Any Suggestions on Self Motivation?

My husband and I went on the South Beach diet, and I lost 9 pounds without exercising. I hate to really even call it a diet. It is more a way of learning how to eat healthy. My teenagers have even enjoyed the healthier food and really notice how they feel when we deviate from it, like on trips and eating at other peoples homes. You still get to eat great stuff like nuts and cheese. They have a cookbook that makes it easier, too. Best wishes to you and good luck. I know it's so hard. It's almost impossible to exercise with little ones around.

Hi A.,

I have the same problem. I have a gym membership, but it took me a while to get started using it. The water aerobics class was amazing. I understand that you don't have much time to work out, and that you want to spend as much time with your daughter as possible. Maybe try getting up earlier in the morning and do a workout before she gets up. Or put her highchair in the same room as the treadmill and while she's eating breakfast, do a short workout. You'd be surprised how much more energy you'll have once you start doing this regularly. Exercising gives more energy, and will help you sleep better, too.

GOOD LUCK!!
Liz.

A.,

I do Stroller Strides 3x/wk, and I love it! My daughter really enjoys it too. She enjoys riding in the stroller, and the interaction. We sing to the babies & toddlers, tickle them, play peek-a-boo, count to them, etc. while we are working out to keep them entertained & teach them. Oops-I see in your post that you work 8-4. Right now the group in St. Louis only offers classes at 9am, but there may be other times in the future.

If your daughter enjoys the stroller, I'd still suggest taking her on walks or jogs with you. You can bundle her up and put a rain/wind cover on, if needed. Ask your boyfriend to go to--it could be fun to all do it together. You could also walk at the mall an hour before the stores open on the weekend. I also wonder if she would "do" a workout video with you--one like "Elmocize" if it is too cold out. It could be fun!

I also wanted to mention to you to try not to let the weight get you down. Go ahead and get together with your friends and have fun & let them meet your daughter if you can. You aren't the first to gain too much during pregnancy, that's for sure. You should try to get healthy, but don't wait to start living your life until you achieve the "perfect" weight.

Margie

I would start off by watching what you eat. I've been on weight watchers in the past and really liked it. I'm doing it now and last week was my first week and I lost 3 pounds. I really like it. I did it online the first time and loved it. I have the books this time but don't go to the meetings, just doing it on my own. It's all in your head, you just have to be in the right frame of mind to start a diet. You can do it though. Good luck.

I know this might sound crazy....but :o)

How far away from work do you live? Try parking 1/2 mile away...and walking. You'll get in a 1 mile walk every day, and it should only take you a maximum of 10 minutes each way which really isn't that long. Just leave 10 minutes earlier. If you wear dress shoes, just throw them in your purse, and wear your sneakers...who cares if you're wearing sneakers with a skirt!!! You'll start to notice a difference in no time.

I did this, and have lost 10 lbs (I also watch what I eat. and try to drink lots of water). Good Luck!!!

okay it sounds like you are ready...once you jump in with both feet you won't want to stop...so first have a little pep talk with yourself...maybe stick some pictures on the fridge of you with the baby weight on and some pre-baby weight pics...why not try working out in the morning before your daughter gets up?...i know how hard it is to get up extra early but it may be the only time to get it done...i usually have to get up before 5 am to fit mine in...but i still do it...put some headphones on or if the tv is handy...whatever works...but it will make you feel so good you will be ready to start your day with confidence!...good luck

I hate to suggest joining a gym because of the $$ involved, but if you can afford it, that's your best bet. Just make sure it's a gym with a nursery, so you can turn your little diversion over to someone else while you work out. Then, don't try to overdo it, or you'll end up hating it so much that you don't go back. Get on the recumbent bike or the treadmill or elliptical, whatever you like best, and read a magazine while you pump away. Use the occasion to relax your mind while you're working your glutes.

The other good things about the gym: classes. I made a pact with myself to try at least once all the classes that sounded the least bit good. From that, I found a couple of classes that I actually enjoyed, and it was easier to go after that. Then I started getting to know a few regulars, and it became social. Then I was more motivated to go.

Here are things I do to get more exercise in... I do squats while I brush my teeth or use the curling iron. I keep little 5 lb weights in the bathroom and use them before or after I shower. I do sit-ups on the floor bed- or couch-side while you-know-who is watching TV. I balance on one foot or do lunges around the kitchen while I'm watching the kids eat. I just fit them in whenever. None of it's enough, but at least I feel my muscles!

A.,
I know how hard it can be to get motivated after the kids go to bed. Try getting up just 30 minutes earlier than usual and doing a walk or jog then. I guarantee you will feel so much better about your day and you won't want to blow it by eating junk! Remember to eat healthy - lots of fruits and veggies, no fast food. It will be so worth the results! Good Luck!

I know what has helped me. I am horrible at self-motivating. It's really hard! I always wimp out. SO, what I have found that works out great is group fitness classes. I go to the local mustang community center and take the group fitness classes. They are so great and i get some social interaction too. THe best thing is that my 19 month old son gets to play in the babysitting room and I get an hour away from him. It really helps me work out the stress and lose weight. You build up a relationship with all the women in your class because they come regularly too. Then will comment that they've missed you when you miss a class. (of course this comes with time...)
It's really helped me socially, physically and mentally. If you don't live near mustang there are tons of gyms all over the metro that have babysitting and group fitness classes. You could even go to the all women gyms if you don't want men around. Those are good too. I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!

Hi A.,

I agree with the other ladies comments about trying to eat a little healthier. Also, once you get started you will feel so much better about yourself and won't want to stop. I was the same way with not wanting to go anywhere because I didn't feel good about myself. It was really hard to workout with twins but I just made myself exercise during their nap time. I have lost a total of 43 pounds from doing jogging, exercise dvds, weight training. I was starting to get a little burnt out. Then last December I found some exercise dvds by an infomercial called Turbo Jam. I was a little skeptical ordering something from an infomercial but I am so glad that I did. It is so much fun. Since starting I have lost about 20 pounds. If you go to milliondollarbody.com you can check out Turbo Jam & some other products. It is really a great site. There are great message boards with so many supportive people, recipes, tips. The best part is if you workout in the virtual gym Wowy you can win cash & prizes. I have won $300 twice. If you go over there my name is twinmom06. I would be happy to help you. I don't think I would be where I am without the support of the people over there. I am actually thinking about becoming a coach to help pay it forward & show people that eating right & exercise doesn't have to be a chore. I still have a bit to lose until I reach my goals but with the support over there I know I can do it. :)

Good luck. The key is finding something that you enjoy doing.

A.

Two suggestions: one is to make a rule for yourself that you will not watch TV after she's in bed unless you are on the treadmill at the same time. Especially if you're in the habit of watching certain shows, that may give you the push you need. The second is to bundle up your daughter and take her for a walk every day that isn't too cold. She'll enjoy the fresh air. I have a back carrier that I've used for my daughter from REI since she was 6 months old, and we both love it. She's about to turn two, and we still use that for walks around the neighborhood as well as longer hikes. A stroller works too. Watch what you're eating too. I used a book by Carrie Linn Wiatt called Eating By Design that worked well for me. Good luck!
T.