Life becomes busy and we start to battle with everything that needs to get done. One battle that always loses with me is my weight battle. But last year around April, I took a good handle on it after realizing that life wasn’t going to stop for me and wait for everything to be peachy and calm to make changes. Well, changes were made and I succeeded at getting back on track. But it’s only after being consistent and committed that I am finally WINNING!
Weight has been a constant battle for me throughout my life. I have never been naturally thin. I am all the opposite and realizing my strengths and weaknesses has helped me in capturing this battle and embracing where I am going. The best thing that works for me may not work for everyone else – which is why I am always open to options. As a mom who works outside the home and has two toddlers and a full-time working hubby, options are my best friend. Some may feel overwhelmed with lots of choices, but not me. I am usually not one to follow a set plan or schedule. I kinda sorta throw it to the wind! I don’t plan…and it works for me.
Here is what I do and how I do it…
- Outdoor Workouts :: When I am working out from home, I try different options based on what is going on that day and how many grumpy faces are staring at me. If I run/walk, I go out to the trial in my neighborhood. My warm up is usually my 10 minute walk there. I take my time and stretch once I’m there, partially just to get in the mind set of what is about to happen. I don’t do well with tracking miles. I simply alternate running and walking for about 30 minutes, or until I just can’t anymore. I then walk home again at the same pace that I started, always stretching and cooling down before I make it home. My total workout is about 45 to 50 minutes. And if I still feel up to it, I may go home and do an indoor workout too. See below.
- Indoor Workouts :: Some days the outside run/walk doesn’t work for me. My husband or I may be running late at work, and we still have to go get the kids from school. On days like that, I like to wait until at least 2 of the 3 other family members are asleep. {It’s easier when 3 people aren’t calling your name!} I then have a choice of yoga, Insanity, or The Last Chance Workout by Jillian Michaels. These days my preference has been Insanity – I love it! But again, I don’t follow a set plan – I just do what fits that day, extreme cardio or “laid back” abs.
- The Gym :: The best thing I did at the end of 2013 was get a gym membership which I have not had in over 4 years. It’s such a freeing place where I go to be alone with my thoughts. I originally planned to go in the evening to a group class, but after a few days of trying that – I felt like the evening classes took up too much of my much needed time. So I started looking for other options. I started going at 5am and felt amazing. But then the holidays came, and my schedule was out of sorts. So then I went during my lunch break and on the weekends. Really, whatever works for me that week is what I go with.
- Healthy Eats :: If you visit my Instagram, you’d wonder what I really look like. I love, did I say LOVE, food. {Oh, and did I also mention I am Mexican?} Therefore, the biggest battle has been in making good healthy changes that will affect the goals I am trying to reach. I made those small changes, like limiting sweets, no sodas, and no pan dulce or excess tortillas. And I have slowly built on those changes over time. Like learning about chia seeds, flax seed, and how to incorporate them into my food. And dropping all fast foods and limiting my trips to the vending machine so that now they are almost non-existent. At work, we have a small area where they sell fresh food {not chocolates and breads} which has helped me be more consistent as well.
- Being Accountable :: I know myself, and I know that I will quit if given the opportunity. So I created a Facebook group called Momma Fitness and added like-minded ladies who need options and have created them for themselves. I also joined other groups that would be there for support and resources. My absolute favorite way to get healthy ideas and meet new health conscious ladies is through Instagram. These groups and the ladies that I have surrounded myself with are constantly inspiring me or pushing me to move forward with my goals!
The important thing is just finding what works for YOU! And I’d love to know what your fitness plans look like right now. Do you stick to a routine and do the same things daily…or do you like to mix it up and think outside the box like me?
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