Motivating Yourself To Get Into Shape. Some Tips For All Busy Moms.

 

 

Motivating Yourself To Get Into Shape. Some Tips For All Busy Moms.

11-10-2011

The twinkies are 20 months & 1 week, 1 day old. Where does the time go?

 

 

Whether you are postpartum, or just a mom who feels unhappy in her own skin, chances are you have felt the strong desire for change, just haven’t fully grasped it yet. It’s never too late, and it’s never impossible. 1st things you got to do are:

 

1) Let yourself off the hook.

Leave the past in the past and focus on the present and the future only. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and failures, and stop holding them against yourself.

 

If you speak negatively to yourself, even if only inside your own mind, you will convince yourself that something is impossible and give up on a goal that is in fact absolutely attainable. Let go of all negative, focus on the positive, and what will be.

 

2) Forget about numbers.

If you have weight to lose and the scale brings you down as I have been there myself, cut it out of your life like a bad relationship. When I used to weigh myself every morning, that number would really end up dictating my entire mood for the day, even how I ate during the day. Don’t give a piece of machinery such power over your life.

 

Do what I did and rid yourself of the scale for awhile. Put it down in the basement, heck put it in the garbage for all I care, just get it out of there.  It doesn’t do you any good to get discouraged over numbers while trying to improve your self esteem. *Also note: if you are working out, muscle weighs more then fat, for the record.*

 

You want to feel on the same page every day, not happy one day because the number went down, then depressed another day because the number went up. You aren’t dabbling in the stock market here, and in my opinion scales do more harm then good. Go by the visual. Trust your eyes for now. When you know later on you have shed pounds and it’s totally apparent, then maybe step on the scale, but I highly discourage regular weigh ins. I like to trust the mirror, and work on what I see.. not deal with numbers.

 

3) “But I don’t have time or the motivation for exercise.”

Listen, I have fitness DVDS that have been in the wrapper so long, the dust on them is a half an inch thick…I understand. My elliptical is being used as a closet for hanging my clothes on. I’m stopping that nonsense this week. It is not impossible to get a good workout at home, but when can you squeeze it in?  I have found that at the end of the day you are just wiped, usually nothing is going to get done in that respect once the kids are asleep, especially if you have young ones to chase all day. You’re too tired.

 

Waking up early, grabbing your coffee if need be, and doing a few exercises off of a DVD or from memory, jumping on your exercise bicycle watching the morning news (which does help by the way), or using your Wii Fit board and games. (I highly recommend the Zumba.) That is the time of day where you are at your freshest. Use that to your advantage.

 

Nap time isn’t a bad time either. Also, in the mornings it does help give you a energizing start to your day, and you might just notice the difference a little adrenaline can make in it. Even just 10,15 minutes is better then nothing. Most moms don’t have time for hour long workouts. Take what you can get. MAKE THE TIME!

 

4) Find a friend to help you out, maybe go along for the ride with you.

You know the old saying that there is strength in numbers? Well it’s true. If you can find a friend with the same or similar goals as you who is willing to go on walks, take an exercise class at the local gym, etc., grab that and don’t let it go because that WILL help you. Unfortunately, I don’t have that. My friend bailed on me, but I try as hard as I can to drag myself to Lucille Roberts for a Zumba class 1-2x’s a week. Without children I’d go even more, but it’s all my husband can handle . He needs me, hence why the elliptical needs to be freed of it’s clothing line status.

 

Not many people ‘like’ exercise, and it’s hard to motivate yourself to do it, but everybody loves the results of it. If you can find a friend or partner to go into this with, you have found gold. Take full advantage!

 

 5) Keep your eyes on the prize.

 You know how they say to put a photo of a striking model on your fridge to help you abstain from junk food or binge eating? It isn’t a horrible idea, really. I know when my Fredrick’s of Hollywood catalog arrives in the mail I vividly remember my fitness goals, and even though we maybe can never look exactly like that. (Chances are the models themselves don’t look exactly like that. They just appear to thanks to Photoshop, great photographers, and lighting we ain’t got).

 

 But it does help you remember that you really want to slim down and firm up, and look as close as you possibly can to that goal body. Trust me, I have been heavy and out of shape, and to the other side and back before. Nothing is impossible.

 

What helps:

 

1) Of course, healthier food choices.

Though I do say allow yourself an indulgence or you aren’t living at all, just don’t over do the heavy and sweet stuff. Moderation is the key.

 

2) Moderate exercise.

Even simple walking helps burn calories and you can do this with your kids or doggie in tow. Go above and beyond as often as you can, even if just for minutes here and there. It will make a difference. It strengthens your heart to. An added bonus.

 

3) Start being your own biggest fan.

‘I can do this. I am beautiful. I am strong. I will reach my goals.’  Always speak positively to yourself. Well I know that if you do the opposite, much like anything else in life, you are doomed to fail. What you think is more important then you know. Ham it up because you are awesome!

 

4) Start NOW!!

The holidays are coming up fast. The worst time of the year for poor eating habits and putting on extra pounds. If you start now, you can indulge a little bit more come the festivities. Start getting regular exercise and eating better to prepare for the main event. I’m not one to ever say cut out the turkey and trimmings and suffer with a container of tofu. Just start your exercise routine and better eating habits today, as tomorrow will come fast!

 

4) Manage stress better.

Stress can easily cause over-eating and weight gain. When you feel stressed, hitting the gym or working out at home is actually a terrific thing. It relieves a lot of it, and does so in a positive way for both your mind and for your body. There is nothing that you can’t do, and nothing you can’t get through!

 

If you are postpartum and looking for some help in the tummy area, I always recommend a belly binder like the Squeem, as shown HERE.That will take care of the mummy tummy, any diastasis, and postpartum belly bulges new moms and others hate so much. (Save 10% off with the code SPOOKY until November 25th.)

 

Believe in yourself, and believe you can reach your goals. If you feel like you have no motivation or friend to follow with, you have me. I gained some weight on purpose. (I’m getting older so I wanted some more fat on my face. It was getting too thin.) Now I am looking to firm it all up. No more jiggle when I wiggle . Won’t you join me, my new cyber fitness buddy?  Someone is here for you on this journey!

 

‘The secret to better body success is to indulge only in moderation, stay active, and believe in all that you can be, and so you shall be.’ - Mama P.

 

******************************************************************

 

Now wanna laugh? Some unconventional exercises to do with your little ones & shape up with. A spoofy, fun vid, that really DID have my muscles aching the day after! No excuses .

Check it out.