I definitely have a lot of incentive to work out. The thing is, the last thing I want to do when I get home after a long day of work is go run on the elliptical or head to the gym. The sad part is that I have an on-site gym at our office, and I literally have to walk 15 feet from my office to get to it. I am just not motivated to do it. There’s always an excuse– I still have so much work to do… I’d rather leave an hour early to spend time with Little Marbles than spend an hour sweating. But after my little scare earlier this year and my current post-pregnancy shape, I know that nothing but a definitive exercise regimen will help me shed weight.
I’ve been researching some options. I am not a gym person. I know it. I get bored easily and equate cardio exercise on a machine to a hamster running on a wheel. I know it’s never going to be enjoyable, but if it is something I am dragging my heels over doing… I will never do it successfully. I’ve tried reading/listening to music/watching TV while running on the elliptical, but all I end up doing is watching the timer and counting down the seconds!
I’m a class type of person. I like the camaraderie (and sometimes competition) of a group environment. I also like that there are forced chunks of time where you have to exercise, whereas once I’m bored on the elliptical, I hop off and vow to do better next time. The only issue with classes is timing. Most classes are either in the evening (6-7PM) or mid-day. With my work schedule, I’d need a very early morning class or a 3-4PM slot to make it home for quality time with LM.
Despite the hurdles, I’m hoping something sticks. Some of the things I’m considering:
Pilates
I used to work with a trainer one-on-one, but now that budget is a priority, I am looking into group reformer classes. I love working in the reformer because it’s like yoga, but on steroids. You work on building your core with Pilates breathing techniques, but at the same time you’re doing a lot of heavy strength training to tone and build muscle. I love that every week you can see improvement. When I was regularly doing Pilates, all my chronic aches and pains (old injuries and sedentary work life) went away. I felt stronger and less tired. Albeit, my weight didn’t change much, but had I added cardio into the mix, I’m sure I would have been a lot leaner version of myself!
Zumba
I am so intrigued with Zumba. I sat watching the infomercial once for over half an hour, not realizing that it was an infomercial! It seems fun and a workout in disguise (my favorite kind!). I also love that there’s blasting music and fun routines. There is a new Zumba studio near my house that seems to have a variety of classes in length and level. It’ll also be in a fun class setting so that will certainly be motivating.
Hot Yoga
I’ve taken a few yoga classes in the past, but they would always leave wanting a little more intensity. Hot yoga or Bikram yoga might take things up a notch. My local studio offers classes after work and this may be a good way for me to ease myself back into an exercise routine.
Biking
Mr. M and I biked a lot before LM was conceived. Our bikes have been stowed away in the garage for a year now, and I’m sure they miss us. With spring and nice weather just around the corner, it may be a good excuse to get our poor neglected bikes some love. We could have LM visit with my parents for a few hours while we get a bike “date.” Quality time with Mr. M and a workout– it’s a win-win!
Do you have a post-partum workout routine? Any suggestions to help me get back on the wagon?
pear / 1837 posts
Have you ever heard of Crossfit? It’s a little hard to explain, but Crossfit gyms are a little bit like bootcamp. There is a different workout every day, there’s a lot of attention and coaching from the trainers, and there’s a big emphasis on working at 100% intensity the whole time. It’ll kick your butt, but nothing gets you in shape quite like it, it can scale to any fitness level (i.e. it doesn’t matter how out of shape you are, your trainer will make it work for you), and you’ll feel like such a total badass having accomplished the workouts. Plus, there’s a great sense of community and support at all the gyms I’ve been to. I’ve also found that Crossfit gyms tend to have schedules that are really conducive to working folks; my old gym had classes at 5:30, 6:30, and 8 AM, as well as 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 PM. You can find the closest gym to you at http://www.crossfit.com/cf-affiliates/ (scroll down the left hand side of the screen)
pear / 1837 posts
I also LOVE hot yoga, and it feels particular good after all the weird positions I get into during the day caring for LO.
clementine / 878 posts
Some smaller 24-hour gyms in my area have “individual” group exercise classes. Meaning, there’s a dedicated studio and they have videos to choose from. So you can do a Zumba “class” or core workout whenever it’s convenient for you. And you can pick if you’re okay with other gym members working out to the same video with you, or if you prefer to do the “class” alone.
I’m still in prenatal workout mode, but have been checking out DVDs from the library so when I don’t feel like going to the gym, I can still get in a workout from the comfort of my own basement. And then you could time it during “naptime” so you aren’t missing out on mommy-baby time.
cherry / 187 posts
I certainly don’t have the answers, but am cheering you on! I just this week decided I had to get up early to workout (treadmill and weights in our basement). It’s time to get serious since she’s 6 months old now. I will not give up time with my daughter in the evening and I would miss the entire time she’s awake in the evening if I worked out after work. So, I am trying to fit it in before she wakes up in the morning. Ughhhh.
grapefruit / 4120 posts
I did the 30-Day Shred recently. What’s good about that is you can do it at home but it’s short (like 20 minutes per day) so my babe was willing to be corralled while I did it (and apparently found it quite entertaining). i don’t think it’s a definitive solution but it might be a start!
grapefruit / 4923 posts
i also usually need classes to motivate me to work out. i recently joined a gym and have tried a zumba, yoga, step and spinning class! i hope the routine sticks!
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
@sloaneandpuffy: I did the 30 day Shred last year and dropped 7 pounds!
I’ve been meaning to do it again but haven’t been able to motivate myself.
coffee bean / 48 posts
For yoga, you could also look into some higher-intensity classes without the “hot” room.
