Making Excercise Stick

Hi K.,

I believe in setting realistic, achievable goals. I think that with where you are in life, fitting in exercise is a great challenge. I had been on and off for a few years. Then, I started very simply 1 1/2 years. I made myself complete 5 push ups (from the knees) and 10 sit ups every weekday morning before I showered. That was it. Once I had established that routine, I adding in a little more. For example, I have 2 5lb "dumb bells" so I added in 2 lifting exercises for my arms, just 10 repetitions each. Eventually I increased the number of sit ups and push ups. I then added walking 1 to 2 miles. My situation is different in that I started much later than you, meaning my boys were 5 1/2 and 8 when I finally returned to exercising regularly AND I live on a cul-de-sac so I can walk around the street and they are usually on the street with me.

Ultimately, I advise that you set goals you really can achieve instead of ones you can't. I know how defeating it can be to say "I'm going to do X three times a week" and then find you can't either meet that goal the first week or be consistent with your plan. That lack of meeting the plan can be such a demotivator. In my mind, It is better to do something, even small, and keep with it than to set larger goals that you can only meet on an inconsistent basis.

Good Luck!

Hi K.-
For me, the toughest part of working out is motivating myself. I've found that working out with a friend works well for me. I have a neighbor that I walk with in the morning (3x)(6am) before our husbands' go to work. Also, I have friend that I go to the gym with once a week. As first it wasn't easy to find someone to workout with b/c I don't know many people in town, but I just started to ask around. Also, since schedules change (my friend won't be able to walk in the morning once school starts), try to have different options available - like walking. For me, it is a constant struggle to find the time, but I always feel better when I'm working out. Good Luck!!!

Hi K.!

The only way I can manage to exercise is to do it first thing in the morning, usually about 6 am. I find I'm just too tired in the evenings. I usually just head outside and walk/run or, if the weather's bad, do a yoga or cardio video. Nothing fancy, just a half hour a few times a week.

I find that I have to resist getting too ambitious about it, or I won't stick to it - just like the kids, we need to make baby steps in changing our own lives!

Now that school's in session and the weather will start cooling, I expect that afternoons walks with baby in the stroller might be a great option for us both.

Good luck!

Hi Kristen,

I know that if I were to get a membership at a gym it would be a waste of money. I know I wouldn't have time to be able to go. I do what is realistic for me which is working out in my basement. I change it up from time to time to keep it fresh and keep me interested. Right now I've been doing the "Zumba" workout. It's great all different levels, I believe it came with 5 different dvds. It's a dance workout, it is a lot of fun, the time flies by. There is a basic dvd, an abs dvd, an express dvd, a toner one and I believe a couple others. You can check it out on www.zumba.com I also have a machine called leg magic that I got a walmart. It came with a work out dvd and a book and I really like that too. I also ride my bike, since it's something I have always enjoyed. You need to find what interests you and be realistic about it. Once you get bored with your routine or it isn't working for you change it. : )

Kristen-

If you are talking about Warriors Way in Maynard, they are a great workout but can get expemsive when you are paying for childcare there, I believe it is $12/hour/kid. So for an hour class you are paying $24 just for childcare. I belonged to Gold's in Concord a long time ago, pre-marriage and pre-children. A good gym, never used the childcare. The best way to get on a good workout plan is to find a gym that you like and feel comfortable in, one with good and affordable childcare and to have a reliable gym buddy. When you have a buddy to go with you tend to feel guilty about not going when you say you will. In the beginning if you can afford it, use a personal trainer. They can show you what you need to do for your body type, plus it is added incentive to get your butt to the gym. Good luck!