250 minutes a week of hard exercise seems so doable. don’t you think?
and i am always looking for different ways to exercise since i get bored easily.
that said, i am happy to report that since i blogged about my quest for better health (see blog january 18th 2009), i have been consistently working on my diet and exercising frequently (and don’t bother asking how much i’ve lost because i let someone else weigh me each week and tell me i’m heading in the right direction…numbers give me too much anxiety).
and i figure, many of you are working on yourselves as well.
so let’s help eachother and share how you are staying/getting healthy amidst the stresses of life.
what type of exercise do you like to do?
what kind of music makes you work harder?
do you like taking exercise classes?
xxx
jennifer
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i hit the elliptical for about an hour to an hour and a half a day. i have it set up in my home right in front of a tivo equipped tv. tried to watch martha while on the elliptical, but I found myself slowing down too much to listen to instructions or ingredients. i need something mindless and easy — i love lucy, america’s next top model (fast forward thru the drama), american idol, any sitcom or talk show. i figure that if i watch the calorie counter instead of the timer, and work off 500 -750 calories a day, i can drop at least 5 pounds a month without caring too much about “dieting,” which actually makes me obsesses about food.
Hi Jennifer! I too am working on a new healthy self. One thing that I tried and love is The Biggest Loser workout DVDs. I know it seems cheesy, but the DVDs are great when you don’t feel like going to the gym and they require only a little bit of equipment. I have even persuaded to get my boyfriend to do them with me and he loves them too. They are challenging, but you really feel like you worked out afterwards. Anyways, congrats on “heading in the right direction”!
Let me just begin by saying that I am NOT a person who enjoys exercise at all. I know all the benefits, etc., especially b/c of my career as a Registered Dieitian. However, the one thing that has gotten me motivated recently is training for the Crescent City Classic. It’s a 10K (6.2 mile) race through New Orleans. I have never been a real athlete and have never been a runner (and I’ve never done a race before). The day I started running, I could only go for 5 minutes then I had to stop. That was three weeks ago. I go 3-4 days a week and I’m up to 45 minutes without stopping. The race is about 5 weeks away and that is the only thing that is helping me to push forward. I would suggest you find a 5K or 10Ker in your area and that would help you to stay on track.
Keep on keepin on…we will fight the good fight!
I have lost a pound a week since January by brisk walking at my lunch hour.I do 3 miles each lunch hour.I listen to audiobooks.I also stopped eating most processed food.And have approached this as a lifestyle change instead of a diet.I must admit it seems to be working so far.I also strength train twice a week.Good luck in on your journey.XO
I tend to look at working out as a time for just me. I take care of others for a living and so I use my workouts as a time to take care of myself. I enjoy running, going to the gym and working out at home. I have some DVD’s which help to switch things up when I get annoyed or don’t want to deal with other people at the gym. Creating new I Pod playlists keeps me motivated as well. I find that lots of hot tea / herbal or green helps to keep me feeling full. I have a large cup before and after dinner. Sounds like you are doing things your way and the right way. Keep of the good work.
I love Zumba! It’s a latin-cardio dance class that’s really popular here and it’s the most fun exercise I’ve ever done.
I am also an elliptical girl. I normally do 45 minutes per day and burn enough calories to whipe out either my breakfast or lunch. I also enjoy Free Weights; muscles feel Great! I have a very bad back so I also take a semi private Pilates class once a week. I dont really like the large class environment.
All I can say is that if you stick with it your body will crave it, even if it is just a simple walk w/Ms Hazel.
Well, I was doing 5 days a week, until this past summer, at the gym, now I am only doing 3 days a week with good intentions for Tuesday and Thursdays, but the 3 days I do go are great days, I do a gravity class with a great trainer who has helped me alot, she gives us a hard but great work out in gravity then has us do 101s and at least 30 mins around the track, I am normally there for 2 hours, working out. I’ve lost 30 lbs in 3 years, have about 30 more to go. I am always amazed at people who loose fast as in the biggest looser and others who go on talk shows, it certainly would be great if it could be like that, I keep telling myself it’s best if it comes off slower. I do have a hypothyroid and my age working against me too, 57. I have been having a struggle with tracking my eating, got a smart food scale to help out but in order for it to be smart, you have to use it. Put a tracking App. on my Iphone, again you have to enter items for it to be helpful, found a great site for helping with nutritional information, for individual food items, the internet has a lot of great resources. I seem to have a writers block thing going on when it comes to tracking my food. It might work faster if I get those extra days back into the gym and track my food. I have been successful with changing alot of my eating habits, cut out soda, cut out sweets and added in fish and more fruits and veggies, my trainer says I need to be sure I am taking in enough calories so a journal would help with it, she is very patient with me, tough but patient.