I have a class I attend that’s simply called “Power Flow 1-3”, True, my heart isn’t racing at the end, but I’m sweating buckets (in a normal temperature room!) and my arm and leg muscles are shakey-tired.
pomegranate / 3716 posts
I really like Zumba!! There is a dance studio nearby my house and I try and go once a week. It can get pricey though, at $15/class
blogger / pomelo / 5400 posts
I have the Zumba Wii games and have only done them a couple times … I prefer Michael Jackson
I am still trying to motivate myself. I want to start Couch to 5K soon, but need to figure out the logistics — and get some motivation!
clementine / 889 posts
I’ve been doing a mix of workout DVDs and running. I have a few Jillian Michaels DVDs (30 day shred, ripped in 30 and no more trouble zones). I like them because they are an intense workout in a short amount of time. I bought multiple DVDs so that I can mix it up. I have not done one DVD for 30 strait days, but try to do them a few times a week.
I have a few guilty pleasure shows (One Tree Hill, Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor) so I get on the stationary bike while I watch them. I take breaks or slow during commercials, but while the show is on, I’m biking. By this time my LO is asleep, so I’m not taking away from time I could be spending with him.
I’ve also been running. I have a jogging stroller, so during decent weather I can run with DS. (We have a weather shield which keeps him toasty when it’s cold or windy). Now that the days are getting longer, I have 2 days a week where I leave work a few minutes early, and then run right out the door leaving DS with DH. I have a 3 mile route I take (not stroller friendly), and then I’m back home fairly quickly.
And I track everything I eat/drink with the My Fitness Pal app on my phone. That’s helping as much as any exercise is.
grapefruit / 4120 posts
@chopsuey119: I think you actually inspired me to pull the trigger… I had heard about it and then you were all, “30-Day Shred and chia!!” right? LOL. I don’t know if I lost any weight… I did see some improvement in the ab area. And I do like chia in my limeade. But all weight loss efforts are currently suspended!!
pea / 19 posts
30 day shred kicked my ass. Jillian Michaels rocks. My new favorite these days is 10 minute trainer. Its 10 minutes for each workout, and you can do 2 to 3 a day for faster results. I’ve started seeing a difference, but I think you still need to add real cardio to it. I may start running again 2 or 3 times a week to get to my goal. (25 pounds to lose by my next birthday!)
apricot / 498 posts
Pilates is great for lengthening muscles but it’s not going to torch any calories. Cardio is your friend for that.
hostess / wonderful watermelon / 39513 posts
I made a goal to start “sweaty workouts” 2 months after giving birth so that means I start tomorrow! I plan on doing the Jillian 30 day Shred and some Physique 57 DVDS!
guest
I don’t know if you have an iPhone but I LOVE the Nike Training Club app. There are 30 and 45 min workouts that really kick your butt, but the results are amazing! I know it’s not the gym but it syncs with your own music and you can do it real quick when your babe is sleeping. I did it after my second son was born and plan to do it again after I have my third at the end of April
Best to you–after baby workouts are tough to start and even harder to find!
kiwi / 525 posts
How about a baby seat for your bike?
apricot / 321 posts
We just got a baby seat for LO and started biking as a family and it’s been really fun! Like you my bike had been in storage since I found out I was pregnant in 2009. Sometimes I’ll rollerblade with the stroller too, but only in my hood since I live in a really flat, sidewalk-y area. Other than that I have not figured out any form of exercise.
pineapple / 12053 posts
i don’t have a kiddo, but i’ve been doing dailey method (one of the barre methods out there!) and it kicks my butt. i know a studio in town has a new moms special at a discount to get you back into shape. definitely check it out! very supportive group of people and your muscles will ache!
blogger / pomegranate / 3201 posts
I love yoga, pilates and biking! I’m a class girl, too. I can’t get myself motivated to work out unless someone is yelling at me.
I actually bought a groupon for cardio barre classes about a month ago. It was so cheap and I can use it up to 7 months after my due date, so I think it should work out great. I was a dancer my whole life, so cardio barre seems like a great match for me.
Good luck!!
honeydew / 7968 posts
i’m like you! i need classes to motivate me. i need to find a gym buddy. i wish i exercised DURING pregnancy so my back wouldn’t be killing me like it is now =( o well. i’m not sure i can even find time to go to the gym though.
pea / 8 posts
Zumba classes are fun if you like dancing. Sometimes I think that this is also as close (sadly) as I’ll get to going out dancing for the time being. I also love stroller strides, which are exercise classes for moms where you bring your baby with you in their stroller. This is great for SAHMs and involves running and circuit training. I also like mommy and me yoga as the stretching feels great and they focus on the areas that need attention after holding and nursing. It also gives you the freedom to nurse in the middle of class if you need to.
GOLD / apricot / 341 posts
I started doing mom & baby classes when Little A was 7 weeks old and we loved it. Those classes are relatively short (usually 45ish minutes) and give mum a good workout while involving baby when appropriate. Plus you can always hope baby starts having a meltdown during intervals so you have an excuse to take a break! We did yoga, pilates, water aerobics (which included 15 mins of skills training for baby – so fun!) and stroller workouts (basically boot camp with a stroller). I especially loved that we learned a lot of exercises that we could do together at home…
grape / 95 posts
i loved bikram yoga. It’s not for everyone though because it does get quite hot and can be unbearable.. also not good for those with high blood pressure.
guest
I love Ellen Barrett’s Pilates workout dvds. They were just the level of intensity I needed. I may not have shed the pounds but I tightened up and just had so much more energy. This translated into a much more get up and go active lifestyle. I did try the 30 day shred but it literally shredded my body – I was so sore after it it just wasn’t sustainable for me. Otherwise good old fast walking outdoors while listening to some interesting podcasts and aqua aerobic classes (for the camaraderie) have always been the exercise things I come back to time and again. I am now expecting baby number three and looking forward to starting again on some Pilates workouts postpartum.