Need Suggestions About How to Stay Motivated with Exercising!

Been there. I would always start out really strong on a program and would end up quitting since I hated it so much. Right now, I have been on the same program for over 6 months with no sign of stopping. For me, the key was to multitask. I bought an elliptical on amazon.com. I use it while I read. I love to read so it works out well for me and it makes the time go faster. The only thing I have changed is my speed and time. I go a little faster and I have increased my exercise time (over many months) from 15- 20 min 3-4 days a week to 50 min. 5 days a week. I have lost 40 pounds and I feel so much better. I found that I can run and jump again. I know that seems minor but I couldn't do it before. I am more comfortable going to my sons sporting functions and such too. Try to mix in something you enjoy with something you hate and see if it helps. Shannon

I dedicated myself to the slim in six program when my kids were very young. One was 2 months old, and the other was 17 months old at the time. I woke up at 6:00 every morning, 6 days a week, which is how often the program was supposed to be done, and was done around 7 when they woke up. Sometimes I had to stop early when they'd wake up a little early, but I would be so close to being done that I didn't mind because I'd fit in the last 10 minutes or so once they were situated. That was the only way I could do it. I had tried doing it while they were awake, but it's a really hard program and takes a lot of concentration during the third hardcore workout, and my oldest kept coming up and scurrying around me. I just couldn't do it with distractions.

If you want to work out just for toning up, sometimes you can fit in small workouts in between taking care of kids, laundry, fixing dinner, working, etc. Sometimes we can't find time to fit in a whole workout all at once, but we can fit in a few items here or there.

For instance, when at your desk at work, you can do leg lifts. Lift leg, tense muscles, hold the pose for 30 seconds and release.

When in the kitchen waiting on food to simmer, do wall push ups. While standing, face wall, stand about 2-3 feet from wall, keep body erect like a wood plank, and use arms to do push ups standing up.

In the living room when the kids are watching TV, playing or overseeing children do homework, you can do hovers. Lay on your tummy on the ground as if getting ready to do a push up. Keep your body straight like a wood plank. Hold your body straight and push your body up with your arms at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Begin holding the pose for about 30 seconds. Release for 10 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times. Gradually build up to a minute and longer. This will build abs, back, arms and leg muscles.

You can also use a yoga ball or a large ball found in the toy isle or toy store to do knee bends. Face your back side to the wall standing straight. Position the ball behind your back and just above your bottom. Have the knees about shoulder length apart and slightly out in front of you. Bend down so your knees are at a 90 degree angle to the floor. Hold position for 30 seconds. Repeat. Or... you can also bend knees slowly taking a slow 2 seconds to go down and up. Repeat 50 times. Take a minute rest. Repeat 3 times.

We joined a good gym with child care. A group exercise class is more likely to keep you accountable, at least I've found that. Just having someone who will notice if you're not there as well as having it at a set time can really help motivate you, at least it helps me and I tend to be low-motivated when it comes to these sort of things. Plus having a break from the kids at the same time makes it even more motivating some days! I also like to go when my favorite shows are on - our gym has tv's built in to the equipment so I am encouraged to get there right at 8 (they do not have TiVo :-() and I walk/ride through my favorite 1 hour program 2 or 3 nights a week. Good luck!

IHi J.!

I did the DVD thing for a month, and it got too hard. In college, I did Beach Bodies Slim in Six Program which WORKED great for me; lost 30 pounds in 6 weeks and kept it off, until my son came along. So I tried starting that again after my son was born. It was okay while he was small. But now that's he 2, it's near impossible.

I decided to join Discovery Health's National Body Challenge back in January because you got a free 8 week pass to Bally's. I ended up signing a 3 year contract with Bally's and haven't looked back since! I go 6 days week; cardio and weight training. Once you join, you get a free session with one of their trainers. My absolute favorite thing is that they have a Kid's Club; babysitting service that is included in your membership fee. My son LOVES going there. He calls it going "to play".

They are open from 5:30am to 11:00pm almost every day. You can even go several times a day if you want, which is perfect if you don't have a huge block of time. You can do cardio for 30 mins and then come back later for toning. I also love having every kind of equipment at my fingertips. It's almost impossible to get bored. It's so easy to vary your routine. I have come to enjoy the workouts as "my time".