Hi! I am trying to like exercising because it is the only way I know how to lose weight and belly fat. I do need good music to keep me motivated which is why I love taking classes instead of using the treadmill. I take Jazzercise classes 2 to 3 times a week. Once in a while, I take Zumba classes which is like an aerobic salsa dancing class and is more intense than Jazzercise but just as much fun. If you have time, try taking “belly dancing” classes for fun. It also makes your core muscles stronger.
Hey! Since I have been going to the gym off and on since I was 18,I pretty much just took all the things I have learned and created a workout that I switch around from day to day…
treadmill (run or walk with incline very high) (20 mins.) OR
Treadclimber (just started and I LOVE it) (20 min)
stairmaster (10-15 min)
weights (work entire body) been focusing on arms (25-30 min)
floor exercises (pilates, abs, stretching)15 min
If I don’t go to the gym I ride my bike about 8 miles and in the summer I try to swim everyday for about 30 min.
I don’t enjoy cardio, but it’s the only way to keep the fat off, so I always do it first….
thank god for Ipods, they literally can psych you into pushing into that zone where you are getting it right….
Also I am obsessed with Jillian Michaels…I think she is one of the few people who has a technique/method that actually works and is lifestyle/maintenence based instead of diets, which do not work…
I also live in So.California so there is more of an incentive to stay fit and healthy (bikini season year round)
Good Luck Jennifer! We are all rooting for you! Please let us know if you need more mixtape inspiration…
Lots of Love!
Hi Jennifer,
I’m totally an “Oprah,” either fat or skinny. In 15 years of struggle, I’ve found that working out most of the time and eating well most of the time spells success.
Keep your exercise and food plan fluid. More specifically, change things up! Don’t eat the same boring thing day in and day out. Likewise, keep the workout plan interesting!
Good Luck!
Sean Milton
Seattle, WA
I jog 3x a week 3 miles each time. I’m starting add weight training. I have to mix things up. I ride the kids to school pulling them on my bike. I try to sit less. Move move move. You have to want it.
I have been following, “Eat Right for Your Type”, and I lost weight and sizes quickly, where I had always struggled before, I’ve been feeling great, and following it since after Thanksgiving.https://www.whateverradio.com/website/_includes/imgs/blogs/submit_btn.gif
Also, I must use LOW weights or I will bulk up!!! Sorry, but for me it is true! Not a myth for at least some of us! Pilates has made a difference in record time,
Yay, Jen! You’re on a roll!
xxxoooo
Part of my 25th birthday present to myself was getting a gym membership. I used to be really skinny (6’2″, 149lbs) after being heavy all through my childhood through my 20th year. Did that the unhealthy way. Now…I eat healthily (granola, yogurt and fruit for breakfast), I like doing leg lifts and push-ups whilst watching the View. Salad or sandwiches for lunch (high protein, low-cal) and then for dinner I love eating soups I’ve made. (I’m a chef and it’s hard, but dammit! You can trust a healthy/fit chef.) I go to the gym after work. Cardio for an hour (treadmill — jogging, fast-walking; stair step thingy), then weight lift for another 30-45 minutes. I listen to any song I’d dance to. 🙂 The Killers, Rihanna, The Offspring, All-American Rejects, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Pink, Katy Perry, etc…anything that I can “sing” and gets me moving. I do not loathe going and certainly got over my vanity about working out in front of people. We’re all there to achieve the same goal!! 🙂
I currently go to Curves. I lost about 20 pounds doing their circuit and also following their diet plan. It wasn’t that hard to do. The 30 minute circuit works well for me and it goes by so fast. I also walked on my home treadmill about 3 miles about 3 times a week. I am one that enjoys walking and I can watch TV at the same time. The music at Curves it what they provide but it is fast and usually current and enjoyable.
