My baby girl is four months old today. When I stop and reflect on that, I can't help but notice how much things have changed since the day we brought her home. I can no longer focus on me, as all of my energy goes to her first and foremost. But that's not to say that I've lost myself in motherhood. It's taken some time, but I finally feel like I've got a good grip on her schedule, and how her schedule relates to my schedule and all of the things I need...want to get done. The most important of those things, as I'm sure you can probably guess, is my need to exercise. Fortunately, as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I have an awesome amount of resources at my fingertips. I just don't necessarily have the time for said resources. But in the last month, I've figured out how to make the time despite Miss Hannah and her needs. Here's what my typical week of exercising looks like:
Now, here's where it gets tricky: I really wish I could sneak in a yoga class. We offer classes during the week, but they're taught when I'm typically training clients. There is a Saturday morning class, and I could probably swing it, but I choose not to because I would rather be at home with Hannah and the hubs. As much as I'd like to, I just cannot do it all. When I try to, I run myself ragged and end up so sleep deprived and hehind in other aspects of my life that I just can't enjoy anything. And that's no fun, right? So for now, yoga is shelved until further notice.
I also have a really great road bike hanging in our (dusty) garage, taunting me every time I get in my car. It, quite literally, smacks me on the head sometimes. Oh,
Jamis...
I didn't ride at all last summer because of the bump—I was too afraid of falling or getting hit by a mindless driver—but I desperately want to dust it off as I love to cycle. Two possibilities:
1) Riding it to my 6:00AM class. Literally, I live two minutes away from the gym.
2) Replacing one of my shorter runs during the week with a ride.
Ultimately, I would love to spin as well. My gym has some great instructors and there is a class that would fit my work schedule (and the nursery's schedule), but I can't get there in time because of Hannah's schedule. And that's perfectly fine. She comes first, of course.
Certain things have to come first. But exercise, in whatever form it fits you, should always be (at the very least) a close second. So if you're having a hard time figuring out how to get exercise into your schedule, ask yourself the following:
1) Am I doing my best to make it a priority? Is any part of me being lazy?
2) Are there things on my schedule that aren't as important as I'm making them out to be?
3) Am I taking advantage of my gym membership, complete with showers for pre-work sessions?
4) Do I really need to do this (whatever it may be) right this second or should I be working out?
5) Is it really impossible for me to get up earlier?
6) Am I stretched too thin? (Figuratively speaking, of course.)
There is always time for exercise. Trust me. You just have to find it.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, this is the scenery I was telling you about above.
Can't wait for beach season. It's almost here...
Question: How do you make the time for exercise in your weekly routine?
3 comments:
Great post. I have a 2.5 month old and a 9 month old so I am all too familiar with having to make time during naps and after they go to bed. I've been using my exercise bike at home, which makes it easy. I just recently started running and usually do my runs after they go to bed at night. It helps that my husband is super supportive and helps with the kids. :)
Little babies! Congrats to you!
True. If you’re determined to be healthy, there are no excuses when it comes to exercise. Proper scheduling is the key to overcome your hectic schedule - it can be daily or weekly. It’s like setting up a fitness program of discipline for oneself. Once you get over with the schedule, it’ll be part of your routine. And it’s one of the better ways to live life to the fullest.
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