Well, I did it. It's been over three years since my last gym workout.
THREE YEARS.
But on Tuesday, I rejoined the gym!
I am tired of eating too much fast food. I am tired of sweets from Halloween bleeding into sweets from Thanksgiving bleeding into sweets from Christmas bleeding into sweets from my birthday. About all of that, I have to say, "enough, enough, enough!"
I'm vowing to eat healthier and I'm vowing to work up a sweat more. In a gym. Just like I always used to do!
Yesterday evening I drove myself and the girls to the gym and put them in childcare. I was ... terrified. Camille and I rehearsed over and over in the car what she would say if someone other than ME tried to take her home "I ON-YEE GO HOME WITH MY MAMAAAAA!" (yes, I'm paranoid)
Charlotte, 9 months old now, is my little treefrog, my little stage five clinger. I knew she would cry terribly when I handed her over, and she did. Even though it was hard putting Camille in daycare at 3 months old, the girl never had an issue going into the arms of someone she didn't know. Charlotte is so different. Soooo different.
But by 4:40 I had both girls secured in childwatch and I took a 55-minute long dance class and loved it!
It felt great to move around and shake my untoned droopy tush. The photo above looks pretty good but I also took a side photo and I have ... ugh ... no words. My tummy, my rear ... ONE is flat and ONE is nice and round, and let's just say that we need to reverse that little combination. Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
I also purchased a new highly-rated smoothie maker and will put it to use this morning for the first time ever. I used to make smoothies all the time, adding in superfoods like spinach, kale, blueberries, chia. Now I toast frozen waffles for breakfast and top them with butter and syrup. Can you see that I'm ready for a change?
This is the smoothie maker we decided on and we are excited to treat all of our family members to delicious, nutritional breakfasts and snacks using it. We all could stand to do better.
So, while I am holding back that side photo that I mentioned above (it's THAT embarrassing), I am putting this blog post out there in hopes for some accountability. I want to be more active, I want to be stronger, I want for my workouts to consist of more than chasing Camille up and down our home stairs.
I'd love to hear from you ... what is ONE thing you do daily that you are proud to do for your health? Do you work out on your lunch break? Do you pop a multivitamin religiously? Do you do pushups before bed? Pilates, barre, yogacorefusion, what keeps you fit?
Good for you!!! It always feels so good to get a workout in even if we dread it at first. I don't necessarily do one thing daily but I do try and do barre 2-3 days a week which I love. I just wish it had child care! I am laughing at what you taught Camille.. it's actually so smart! I just told jack the other day not to open the front door if mommy or daddy wasn't right with him. He's gotten in a habit of saying "come In!" Whenever the doorbell rings... my fault for sure!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! We moved last year from our home state of CA to NJ and one of the first things I did was join the gym here. My daughter (also a Charlotte) started going to the child care around 9 months and now she's 2. Since we've incorporated it into our routine, everyone is happy to go! All the daycare workers know my kids and are so sweet with them. (One of them is even our regular babysitter for date nights!) On my best weeks, I make it 5 - 6 times and other weeks only twice. It's been so great for me to help lose residual baby weight and try new things. I found that I love pilates and Barre so much and look forward to working out! I also met a lot of friends or have friends that joined and we'll coordinate our schedules so our kids can hang out together and the mommas can work out together!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the smoothie maker! My blender is struggling and a super fancy one is way way out of the budget but I do make a green smoothie about 4 times a week so I could use a little upgrade!
Super long comment but I just wanted to say that I feel like I could have written this same post 16 months ago! I hope it all goes well for you!!
Does your gym offer spin/cycle classes? The absolute BEST way to get an hour of cardio and legs in without having to bore yourself to death on a treadmill or eliptical. My go-to workout for sure!
ReplyDeleteCan you share some yummy smoothie recipes?
ReplyDeleteGreat for you, I have been reading your blog for awhile now and love to hear your updates...on a side note please tell me where you got your rug in the photo? I am looking for something with those colors for my dining room and your rug looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteTwo things- water. I carry around a huge water bottle and am very conscious to drink it throughout the day. It took some getting used to but when I do drink water more I'm much less snacky.
