After I published the post about gaining weight and mentioned a little about exercising, a few of you emailed me asking why I don’t talk as much about fitness anymore. I realized that I wrote about it a lot when I was pregnant with Luke and postpartum, but then just let that part of the blog go away. Since there was some interest, I am bringing back a little fitness talk with a Fitness Friday feature.
This will be a place where I can talk about my current fitness routines, topical fitness topics, share favorite workouts, and more. If there is a specific topic or feature you’d like to see, just let me know in the comments.
The best thing I did for myself in the last few months fitness-wise is join a gym. We hadn’t belonged to a gym since Meghan was a baby. I relied on workout DVDs, home workouts, and running outside when the weather was mild. (I’m a wimp and don’t like running outside in the winter.)
At the end of last summer, Tim and I did the Insanity program together. It was an effective program and definitely had us both in great shape. That ended in September. Fall was tough. We had 4 different trips between September-December. Workouts became more sporadic. I got so sick of working out in our designated exercise room in our basement. I thought those cement walls might swallow me.
It was also increasingly difficult to find a time to workout. I don’t like to workout before the kids are up as I like to drink my coffee, read my Bible, and then either work on blog stuff or read blogs. After dinner I’m toast so it just doesn’t happen. So my only time was while Luke napped. Sometimes it worked out fine, but other days I felt like I was spending the entire nap time working out, showering, and getting ready and I really didn’t like it.
So we made the decision to join the YMCA and it’s been fantastic. I can go right to the gym after I drop Meghan off at school and Luke can go in the child care. It’s great for him to be around other adults and children for a short while and he has fun playing with all the toys. It’s been a win-win situation all around. I really feel like it’s saved my fitness routine.
Despite loving the gym, I still struggle with workout boredom. I need to switch things up often and find workouts that keep my interest. One thing I’ve had fun with is using the indoor track to combine cardio and strength training for a whole body workout. I first saw this track workout on Healthy Tipping Point and did it a few times.
Since then I have created a few different track workouts and thought I’d share one of my favorites with you today.
This is a great workout for when you only have 30 minutes, but want to get a whole body, calorie-blasting workout in. It’s definitely a challenging workout, but can be modified to different levels. It can be as hard or easy as you want it to be, depending on your exertion level.
I don’t take a break in between the running or exercises. It’s a continuous workout. Depending on your pace, it can take more or less than 30 minutes, but it’s approximately a 30 minute routine. You will need dumb bells, a chair or bench, and a place to run (could even be done on a treadmill).
I’m full of sweat by the end of this workout and love that it mixes cardio and strength training. It keeps my interest because the exercises vary so much throughout. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
I post a lot of different workouts on my Fitness Pinterest board. Check it out and follow my board to keep up with all the fun workouts I find.
What’s your fitness routine looking like lately? Are you a gym or home workout person?
I am a Pilates instructor but needed to amp up the cardio. I used to be an avid runner but after having my daughter, my hip was hurting so badly when I ran I have taken a long long break, over a year. The hip is much better so I have been hiking up hills with her in the stroller a couple days a week. I am lucky to be in Cali where the weather has been insanely dry this “winter”.
But I still wasn’t feeling in that great of shape so my husband and I have started doing Insanity. We are a couple weeks in and I really like it. I have never worked out like this and it is keeping me on my toes. I also really love that we are doing it together…definitely keeps me motivated to keep going. We are doing it after the kids go to bed so most nights I would much rather do nothing, but it helps to have my workout partner!
I will have to give this workout a try when we are done with the insanity.
Yes, having another person to keep me accountable definitely helped get me through Insanity. Glad you are liking it!
We too have recently re-joined the Y, it’s easier getting out of the house now that Kaz is older – but he won’t stay in child watch for more than 10 minutes! We’re easing into it… for now I go without him or we go as a family and take turns in the play area with him.
I love to do intervals on the treadmill when it’s dark and cold outside, 30 minutes is perfectly fine these days. I even satisfied to crank up the intensity like you’ve got in your workout here and make it 25 minutes if it’s all I’ve got time for. I no longer feel like I have to work out for 40 – 60 in order for it to “count”. Good stuff.
I’ve been surprised that Luke does really well in child care because it was the first time I’d left him in any time of setting like that. I guess he thinks they have cooler toys than us. 😉
you know me, i teach at gym but also just love these kind of workouts! pinning!
Thanks, Lindsay!
I got cleared to exercise a week ago and all I’ve done is walk. I need to get my butt to the gym!
I have no idea when I’m going to find the time to workout when I go back to work. I should get it in now!
Finding time to workout when you have kids is so hard anyway, but add work into the mix and it will definitely be a challenge. But tons of women do it, so I’m sure you’ll find a good schedule that works. Maybe on your lunch break or something? Good luck–for now just enjoy those days you have with your sweetie. They go by too fast!
I try to exercise once a day, even if it is only for 20 minutes. I usually exercise when the kids are napping (I have an almost 5 year old that still naps :)). Sometimes I can fit in a whole hour. I am exercising only at home using DVDs or YouTube videos. I used to go to the gym when I had no kids, but for now exercising at home works for me. At least I am doing some type of exercise :). There is a video on YouTube by Jillian Michaels that lasts 55 minutes that I love and I try to do at least once a week.
That’s great that you’ve found a routine that works so well. I totally agree that even if I get 20 minutes in, I feel so much better. Something is better than nothing!