Fear?
Annoyance?
Doubt?
Stress?
No time?
I'm going to say something I never thought I'd ever say...
I have grown to love working out!
More so - my husband has been working out daily with me for 2 years. That's almost more mind blowing!
We were lazy. We were tired. We were, well, lets call it "fluffy." We were fluffy and we didn't know it!
After 2 1/2 years we are still going strong with our workouts and I get asked a lot how I find time. You can read my recent post about 5 Beginner Fitness Tips where I touch on some of this.
Truly it's all been about:
1. Making the time
2. Setting a goal to complete an entire program
3. Staying accountable with someone else
4. Not letting the kiddos keep us from exercise
Making the time includes setting a schedule and sticking to it. For us that's every evening after dinner. For you it may be first thing in the morning or on your lunch break. Write it down on your calendar and MAKE IT HAPPEN each day!
Setting a goal to complete an entire program is fulfilling and gives you a chance to really record and notice your progress. Our first program was Slim in 6 and we did it! We finished a full 6 weeks. We took before and after pictures and saw a massive difference. Our next program was P90X3 and we did that one too. We completed the full 90 day program and again saw results. I love programs that include a schedule, and have a big variety of workouts to keep me from getting bored. Whatever you choose, set a goal and complete it! Maybe choose a fun reward for yourself for when you make it to the end!
Staying accountable with a friend has also been critical. Whether it's a spouse, friend, or an online accountability fitness group, joining forces with someone else who is also trying to reach similar goals can keep you pressing play on that workout even when you'd much rather sit down with the remote and veg out.
Not letting the kiddos keep us from exercise can be a challenge. Kids can sure be the first reason I try to say no to exercise. Whether I'm completely exhausted because I was up with the baby all night or he's trying to crawl under my legs while I'm trying to do active cardio workouts, I've found I can always instead come up with a way to keep him entertained.
Here's some ideas...
If the kids are older, have them join in! Our elementary and middle school aged kids LOVE when we ask them to workout with us. On school nights the 30 - 45 minutes for a workout is a perfect time for them to take a shower and get pjs on or even sit nearby on the couch and finish up homework. I've definitely helped my kids study for spelling tests while exercising!
If your kids are babies, pop them in the baby swing or set them in a play pen in the room with some distracting toys. I've had countless yoga or pilates days where Zachary is crawling under or over me. But you know what? It's okay! He's usually giggling at his clumsy mama and it's fun to have the whole family in on the action.
INTRODUCING THE SIMPLY FIT CHALLENGE
Do you ever feel like you don't know where to start? My husband and I have been coming up with little, attainable challenges to spur you on. To spur us on too! (I really need the nutrition challenges to keep me eating right!)
We're calling them Simply Fit Challenges. Every two weeks we'll introduce a new goal to work on. Each challenge will focus on a different area to INCREASE and DECREASE. Follow along and hopefully by the time the New Year comes around you'll already be way ahead of everyone else who is trying to just begin to set their weight loss resolution goals.
The first Simply Fit Challenge will begin August 29! All you'll need to do is follow along here on my site for the next challenge. Make sure you follow the Jess Newland Fitness Facebook page and my Instagram for videos & ideas throughout the challenges.
But until we start August 29, you're not off the hook! I have 3 mini challenges for you today...
1. Make a schedule for the next 2 weeks of when you'll make time for exercise. Start with just 4-5 days a week. Schedule it and make it happen! Deal?
2. Spread the word and find an accountability partner to join you on these little challenges. Daily exercising with my hubby and keeping track of my workouts in an accountability fitness group online has been critical for me.
3. Read the posts below from my friends. I have found an incredible group of online blogging friends who push me to be better. They are all sharing today about how they make fitness fit into their busy lives as well. I'd love you to pop in. Leave them a friendly comment and tell them I sent you! :)
Heather from The Crunchy Trail
Allie from Simply St. Augustine
Melissa from Blessed Simplicity
0 comments:
Post a Comment