ReplyDeleteTwo- I signed up to run a half marathon. Way out of my comfort zone. I will be slow and likely have to do some walk breaks but it's helping me to consistently run and making me be more aware of what I say cause who wants to run 5 miles after eating a greasy burger?! I'm nervous but also excited
I'm right there with you.....not to add to my long list of excuses, but with the holidays and moving - gym sessions have fallen by the wayside. My favorite hour class in CA was at core power yoga....I love the sculpt yoga class that combines cardio and weights but I'm eager to find a gym here in IL to get started!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to do the child watch routine but in time she won't mind and in fact will look forward to it. My son calls it Gym-school to differentiate it from preschool! But he enjoys going. My fave class at Y is barre. It's really good for toning. I like it better than Pilates. Also, think about a yoga class once in awhile. It's great for busy mamas who need to do something for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI love taking cycle and barre classes. My goal this year is to log food into myfitnesspal daily. It has been so helpful to see all the foods I have been eating and I have lost 6lbs this month. I also love taking long walks with friends as a way to get together but not focus on food.
ReplyDeleteWay to go girl! I absolutely love our YMCA and it's child care center. And I think as soon as you get into a regular routine with bringing the girls there… You will see how much they begin to love it too! You are beautiful no matter what… But I completely understand just wanting to get things back to the way they used to be… You got this!!!❤
ReplyDeleteWhen I go to the gym I usually just do the elliptical (a membership for machines is only $15/month so no classes for me right now). I downloaded the Aaptiv app and love it! It makes me not zone out while on the machine and feel like I am taking a class.
ReplyDeleteSo awesome for you diving in! I haven't left Madeline in child watch yet although I'm dying to get back to a real barre class at least once a week. I work out every day at home while she naps. I think of it as a non-negotiable part of my daily schedule. 21 Day Fix and Cize are my favorites for at home and I'm done in under an hour. It can be so hard to squeeze everything in with one baby so you are awesome for making it a priority with two! I know your dedication will pay off but you already look great!
ReplyDeleteThe Lovely Latte
I signed up for Beachbody classes via online streaming. I love instructor lead classes, and the library of classes is amazing! Turbo Fire, Insanity, P90x, etc. I just pull them up on my laptop when the kiddo is napping or my hubs can watch him. And lots cheaper than a gym membership too!
ReplyDeleteI just hired a personal trainer and I cannot wait for him to whip me into shape! We also have a Ninja blender and I use it for my smoothies with protein powder, fruit, etc. I have had to majorly cut back on booze and fast food. It is so hard, but I know I have to do it.
ReplyDeleteI had my 3rd baby 6 weeks ago and cancelled my gym when she was 1 week old. 😁 The woman who ran the babysitting left and I no longer felt comfortable. I knew I wasn't going to like dropping the new baby off once she was old enough. I used to gym it in addition to Beachbody videos. Now I'm strictly Beachbody and still love it.
ReplyDeleteI like to add flaxseed meal and Kefir to my smoothies & sometimes I'll add chia seeds.
Have you ever made chia seed pudding? You might like that as a breakfast or snack.
And energy bites are a favorite in my house in addition to roasted chick peas.
You will feel so great going to the gym regularly not only because you're working out, but also for getting time to yourself! I try to take a vitamin everyday and workout 3-4 times a week. Sometimes its a walk after my husband gets home, the gym or a YouTube video. I also LOVE my FitBit and doing step challenges with my husband and friends.
ReplyDeleteI try to drink a healthy smoothie every day. My favorite I call the Green-Monkey. It's 1/2 frozen Banana, 1 tsp of nut butter of choice, 16oz milk of choice coconut, soy, almond, or cows milk, a big handful of spinach, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract..sometimes I'll add a dash of cinnamon or raw cocoa powder. It's more of a milkshake in terms of texture but you get a little bit of everything protein,fiber,and calcium...it's also very low in sugar. I also love Beachbody on Demand as I don't have to leave the house to get a workout in.
ReplyDeleteokay seriously, this is so motivating! youre a mom of 2 with a busy, busy life! i am a 24 year old who has no responsibilities outside of my job and myself-- what is my issue!!!!!! i used to love working out, now i come up with every excuse in the book. i will say, i am consistent with drinking a TON of water. i bought one of those big mason jar jugs with the spout and keep it on my desk at work with water and lemon-- people make fun of me but it works! thank you for putting this out there-- you have inspired me!! :) you go, mama!!