I struggle with this as well. I actually like working out and lifting weights, but I still get too busy sometimes. The key is to work it in your schedule just like an appointment. You don't have to tell anyone you are going to the gym or whatever...just say, "I have an appointment, can we do it another time?" I always look at my exercise and walking as "my" time. It has to be a priority.

I also helps sometimes to get a buddy. Even if it's just someone to meet at the gym or someone to call when you workout. This will make you more accountable.

If you don't really like exercising...find DVDs that are fun and upbeat so it's not so much a chore. Also, vary your workout so you don't get bored doing the same thing. Switch out the DVDs, or join a class somewhere.

Good luck...and congrats on wanting to stay healthy!!! Hope this helps!

I have the same problem, and the only thing that seems to help me is to do it with a partner. It adds that accountability factor. Good luck. God Bless! T.

Hi, J. -
I can work out for months on end with no progress toward weightloss, so I have the ultimate hard time in getting motivated. The only thing that can possibly overcome my life-long sense of pessimism on this is doing something I enjoy.

I recently started doing Tubo Jam, which comes as a set of DVDs, and I LOVE it! I actually saw in infomercial and thought "for the first time, I think this is something I actually WOULD do every day." So far, so good!!

The most surprising thing about Turbo Jam is that you not only get the videos, but there's an entire website application devoted to keeping you motivated. You can even plan workouts and include other people who are also working out in their homes. There's a whole network of people, sending each other messages, logging in to say they're working out at particular times, tracking their progress, etc. You're also assigned a coach who will answer your questions. It's the best-conceived workout plan I've ever encountered, and it's done WONDERS for my motivation. Also, it's a short time commitment... 20-40 minutes, 5 days a week. That's like nothing! And it cuts off the time it would otherwise take to go to and from the gym.

So, that's my suggestion. You can check out www.beachbody.com or www.milliondollarbody.com to see what I'm talking about. Seriously, I'm not a salesperson! But I am a web application programmer, and I was so impressed with what they offer, I was blown away.

Good luck, Mama!
H.

J.,

It's not easy. It seems like if you can make it a habit to where it's like anything else you do each day it does become easier. I've found finding a couple friends that can meet up with me really helps. You might be having one of those days, ugh you don't feel like going but your friend calls and gets you motivated to go. For me it makes the time go by faster when I have someone to talk to. I have been going whenever I can 3-4 times a week during lunch. I can only work out 20 minutes, but after 3 weeks of sticking to it I am really noticing the difference. You can do it!!! Best of luck!!!

A. Noe
www.LiveTotalWellness.com
www.WorkAtHomeUnited.com
Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments.
-Henry Ward Beecher

I just started working out to tone up and lose a bit of baby weight that was still clinging on from my 2 yr old. I do the elliptical machine, started out gung-ho every day for at least 20-25min. Now I am on an everyother day schedule with a goal of 30-35min. I have seen great results so far so that is motivation to keep going. While on the elliptical machine, I watch shows that I've TIVOed and put the close caption on so that I can read them when my daughter is sleeping (otherwise I have to turn the tv up really loud to hear over the machine). I also change up my speed and tension during commercials or whatever little games that help to make the time go by faster. Using small weights to work out your arms while on there also helps. I learned a series of floor exercises that target the areas I want to tone and do them while finishing up the show or I can do them even on days that I don't do cardio or don't have a ton of time. My hubby has seen the effects and is thrilled so that too is a great motivator. Also, last week I used a sunless tanner from head to toe which gave an instant pick-me-up and made me more willing to be seen in shorts, etc to workout. Little tricks like that really help me, perhaps you too. Good luck!

I certainly would think that keeping up with 4 kids would be enough exercise. However, if you want more, my suggestion is that when you are home put some music on and encourage your kids to dance. You can get in there with them and dance too. It's fun and it's exercise. My Mother use to do it with us kids and we loved it.

FOCUS ON THE REASONS you should, NOT the reasons you don't want to! I have a list of 100 benefits of exercise for my clients. When they're not motivated or think it's not that big of a deal.......I give them that sheet and ask them to give me TEN reasons and outweigh one vs the other. Most of them can't even GIVE me ten reasons they can't. Then.......they see that they are focusing on all the WRONG things vs. why they need to

Document your progress, inches, weight off, better able to ....., look better in my clothes, etc. You'll find it's WELL WORTH THE EFFORT!!