In the off-season, like right now, I go to the Y for a class 5 days a week. When it is warm, I ride, ride, ride my bicycle. Two years ago I rode my bike 9,000 miles and drove my car only 2,000 miles. I have ridden across the country, down the Pacific coast, down the Mississippi River, seven weeks in Africa, including the Sahara Desert,and every year in Holland. My other big trip this year will be from the bottom to the top of England. (I just returned from riding through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.) I am 58 and everyone thinks I am 40. I protect my skin, and it looks great. My husband and I started this when we became empty-nesters.
OMG. I just heard the bad news about martha’s pooch. I am so sorry! as far as exercising is concerned, it’s tough. But, you’ve been looking marvelous, Jenny! Keep up the fantastic work! WE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU.
At my gym I had someone swipe my card to see how many times I went to the gym in 2008. It was PITIFUL, so my resolution was to improve the amount of times I got my fat tushie to the gym! So far for the 1st 2 months of 2009 I’ve hit my goal! YIPPEE! I’m THRILLED! As for dropping any pounds – well I must work on that now too!
I started Weight Watchers in January and joined a gym in February. I prefer taking a class to just working out myself. I take this one class called Latin Spice – I think it’s a Zumba knockoff and I love it. I also take this other class that combines step with weights and it’s really hard but I sweat so much I think it’s working! On the days I can’t get to a class I use the elliptical for an hour (on Saturday I got to workout watching you and Alexis – the gym had FLN on!) I would like to do more strength training but I don’t know what to do and can’t afford a trainer right now – besides I am a little embarassed to use the machines when I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I’ve lost 15 pounds so far so I am encouraged – I just have a long long way to go yet.
guitar poppy pop riffs makes for good treadmill runs.
I go to WW as well, but have been “stuck” at about a 15lb loss for months, nothing I do seems to move that scale. Starting today, I am cutting out sugar and wheat.grains for a week or so, trying to get things moving again. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week, two of those being an aerobics class. The other 3-4 gym sessions are usually 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights or a circuit routine I got from Shape magazine months ago. I have started a walk-run program on the treadmill that’s supposed to get you to 20 minutes of running in 12 weeks or something so we’ll see. I can’t wait for better weather so I can dig out my bicycle and hit the trails…my goal this year is to bike every day that the weather is good.
I also take the Zumba class and a Step class just because I love the music and it keeps me going. just ordered 2 pair of shoes for zumba. at home i do the bar method by burr leonard. It a great new workout that is very popular in northern, ca. It burns fat and carves muscle at the same time, but it’s very intense.
I’ve been following South Beach Diet as a guideline for healthy eating, lots of veggies, fruit, lean protein, etc. The recipes are really yummy (esp. in the yellow S.B. cookbook). I lost 35 lbs in 2 yrs. I hit a wall at 25 lbs and started Zumba, then lost another 10 lbs. Zumba is a great way to keep moving for an hour and have fun doing it. I really sweat! Before that I was just doing a fast walk on the treadmill for an hour. Good luck Jennifer, you’re going to look great and feel better in no time:)
Right now, I’m eating between 1300-1500 calories a day, drinking a ton of water. For exercise, I’m walking and using 5lb weights for strength training, along w/ a stability ball.
There are websites where you can download a workout “coach” I think one of them is called “iTread” and they take you through a typical walk either on a treadmill or outside. I think I’m needing that now because my music just isn’t keeping me interested. I figure if I have a lady/guy in my ear telling me what to do it will be more fun.
I also took cardio kickboxing at the gym a few times, I plan on going back to those classes after tax season because they’re in the middle of my work day and I can’t get out now, but it’s fun. You get to punch and kick and work out some aggression!
Spin class is also so fun. It’s intense and burns hundreds of calories in 45min to an hour! SO FUN…I leave there drenched in sweat! 🙂
I started my weight loss journey in January of 08, and have lost 50lbs so far. I have another 50-70 to go and it is and will be a battle for every pound but I’m keeping at it.