ReplyDeleteI drink a ton of water! Also, I love keeping bags of frozen fruits in the freezer for smoothies. See if you can find a tropical blend one - pineapple, papaya, etc. - because you can pretend it's a virgin vacation cocktail :)
ReplyDeleteI also put workouts on my calendar. Clearly at almost 38 weeks pregnant these... are often the first thing to go, but if at 8 am I know that I really want to do my prenatal yoga DVD after dinner, I'm more likely to keep it in mind all day and get to it once the dishes are done!
I am in the same boat as you right now with an almost one year old and this is inspriring me to stop eating frozen waffles for breakfast and get back to the gym!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!! I miss the gym classes terribly! I noticed just hip hop cardio wasn't doing much for me so I'm trying to incorporate some Tone It Up videos which have really left me sore - a feeling I desperately missed. Thankfully, I have a few girlfriends at work who go outside and do a workout during lunch - it's so helpful because I don't have to worry about it once I get home :) Enjoy the gym!!
ReplyDeleteYay for you! Gym time is you time and everybody mama needs that! I love my gym time and do a treadmill day, two days of my regular ripped class I started after L was born (high intensity intervals and lots of strength training which I've found I love!) and sometimes do a lighter dance class more to catch up with a busy girlfriend. My gym class friends have become the best little circle of motivation for me. We do lots of green smoothies, I love overnight oats and it eliminates the opportunity to be "in the mood" for something less healthy come morning time because they're all ready. I've also been packing snack packs, in addition to my workday salad. Even at home, having a plethora of healthy snacks front and center keeps me from aimless snacking (I use Bentos and do some combo of hard boiled egg, cheese, pretzels, plain Greek yogurt, fruit, peanut butter, carrots). And finally, I caved and got a Fitbit to help me be more mindful of MOVING during my workdays. You already look fabulous, I'm excited for you to feel just as great!
ReplyDeleteI have a green smoothie every morning and I try to get as much veg in there as I can. On Sunday I prep all of my smoothies for the week and write on the bags what it is and any milk etc that I need to add. It's the best when I'm running out the door in the morning!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I'm the same as you, I rejoined my old gym and take a few classes a week. It is so nice to have time for myself that actually does something to improve my overall health. I wasn't able to go to classes for a long time following the birth of my twins for various reasons, but now that I can it is such a bright spot in my week.
ReplyDeleteYay, you go girl! One thing I do daily is track my water intake. My goal is to have 80 oz. down by the time I leave work. I eat less, get less headaches, and sleep better when I do this.
ReplyDeleteUsually, I'm pretty good about sneaking in small workouts (at least) if I can't go to a class. The last two weeks have been a final in this category but I vow to get better!
I need to get back to the gym to be more consistent about lifting weights again. I am NOT a group exercise person. I need solo workout time as a stress reliever. Despite lots of injuries over the years, I remain a runner. It's my sanity saver. It's much harder fitting in now w/ two little kids just over two years apart, but I often find time over my lunch break when I work at home. I also drink a ton of water because I nurse and need to keep my supply up. I also eat a lot of jelly beans and like to drink really caloric beer, so it's all about balance.
ReplyDeleteYou look great April, but I'm so glad you are taking some time for yourself...even if you do have to coach Camille and leave a clingy Charlotte. We have a hard time leaving our daughter too, but I think it is good for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI stay at home with my 2 year old son who has the quite the social life. I had to work hard to find a balance to make the gym a priority because I found if I didn't get that time to myself, I just wasn't being the best mom I could be. I've decided that something is better than nothing. So if that means I have to sneak out of class 10 minutes early to get my son to swim lessons or little gym versus not going to work out at all, I'm going to sneak out. My gym also has an awesome child care center that my son loves going to, so that makes it a lot easier. I've also made it a point to make friends with the women in my classes. Helps with accountability! I can't wait to hear more about this!
ReplyDeleteGet it, girl! You are going to feel so great getting back in the gym! I just joined back in August and after having two babies, I needed it. I feel AMAZING! It really does give you more energy and lord knows we all need it chasing after two littles!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It's so important- yet difficult to find balance between taking care of ourselves and the kids! I also stay home with my 2 kids and I try my best to get up before the kids to workout or workout during nap time (on the lucky days I get both kids napping at the same time.) I love to do both Pilates and Yoga. I teach Pilates and would highly suggest it! It's really great for getting back in shape after baby- I'm currently 7 months PP. Pilates is perfect strengthening, toning muscles- especially abdominals and gluts!
