They are words.  Words that really mean nothing in the long run.

Give up OH time for exercise?  Absolutely.  It's one of the reasons I am not on here as much as I used to be.  I work two jobs, manage most of the stuff for the house, and lead a very busy social life as of late.  Exercise MUST be fit in.  And generally I go after work, which is around 7:45 or 8:00am I am there...and I'm normally not home till at least 9:30 if not later.  By that time, I need to pack up food and what not for work, take a shower, and go to bed as I get up at about 4:30/4:45 so 10:30/11:00 bedtime is pushing it for me.  I just don't have the time to be on here, too.

Your children - I know it's getting brisker - but what about playing with them in a park for awhile?  That way they are involved and you get exercise.  And sometimes, you have to be able to tell your children and your spouse "no"  I'm not suggesting you ignore them or miss out on important life events to go to a zumba class, but an hour or so on a Sunday won't kill them to not have you home.  By not putting yourself first, you will eventually be putting THEM LAST - because you will not be healthy and fit for years to come.

Congrats on half way - now kick it up to second or third gear to get the last half off!

P