I used to teach aerobics and toning at a lady's only gym for several years. The biggest motivator I have ever seen was the comraderie of those women at the gym. I had a "following" of women who were all ages, shapes, and sizes that never missed a class for the simple fact that they had a GREAT time! Make it fun! We used giant bands to do toning exercises for our legs to Rod Stewart's Hot Legs. If you can't get to a gym, try Billy Blank's Kick boxing tapes. The boxing moves are great toners and STRESS relievers. It has upbeat music and is fun! You don't need any extra equipment, and the results can be dramatic. Your kids will love to do it too! After the birth of my second child, I would get up and find my 5 yr old son exercising without me!

Hi J.!
Are you familiar with Nintendo's Wii system? They're coming out with a new "game" called WiiFit. It is basically a video game style workout system. My husband is really excited about it coming out. It keeps track of your weight, BMI, etc, and helps you chart your progress. So this might be a creative way to have fun getting in shape. Apparently it's all the rage in Japan :) I'm sure your kids would have fun with it too. My family loves our Wii :)
Good luck to you!
J. (SAHM of girl 6 yrs, boy 2 yrs; wife of almost 7 yrs.)

Hi J.!

I realize that it may be difficult to begin a exercise program, especially when you don't really enjoy exercising. However, as a nutrition & wellness coach, I hear time and time again the "I don't have time" excuse. Individuals who enjoy exercise will make time in their day! But what I have found is that we all have the same amount of hours in the day and it's all about what we choose to fill our day up with. The same way we schedule our appointments is the same way we need to schedule our exercise.

You can be successful in planning and keeping a routine when you make a moderate exercise program a goal. Let's say you choose to plan your 30 minute workout a half and hour before your children get up. (i.e. they get up at 7am, you start your workout at 6:30) There, you've accomplished your workout without any distractions, you feel better, and have more energy to help you keep up with the rest of your day!!! :) You can do it, just keep it simple!

Be fit, be healthy, be you!
D.

ps. should you have any other questions, email me at ____@____.com

Hi J.,

I think you responded to my preschool question (thanks--I'd love to get her contact info). I too am getting back in the swing of things with my exercise routine since the birth of my son in Jan. It is really hard to keep it consistent--especially with the crazy weather. I run and will soon begin training for a 1/2 marathon scheduled for Sept. I've found that the best way to stick to my training is to put my money where my mouth is (i.e. sign up for the race that I want to run). I also give myself rewards when I reach certain goals, like new work-out accessories after I reach a certain mileage. Once my training starts, I will schedule my runs with my husband. On the days I am going to run or workout, I do all of the dinner prep ahead of time and give him specific instructions for when he gets home. I am ready to go when he walks in the door. I do my workout while he plays with the kids and finishes dinner. Also, I follow a schedule. I know what I'm scheduled to do on what days, and consequently, I know exactly what I've missed if I slack off. I'm planning to check out the recreation and aquatics center, and the trails connecting the parks. Are you familiar with either of these? What do you think?

Good luck!--J.

Refer to momsmark.com

Tiffany can help with some great ideas.

Good Luck !!

I have the same problem. She introduced me to bands. Which are great because they come in different strengths, take up little room, should not need any other machines.

Take care ....

Here are a few things that have helped me. I make swim lessons for my boys on Monday am at the Y (we have a membership)and I figure since I am there I may as well work out. Since I work out on Monday it seems to get me there at least 2 other times a week~it's kinda wierd how that has worked. Also, meeting friends actually who are not that close (like someone you don't have their number so you can't call and cancel so you feel obligated to meet them) has worked as well. The summer is easier to at least throw my boys (ages 4 and 2) in their stroller and go for a walk. The added bonus of the Y though is the alone time to listen to my own music or to watch tv or to read a magazine or book which to me on days is priceless. Good luck with the motivation I find that once I get started I find the motivation to stick with it most of the time!