I agree with Priscilla, it has to be a life change. May ’06, I decided to change my life, no more sweets, no more junk, chips, ice cream, all out. Cut out meat almost entirely. Have lost almost 30 pounds. Feel better and look better than I have in years. The will power that I had in my 20’s is back. I have to admit, I just can’t buy the junk because if it’s in the house, I will eat it. But manage to pass it by in the store so the battle is usually won. good luck Jennifer!
I try to spend about 30 minutes 4-5 days a week doint cardio at the health club. But my new secret (ok, maybe not so secret) is the Wii fit. It is so much fun. ….and it makes the time fly by. Give it a try, Jennifer!
I meant to say May ’07 and I also do 30 minutes of pilates/day.
Get a pedometer, and aim for 10 thousand steps a day. It can be very easy, and some days, nearly impossible. But you will sure keep yourself on track when you check that number at the end of the day!
I started in May 2007. I was a size 18 and was depressed, didn’t want to go out, etc. I decided to start with the gym, but to do it with a trainer once a week to keep it interested. Too many times I started and got bored. My “diet” was just eating for the gym. Eating foods that wouldn’t weigh me down and would give me energy to work out. I started 3 days a week. My trainer suggested I try step class on a 4th day. I thought he was crazy, but I did it. The he suggested spin. I did that. I constantly changed my diet, making things I liked in a healthier way, eating more, but smaller, meals. Eating more protein and more fiber helps a lot. As of last week, I am now a size 4. Take it slow. Diets really don’t work because if you go on a diet, you will go off a diet. That’s why changing the way you eat is really the best option along with working out. I listen to rock music. I love it to work out to. Also, if you do get a trainer, get one that makes you laugh and makes you work. It doesn’t hurt if he’s cute, either!
sorry for the second posting. Just wanted to say that you should be congratulated for exercising, Jenny. Good job! Kisses and chocolate, Ken and Rich!
Yoga,Yoga,Yoga
Try a weighted hula-hoop. Great for the core! I NEVER had firm abs, but after having 2 kids in 1.5 yrs, they were shot to hell. I hula hoop 15-20 min a day and it is great fun and a good cardio workout too. I have lost inches and can actually feel some muscles forming (under the layers of fat that is). Good luck to you.
How can ANYONE lose any weight with Alexis around baking all of this stuff?? hahahah
I use the treadclimber at the gym rather than the ellipitical or the treadmill because you burn so many more calories.
I try to get in 2 ballet classes (90 mins each) per week. Also, I teach ballet (480 mins per week), but I’m not working at the level that I work at when I’m taking a class!! I do a lot of demonstrating, but not so much with my more advanced classes.
Sadly, it’s my only form of exercise. I don’t weight train, and I hate running. I’ve tried yoga with online classes but haven’t yet fit regular sessions into my schedule.
I rationalize that ballet is a full body workout with cardio (toward the end of class).
love running… do it about 4x a week, about 4.5 miles each time… and almost always listen to the Flashdance Soundtrack! it works like a charm for me!
Nordic pole walking! Good Lord Honey, it is a workout!
I have been doing private Pilates instruction (expensive, but if I can afford it, you certainly can) twice a week for 9 years. It’s challenging, interesting, and I’m always sorry when the hour is over. To avoid hurting yourself, check out True Pilates (ie, Romana’s Pilates) on 57th St. because instructors in that program go through really extensive training. Pilates gives you a body awareness that will make you want to slim down, and will help with any aches, pains, backache, etc. When I started, I went down a size without losing any weight–it tones you that much.
In addition, I do an hour on the elliptical at least three times a week. I bring along a Vogue or other magazine and read/look at it with the tv on because television alone isn’t enough, and a string of bad commercials will make you want to stop exercising and go home. The key to staying on the elliptical is multi-tasking–listen to music, watch tv, read. But you have to do it until you’re really sweating–if your bra isn’t soaked, you’re not exercising.
