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"How do you do it? You have two little ones and you exercise!" I've been getting this question a lot lately. The truth is, it hasn't always been like this but I can think of the steps I took to get where I am now. I'm not ashamed to tell you my life is not perfect. I still dread getting out of my warm bed at 4:30 a.m. I arrive at the gym late a lot of times. I don't go and have to make up for it some days. Other days I don't do much. What I am working on is establishing a lifestyle where exercise is always present. Here are the baby steps I took:
• You Better Think. Sounds silly but it worked. Before I had kids I used to see myself exercising as a mother. I often thought, "I have to get it done before everyone wakes up" and that's what I strive to do most days of the week. The battlefield does start in the mind. Before you do something you have to contemplate it. Think on purpose.
• What's Your Minimum. The least amount of work I'd like to do in order to get results is my goal. For example, my minimum is exercising 4 times a week. The least amount of time I'll exercise is 40 minutes. The fun thing is to add all these minimums. In a year, 1 hour and 40 minutes of exercise per week turns into 5 hours and 20 minutes a month which turns into 62 hours and 40 minutes per year. Depending on how much effort and consistency I have, that translates into less pounds, better health, a more toned body and a mom that can outrun her kids - now that's an accomplishment!
• Involve Someone Else. In grad school, my roommate and I went to the gym together at 5:30 a.m. If she was up, I often felt bad for not being ready so that gave me motivation to go. When moms are going to the park together, the principle is the same. I like to take my kids for a walk and that counts as getting someone else involved. Everyone wins: I get an extra 1.3 miles and they get some outside time.
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| Sleepy Kids and Excited Parents after a Family Walk |
I am no super woman. I'm far from it. I have made so many mistakes I decided to learn from them and make life work for me. Thinking positively, establishing my minimum and getting my family involved have helped me exercise several times a week. Let's Move for better health friends!
• What are your tips for getting out there and taking care of yourself by exercising?
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Hey Girl,
This blog is inspiring to me. I have started by putting myself on a very strict diet right now. I hope to get back to walking as soon as possible. Moving my body is going to be key I think. Thanks for the encouraging words. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so kindly Lauren! I pray that as you incorporate exercise to your diet you will find a new, exciting way of living. Be encouraged!
Um, I kind of feel like you ARE supermom ... sheesh! But I am super inspired. I even started keeping track of my miles like you do. It is motivating. One thing I tried today was saying the rosary while I work out on the elliptical. It's strange because I haven't said them in years! But I saw a rosary app and thought I'd try it out, my workout actually seemed to go by a little faster. People who aren't Catholic or familiar with the rosary might consider listening to a focused meditation.
You're sweet! Great idea! I listen to podcasts while I workout. Today was Freakonomics day :)
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