J.,
I had to start exercising to lose weight. I started with some dance videos at home because they work the entire body with cardio. I would also use an ab lounge and treadmill. Soon, however, I found that I became bored even if I used a different video each night. Part of the problem, too, was that I couldn't do it until my daughter was in bed, and the whole time I was exercising, I would think about all the things I needed to do with my house.
I am a single mother working 40 hours each week. I try to spend as much "quality" time with my daughter as possible, keep the house, relax for a minute before bed - and hopefully sleep sometime!
Even though I'm stretching my income and time with EVERYTHING, I decided to join a gym. Because my daughter is only 3, she can go to the kids' play room while I work out. This way, I have the freedom to work out and I know where she is and that she's safe. Also, at the gym, I find that my mind is free. I'm not thinking about my chores, erronds or anything else while I'm there. - I plug in my headphones, watch cnn and do my work outs :) Because exercising is not only great for us physically, I have noticed it has an enormous mental impact as well. Now I'm leaving the gym feeling physically good and I'm happy. - which is great after spending 8 hours a day at a job that I hate!
My schedule works out so that we can have dinner before the gym and a little time together before bath and bed when we get home.
So, you might check into a gym in your area. Also, I have heard and read many times that people who exercise with a friend are more likely to keep at it and enjoy it, so ask people you know if both of you can schedule it in a few times a week.
Good luck. Hope these tips help - I'm no expert on exercise as I still have 25lbs to go, but these are things that work for me.

Hi J.. My name is M. V. Just wanted to let you know I am a preferred member of Melaleuca-The Wellness Company and they are currently offering a weight-loss program that offers incentives as well as nutritional supplements. You can find more information at www.vitalityforlife.com or contact me if you have any questions or you would like to enroll at ____@____.com and they also sell a wide variety of other high quality merchandise that focuses on our environment.
Many Blessings, M.

Don't know if you have tried this yet already but when I look at my schedule for the week, I make absolutely 100% sure that I write in a workout at least 3 times/week. That way you are not locked into everyday, and you can pick those 3 days. Although it sounds like you are plenty active with your children! Good luck!

I hate "exercising"! Plus who has the time with 3 young children? I'm also busy with PTO, preschool board, the kids' sports, etc. I play sports. It's much better, IMO. Find a sport you like, or try a new one. I play ice hockey but now that the season is over I decided to try something new. I just joined a new soccer league for women at Off the Wall Sports. It's for women (25+) who have never played before. It's fun! The nice thing about playing a sport is that it's automatically scheduled for you... like soccer is Thursday evening and I know I'll go. My husband just knows that he can't schedule anything for that time because he gets to stay home with the kids and put them bed. It's easy to skip exercising on your own but much tougher when you have the accountability of being on a team. The Carmel Clay Parks Dept offers a wide variety of sports for all skill levels for adults, too. Most parks' departments do.

I personally struggled with this for a while. Tried a gym, tried walking at home, tried an exercise bike at home, tried videos at home. What worked for me was JAZZERCISE. (Not the old fashioned Jazzercise many people think it is.) The music was a major motivator for me (always new music!), along with the energy of the classes and the socialization before and after. The routines change on a regular basis so it never gets boring! Plus I'd get everything I needed - cardio, strength training & stretching - in one 1 hour class. I've been doing it about 12 years now. They offer classes all days of the week. Some weeks I'd go 5 days, some weeks only 2 or 3, but I stayed with it. When you're gone, the friends you've made there notice! There were times when I wasn't motivated to go but just thinking about how good I felt after a class was help for me. I simply put it on the calendar first, each month, and don't schedule anything else for that time of day (within reason!). I loved it so much, I recently became an instructor (Oct 07). There are classes in Oxford, Hamilton, Fairfield & Colerain. All are about 15-20 minutes from Hamilton. If you'd like more info, you can visit Jazzercise.com - there is a class locator where you can find what's closest to you, complete with class schedules and phone numbers for the centers. You can also preview some of the movements used in class and even hear the current playlist and check out the new student specials offered - always something! I highly recommend it - even if I weren't an instructor, I'D STILL RECOMMEND IT!

My work out time is at 1:00 M-TH ---Friday is a busy day with my son in preschool so I usually skip that day but try and fit it in if I can. I stay motivated because that's my ALL MY CHILDREN time......I've always used a show to motivate myself....it's "my time" to enjoy a show and work out.....I basically put together my own work out plan..... 1.5 miles on treadmill, 220 situps, then I rotate arms and legs every other day. It's hard to get into the swing of things....give it a week.....and you will get right into your routine. Good luck to you!