I am at the same weight, 128, that I was in college. I weigh myself almost every morning. I eat whole foods but don’t beat myself up if I indulge once in a while in bread and (lots of) butter, or a handful of chocolate almonds. Or even a whole bag of corn chips at times of stress. Dinner is a huge plateful of salad, with a little bit of whatever my family is eating. (They eat the rest of the salad–no need to prepare lots of different foods or “diet” dishes.) Eat lots of broccoli and other cancer-fighting vegetables, and brown rice cakes with hummus for a snack. I drink wine almost every night. Cut out milk and sugar in coffee right away–you’ll get used to it. Artificial sweetener is poison.
My final advice: If you’re going to binge, do it before noon!
Go to bed hungry.
Re exercise classes: personally, I hate them. It reminds me of gym class in high school. Get a private instructor and lose yourself in your exercise without worrying about others around you. You deserve it.
I absolutely despise working-out indoors (gossipy gyms with bad lighting, yuck) I do love my yoga at home for stress release. Walking consistantly has always been the best for my metabolism and mind. Last June my BF and I read the China Study. Don’t read unless you are prepared to make changes in your life- but it’s really incredible. We are foodies and have adapted well to a vegan lifestyle, but we both put a lot of effort into our cooking and don’t have kids. If you don’t want to be so drastic just try to eat a whole foods, plant based diet as much as possible. You will feel terrific and suddenly food is not the enemy. I still love my dairy and baking once in a while but I get to have my wine and chocolate every day- who needs more! Good luck and be kind to yourself!
Music and moving about hmm sounds like DANCING to me why don’t people take dancing ” lessons” then start dancing square dancing Contra dancing polka surely there is some live music event in large metro areas that offer DANCING
join a group that preforms at outdoor events or better yet take dancing and voice lessons then try COMMUNITY THEATER honestly live life get out there— blow up your tv
The Body Pump class at the gym near my office is great. 45-60 min of cardio/weights. You can make it as tough as you want by increasing your weights. I exercise better when there is loud music playing and someone yelling at me 🙂
As for food, I am sort of an Alexis-style baking machine, but I have had to reduce my output. I came across something called zigzag dieting, where you vary your calories during the week, with the occasional higher-calorie day. Supposedly this keeps your metabolism from slowing down, since you don’t limit your calories every day. I don’t know if that’s true, but it works for me because I don’t obsess about food when I know that a few times a week I can have a small treat.
Good luck!
Nike Plus! (https://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/) I am not a runner by nature but I am competetive by nature and I like measurable results. With this device you can set goals and you cant cheat it because it measures exactly how far and how fast you have walked/run. It is a little investment because you need an ipod and the special nike plus sneaker BUT it has had big results for me. If left to my own devices I will totaly cheat myself out of a good work out – 30 min running becomes 20 minutes of walking – an hour on the elipitical at a fast pace becomes 40 minutes at a snails pace – yet I can convince myself that I had a good work out when I really didnt do anything worthwile. With this Nike Plus thing it shows me exactly what I have done and it drives me to measure up! I just passed my 100 mile mark – and I know that I ran (okay or walked) every step of the way.
I work out everyday 60-90 min. I love it and look forward to it every morning. I have a gym in my house which really helps ALOT especially in the miserable Pittsburgh winters. Also, have a trainer whenever. I mix everything up treadmill (run), elliptical, bike and love weight training. Now that spring has sprung I bike on our great trails, probably 20-28 miles a day. Feels so good to be outside again. If I can do it Jen you can, I’m 57. 🙂
Before I became a stay at home mom I loved to run the stairwell in our 36 floor office building in Center City Philadelphia during lunch. A group of us would actually start on floor 34 and run down to street level. We would all start back up at our own paces. Most days I would run stopping on every 10th floor to do pushups. After I would hit the treadmill for a 20 min run/walk and then the rowing machine for a quick 5 min. row. We only had an hour for lunch.
I was able to adapt that routine at my local gym with the 15 step stairway they have. I fun 10x’s and do that 5x’s over. Its a great cardio workout. I have just started to add weights for a good butt workout !! Good luck and remember its not only good physically but mentally too. I have had alot of good conversations with myself over the years. I also get off on getting up at 4am to walk in my neighborhood for 4 miles. I like knowing I have already worked out before the am sunrise.
