Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Post Baby Fitness: No Excuses!

Oh the list of excuses why one can't exercise after having a baby.  No time, too tired, no one to watch the baby, what do they all add up to?  GARBAGE!
I have had this crazy goal since I got pregnant.  I want to complete a triathlon within 9 months of giving birth without embarrassing myself.  This was a major part of my motivation to stay in shape, and improve my fitness during pregnancy.  Since Asher was born it has been the reason why I am at the gym six days per week.  Are there times I don't want to workout?  Absolutely, but this is what I have learned:  1) If I don't get my workout in I am no fun to be around 2) If I don't get my workout in I feel exhausted all day 3)  There are very, VERY few times my reasons why I can't get a great workout in are anything more than pitiful excuses.  4) If I stop crying about working out and just do it I feel great!
So that is why I workout and here is how I make it happen.  1)  Early mornings.  Asher is a great sleeper in the mornings, if I get to the gym around 6:30 I have between 30 minutes and an hour to workout while he sleeps in his stroller.  2)  Lunch time.  Paul has been great and agreed to watch him a couple days each week while he is at lunch.  This is the perfect time to get in the pool and swim laps for 30 minutes.  3)  After Paul gets home...This doesn't happen as much anymore since Paul often doesn't get home until after 7:00.  4)  Saturday/Long weekends.  We hire a babysitter on Saturdays so we can go on a long bike ride together and/or lap swim.  It is great "us time" with the added bonus of a great workout.  This leaves us both feeling rejuvenated.  5) I workout with a trainer who is sweet enough to hold babe while I do some strength training.  
Obviously working out is different than before, but I consider it even MORE IMPORTANT now.  I need the emotional boost working out gives me, and I need to be physically strong to keep up with Asher.  You don't have to train for a tri to get those benefits.  But you do have to workout.  So stop making excuses and make working out a priority.  If you do that I promise you will find a way to make it happen.  Plus it feels so great to not only weigh less than I did before I was pregnant but also be so much stronger!  Now set a goal, stop making excuses, and make it happen.