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! I actually cancelled my gym membership because I prefer to run outside or do Hilliard Studio Method (from my days in CLT!!) videos at home. Love them! At the Harris Y there used to be a pretty good barre class that I also enjoyed, plus there were some fantastic spin instructors. However, you seriously look amazing and I wish my arms were as ripped as yours (and I also carry around a toddler all day!).
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!! I'm so proud of you!!! :) I eat complete garbage, so I'm no help in that department, but my newest trick is getting up at 6:30 am to run. If I don't do it then, life just gets in the way!! I've found I'm much more productive once I've gotten my run out of the way!
ReplyDeleteI'm horrible at dieting, but I've noticed if I make sure to have 7 servings of fruit/veggies a day, I do better. It's harder than it seems! Also, I love to jazzercise!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a cliche, but I started working out right on January 1 (after QUITE a long absence) and already I feel so much better. I've got so much more energy! I kind of decided not to revamp my food AND exercise at the same time, but even without it, I find myself making better food choices so I have the right fuel to work out.
ReplyDeleteHere's to nice flat tums and nice round bums!
Good for you! I think you look amazing, but I know how hard it is to not feel good in your own skin. I worked out religiously before pregnancy and really throughout my pregnancy (though at a lower intensity), and it still took me close to a year to drop the baby weight. I held onto 16 extra pounds for about 10 months and it was just beyond depressing. What totally transformed my body and helped me lose my baby weight (plus a couple extra pounds!) was following the 21 Day Fix meal plan. It was shocking to realize just how many carbs I was eating. I followed some of the 21 DF workouts but also went to my gym on days I didn't feel like working out at home. Also, I, too, was skeptical about gym childcare, but my daughter (who is 2) absolutely loves it there and the staff treat her so wonderfully. I will also add that going to a local barre studio twice a week has worked miracles for my body! I still have work to do, but I have never been more toned. It is a great mind-body workout. Best of luck. You got this!
ReplyDeleteSince we share the same stingy gene (although I am not afraid to treat myself once in a while) then you will love the new app Ibotta I just discovered....you just pick rebates that are available at the store you are going to shop at and take a picture of your receipt after to redeem them. I have already earned $15.50 in a week doing it. It is so much easier than couponing because as a single girl I always end up clipping coupons that expire before I can check them out. And as a fellow gym rat, I support you and your decision to take charge of your own health!
ReplyDeletehttp://aduchessandablog.blogspot.com/
A few years ago I purchased a Body Pump DVD and my own little bar set and a few dumbbells. I try to do Body Pump 3 times a week [it is my fav!] and our neighbors gave us a treadmill when they moved so I try to run on that 2 times a week. I prefer to go to a gym or run outside, but my husband has been SO GOOD about going to the gym at 5:00am [when I work out] and both of us can't be gone with a baby in the house asleep. This works for now and I am feeling MUCH BETTER now that I'm lifting/running again. I have a fitbit that I wear every day for the past 3 years now and that is motivating for 10k steps a day, and working on the 8th floor and only taking stairs - but getting 10k steps just wasn't enough for me!!! Seriously, lifting weights and running now make have made me feel like my old self again! And I am sleeping better :). I have always been an active person but pregnancy/breastfeeding #hangry all the time did not go well with working out so I mostly walked. I'd like updates on working out with 2 kids at a gym tho!!! Keep updating us!!
ReplyDeleteI started doing Lagree method about a year ago. It's crazy addicting and seems hard at first (or if you take off too much time like I did over the holidays!), but it works every muscle in your body. Not sure if Charlotte has one, but you should look into it! Best workout ever! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I too just re-joined the gym after 3+ years of being pregnant (x2), nursing and just not being motivated to workout. I'm dedicating 1 night a week where my husband picks up the kids and I go straight to the gym, plus trying to get there once on the weekends. I also do 10-15 minutes of yoga most mornings before getting ready for work. Small changes will add up! We also stick to a mostly paleo/clean eating diet for dinners, but random treats at work throw me off, so I'm trying to say no more!
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