I go to boot camp 2 times/week for 50 minutes each and spin 2 times/week for 50 minutes. Then on the other 2 days I mix it up with the arc, treadmill, etc. it works…I have friends that I meet at the gym, it helps me to keep motivated. you can do it. keep us posted on your progress..
i heard some fitness guru on martha radio the other day say skinny does not equal fit. that really got me thinking. i do a power weightlifting class 3 times a week, step aerobics 3 times a week and run for 30 minutes 1-2 times a week. so, i am working out 6-7 days a week, yet not seeing a lot of changes in my body. i’ve been so frustrated, but hearing the gal say that really made me put it all in perspective. i am working out to keep my body healthy. if i happen to lose some inches along the way…well that would be great! in terms of getting to workout…they are scheduled in. i try my hardest not to miss them. i HATE going some days, but i ALWAYS end up feeling better when i am done. keeping my calories in check is always an issue, but i am trying to keep my servings small and cut out the treats…not always an easy thing to do for me!!! hang in there jennifer. you can do it. you’ll feel so much better as you do!
Wow what a perfect time to ask, with a rotary treadmill on the way, I am hoping this will be the proper exercise thing for me, hip hip horray!!!!
I hated running until I started a running program put out by runnersworld.com. Week 1 you begin by running for 30 seconds and walking for 4.5 minutes 7 times. Anyone can run for 30 secs, right? By week 13 you are running non-stop for 50 minutes. It’s amazing!! I’m doing the program with some women – we talk the whole time and it goes by really fast.
Jennifer, I heard you say today on the show you email you nutritionist your food intake. What a great idea! I’d love to find a free online food diary program. Having to report what I eat sure would make me eat less …
I went to a hospital weight control center; lost 30 # in 1 year with a menu plan of a breakfast of cereal & fruit, a liquid lunch with fruit and a low-calorie dinner; worked fine; kept my energy up & I did not get hungry; snacks were allowed too. Now I maintain it w/ 30-min workouts 3 times a week (I listen to audio books while exercising)- very easy to do; feel great; you will love the way you will look & the compliments you will get! Keep at it!
Hi Jen, I love how you share all of your struggles with us. Thanks! I just started the P90X program by Beach Body and love it. It is really intense, but since I know you’ve done boot camp, you can handle it. It is a 6-7 day a week at home program, the instructor,Tony Horton, is incredible, and there is not much equipment involved. Today was 90 minutes of yoga, and while I struggled through it, I thought of Alexis and how great she looks, which kept me going. All of the other days are intense cardio, weights, plyometrics, core, etc. It is based on the idea of muscle confusion. Will let you know how it goes. Lots of luck!
I’m just getting started on my journey to health. I suffer from hyporthyroidism and kinda gave up. Now I’m on meds and the realization that the Synthroid will not alone combat the effects of binging on Ho-Hos has forced me to remove my bum for the couch and move it all around. Unfortunately, I’m so out-of-shape that I am moving for about 10 minutes at a time.. but I suspect that will get better will time and removal of previously mentioned Ho-Hos. It’s also nice to know that I’m not the only one who struggles. 🙂 Luv your blog! Congrats on your progress.
Hey stellaboo my husband recently completed the p90x. I made it half way through, and now I need to get back on track. My husband already had little body fat, but he now looks like the guys on the dvd. The p90x is awesome and it works,just stick with it. (my fave is the kenpo x):)
meanwhile your partner in crime is baking pound cake . . . too funny!
I can’t help but wondering what it is you are eating. I mean, on the show you comment about this food or that being gross, and praise the organic lifestyle. So why are you heavy? And you’re always in some new exercise program. Something is not right with what you say versus what you do. Have you had test that could eliminate any medical condition that might be causing you to lack a metabolism? Something has to be out of whack! Good luck with your efforts! xoxoxo
hi andrea,
i’ve talked on the show time and time again about what a terrible 18 months i’ve had…between my mother’s illness and her death, i had let MYSELF get completely out of whack! i stopped taking care of myself. i didnt care what i was eating nor was i exercising. yes, i do praise the “organic” lifestyle (which btw, you can get/be fat eating only organic too!) but i also praise the deliciousness of cookies, cake, candy and french fries. Since january, i recommitted (don’t many of us do this? and studies show those who keep committing ultimately do succeed!) to a healthier lifestyle…bumps and all… and i talked just yesterday about how i broke down and ate some cake this past weekend….then exercised just a bit more because i was so angry with myself.
so although i may have a sluggish metabolism as MANY women do, i blame my long time of not taking care of myself appropriately. and i will keep trying. and sometimes i’ll even eat cake or something equally indulgent. but that is no longer an every day occurrence. xxx
Hi Jennifer, you’re so sweet to ask others to share.