Walking, jogging, swimming, and bike riding are great for some things and can be done with the children. Unfortunately I didn't notice they did much for the waist and stomache area. I have to admit swimming toned more of the body than anything else I did and I would actually lose a couple of inches if I did it regularly.

I could never force myself to exercise (even with VHS tapes) after a few days. I am 56 now so DVD's weren't there. I even tried dancing to some of my favorite tunes. It isn't much fun to do alone.

I tried joining a fitness club. After a few months the newness wore off and I realized I had paid for a year's membership and was only going there a couple of times a month because it just wasn't fun anymore. When I did go I only used the pool, hot tub, and sauna. What a waste of money!!! If you decide to go this route I would suggest a Y. They have decent prices, a place for the children to go and play, and are open during the week and on weekends.

I would find a few of my friends who are interested in working out/exercising as well and set up a time to get together and do it. You can call it the exercise clutch instead of the coffee clutch. Most professionals agree that every other day or three times a week will make a signifigant difference. You may want to set this up mid-morning, or early afternoon and go from one house to the other to work out or join a fitness club together (again I suggest a Y if one is conveniently located) and make it like a girl's hour out. It is a support group type of thing and those usually assist in motivation plus you visit a little which is good as well. It would also allow your exercise routine not to interfer with afterschool and your Mary Kay which generally SAHMs do in the evening when daddy is there to watch the children so a sitter isn't involved.

P. R

Hi. I am a working mom and did not want to take away any time from my daughter. I have an elliptical at home and I get up Mon, Wed & Fri at 4:45 am to work out before work. I tivo shows that I want to watch that may not be age appropriate for my daughter (she's 20 months). I also work out on Sat & Sun during nap time! It is hard to motivate yourself at first but once you get into a good routine and start feeling the benefits it will really help to motivate you...it will probably take about 2 weeks. I view it as my alone time. It is the only hour I have on a given day to watch what I want, clear my mind and have a little alone time!

Try to view it as mommy's time alone which is so rare and hopefully once you are in a routine it will become more fun than work.

Good luck and keep at it!

You need someone to walk with. I started with 2 friends and now there are 5 of us walking. We are pushing each other and I look forward to my time with the 'ladies'. Some communities have facilities you can walk in and have someone watch your kids. I highly recommend this. We started with a few days a week and have added more days. I now walk by myself on some days and even the weekend. Good luck.

Check out podfitness.com. I too hate to exercise but with Podfitness, I am much more motivated. Basically, you enter some basic information about yourself (weight, height) and what you want to accomplish (tone, lose weight) then pick from different trainers and workouts that fit your needs. The greatest part is that you choose your own music which the program then incorporates into the trainers instructions and "Voila!", a workout to music that motivates you. Burn it to a CD or download it to your MP3 to take to the gym. There are even workouts for home or walking, so you don't have to go to the gym. Oddly, I like to go to the gym now. Probably because I feel like I am accomplishing something by doing a "proper" workout with my own personal trainer. There is a fee but there is an eight week free trial available. Good Luck!

Hi there, my son is 9 mos. and what I do is incorporate exercise into things I'm already doing. I also enjoy walking. So we take a walk to the park. And I use my baby and the stroller as resistance and do lunges once I get there. 3 sets of 12. I also use him as my weight and do curls with him, place him on the floor and do push ups and when I get down to him, give him a kiss on the cheek. Also we have Baby TV (Satelite) and I think we pay like, $2.99/mo for it and it has baby exercise you helps your baby and you!

I tried sticking to a program at the gym and it wasn't really for me. It worked in the cold weather months but now that it's warming up I am trying to encourage my kids to be outdoors, doing things (I also have a 9 yo daughter)!

Maybe you can incorporate some exercises and your kids! Parents Magazine has given me some of the ideas, maybe check their website for some more age appropriate options!

Good luck- I know it's hard!

I have been a member of curves for 6 years and I really like working out there, it is only 30 min in and out. The only thing I missed was a good cardio work out,so a friend of mine told me to check out the local jazzercise place!! I have been doing that for a month now and I love it. They play great music, and the instructors make the work out fun. It is also a different set everytime I go so I have not been board once.

Hope this helps, and good luck!!!!