I hate monotony but I love to exercise and love feeling fit but with three kids and hubby I am pressed to find time to do it.
Here’s what my therapist says.
Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do it.
Children feel reassured when they see their parents look after themselves.
Even if one parent only exercises it frees them from worrying. They do worry about their parents’ health(especially as kids get older and more aware).
I do what I enjoy. Otherwise I won’t want to. Walking, hiking, biking,yoga, dance, aerobics I love them all. But I don’t do it. Why? cause I have to connect with the inner me that says I don’t deserve it. But of course I do.
All those people you see frantically getting fit are for the most part doing it out of fear. It has to come from respect for yourself and the health of the planet(yes our health affects the planet). That’s the hardest part. But it’s a journey-and it can be so fun. Just have fun!
Thanks for the response Jennifer. I’m pretty much in the same boat, and sometimes I wonder, how did I get here? I simply don’t feel like I eat that much. I can totally understand how the situation with your Mom would make you stress eat. Additionally, I think it’s a proven fact that stress itself can pack on the pounds regardless of our habits! I asked about medical testing because I do know hypothyroidism can be a culprit. Please really considering the pedometer and step counting. I’d love to hear you discuss your progress on the show and have you to compete with (sorta!)
I do fun things with friends that you don’t think of as excercise, like roller skating, ice skating, or going out for a night of 80’s dancing.
I buy DVD’s and eat snacks while watching the Biggest Loser on TV.
I decided this year to make my health a priority by joining the YMCA in our town. I put my 3 little ones in the Kids Zone and walk on the indoor track for an hour with my IPOD. Since January I have lost 22 pounds by doing this and replacing my Diet Coke with water.
I hate exercise. Then I started to do kung fu and now I do bellydancing. The right kind of classes can be fun!
I went from a foxy size 6/8 to a revolting size 16 and I feel so demoralized that I eat to comfort myself. How sad is that?
However, when I DO exercise, I generally go on long, brisk walks outdoors. I love it. I look at neighbours’ houses, get ideas for my gardens and listen to 80s music.
But best of all is listening to all the free podcasts that I download from itunes. I only allow myself to listen to them when I’m either exercising or tidying/cleaning my house… motivates me to do both. I never listen to health or fitness podcasts. Instead, I listen to Savage Love; I laugh and laugh… no doubt everyone wonders who this fast-walking cackling lunatic is. I listen to lynn Rosetto Caspar’s “The Splendid table.” If you can believe it, listening to shows about food make me eat less, because I feel as thought I’m getting indulged just by listening to her talk about good stuff. The minutes FLY BY. Walking is so good for you, too – so much easier on the knees and back than running.
Do you have a “before” photo of yourself” If so, post it, please! Then you’ll be reminded of how great you looked and felt before, and we can see the “old” you who, I suspect, is the real you.
Have you seen or heard of the “lose it” app for the iPhone? Look into it!! I worked out for years but couldn’t get to the weight I wanted. This app was a real eye opener! A little time consuming getting started but amazing!!!
Jennifer–did you ever go to dance clubs? I’m sure you did. I like exercising to songs that you would dance to…I prefer rap and hip hop and pop and madonna….
ugh…jennifer, you remind me of that comic strip “cathy”…I think you are made of mush…physically and emotionally.
Good point about Jenny being just like “Cathy.” Remarkable closeness. Cathy Guisewite, is the artist’s name. Well said.
Ugh. Dean, Suck It.
Your blog is too long so I didn’t read all of it, but have you ever tried the Power Plate? It is suppose to give you a work out that is 10 fold the amount of time you normally would work out. The gyms in my part of Ct don’t have them but I did try one out at Brookstone. The SA, who was 12, told me alot of people were buying them but she really couldn’t or should I say didn’t know anything about it? I like to watch CNN at the gym when i’m on the tredmill. Amy
I joined curves because I would like to shed a few (10) pounds at least. Let me tell you lady, it is really fast and it seems to be working quite well. You only need to go 3 times a week for 30 minutes. When you walk through the door you aren’t concerned about what everyone is going to think about you because they are all women and let me tell you, NONE of them are perfect. It isn’t overwhelming because there is structure in what they call the “curves circuit”. You always go in knowing what to do. I absolutely love it. You should give it a try.
BTW; I don’t have satellite radio, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE your show on FLN. It is just too funny. Keep the good cracks comin.
but not by the dozen..hard to eat well though all the time when junk food tastes better..:(
Oh and yes Paula is a freaky buzzed up over jeweled Ho bag…
who is out of it on the show
250 minutes sounds a bit daunting, but when they break it down to 50 minutes 5 times a week..not so bad at all.
This year a friend and I who live about 5 hours apart decided to try and inspire each other to become healthier by setting up a blog that we each post to once a week. We talk about what the week was like from the number on the scale to a challenging day with our kids. So far it is working for us, it seems to keep us each accountable and since we live so far away, we are much more up to date on each others lives than we normally are.
As for excersise, I like gong to the gym…it is sort of an escape for me. Getting there is 95 percent of the battle, once I am there and on the eliptical or in a class I love it. Music is also key…latest favorite is Right Round by Flo Rida, the music comes on and you just can’t help but work a little harder. My gym also has TV screens in the cardio equipment so sometimes I time my workout with my favorite shows…the hour flies by!
Well that is what is working for me, good luck on your quest…and I must say I was so impressed when you said you didn’t have any of Paulie’s B-day cake…..wow….just hearing about it made me want a piece and for you to be able to see and smell it….good for you!
Erinn, Vancouver Canada
I recently started going to the gym regularly to push myself in the right direction. And unlike before, where I would largely stick to the elliptical machine, I’ve tried every piece of cardio equipment in the place and that keeps me interested. I see my kids off to school in the morning and then I go to the gym for an hour of cardio, 5 days per week and an hour of weight training on each of the other two days. I also discovered the joys of weight training group classes at my gym. I never thought I’d like group classes, but I really enjoy that one and maybe I’ll try others. I guess that’s what’s different about this time ’round vs. other times that I’ve tried to commit to routine exercise – I’m willing to try absolutely anything to keep from getting bored and as a result, I’m getting addicted to the process. That can’t be bad (I know, unless I hurt myself by over doing it, but I’m not that much of a jock). There are times when I don’t want to get in the car and go to the gym but I always feel better when I’m done and that’s motivation enough. I listen to podcasts of radio shows (you guys have to start podcasting!) and whatever upbeat music I can find on iTunes (and I watch the TV on the machines when there’s something on that catches my eye). I’m hoping that by the summer, I’ll be ok with getting into a bathing suit – that’s my goal – it’s shallow but it’s working for me at the moment.
My husband and I get up and eat a big breakfast. He works late shift so this is our family meal. Then we load our 2 and 3 year old daughter and son into the strollers for a 3.5 mile walk. We look at the neighbors houses and gardens and get idea’s for our house. It’s a good way to meet people too. Never a chore, always a good time.
I always walk my dog at least 2 miles briskly. This is a must (mostly for her) even though we have a yard. I am quite active, but recently at 59 and too much good wine have gained a bit in the midsection, so I’ve upped my exercise adding a spin class. Oh my gosh, what a workout and I love it. It is killer but results in endurance come fast. The music is very upbeat with a lot of good rock and hip pop. You should try it……IT’S AWESOME!!!!
i hate exercise classes
with add
i get bored
and distracted
so easily
but 250 minutes
or less than 1/2 hour day
is SO doable
i spend more time a day
thinking how much i hate exercise
so 1/2 hour
really rocks for me
keep up the great work
xoxo
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION on the wii. start with the beginner though and perfect it. i can see the potential of this game. i think there is a workout option also. i’ve been doing it 3 nights a week at my friend’s house. i actually sweat and it’s so much fun!!
you’ll be burning calories, getting your heart rate up, and having fun all at the same time!!!