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| After Baby #1 |
How do they do that!?
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| After Baby #2 |
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| Right before Baby #3 |
I just want to feel healthy.
And when I'm not healthy, I don't feel good physically, don't function well emotionally, and don't parent well either. So after having that first baby, I actually had to do something I'd never done before…I had to exercise.
The following are successful routines that helped me through the years to get, and stay, healthy:
After child #1:
- I watched what I ate
-Busted my tail on workout videos 3-4 days a week
-I walked daily (with tons of uphill)
I used Denise Austin videos; back then she was amazing. She actually has videos out now too I believe; she got me to burn my abs bad. (Now a days there are workout plans you can even stream on your phone or TV.)
Four years later, and after child #2:
-I chased around child #1
-Ate healthy
-Went back to my last known exercises with Denise Austin
-Added some light yoga for strengthening muscles and relaxation
Just under 2 years later, and after child #3 : I was exhausted, he was tough on my body, and I originally didn't want to work out at all. So in the meantime I followed my own healthy eating habits and tried to use the treadmill a couple of times a week at least (but you bet there wasn't a whole lot of up hill).
Eventually, when I was finally ready this was my new routine:
Later on I learned why building muscle in women is so important, especially after a certain age, so I visited the gym to do weight training 3-4 x's a week in my mid 30's. I have since gone back to doing simple exercises as home because of my budget, but I am still always doing something. Jump rope, walking (sometimes with ankle weights), dumbbells, light yoga.
It's common sense:
- I watched what I ate
-Busted my tail on workout videos 3-4 days a week
-I walked daily (with tons of uphill)
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| About a year after Baby #1 |
Four years later, and after child #2:
-I chased around child #1
-Ate healthy
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| 1 year after Baby #2 |
-Added some light yoga for strengthening muscles and relaxation
Just under 2 years later, and after child #3 : I was exhausted, he was tough on my body, and I originally didn't want to work out at all. So in the meantime I followed my own healthy eating habits and tried to use the treadmill a couple of times a week at least (but you bet there wasn't a whole lot of up hill).
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| About a year and a half after baby #3 |
Eventually, when I was finally ready this was my new routine:
- Jumped rope daily (100x+)
- Lifted weights at home (+ leg presses)
- I walked on the tread mill (uphill with a cool down)
- Did jumping jacks (30x - 50x)
- Alternated these things every couple of days with, you guessed it, Ms. Austin
Later on I learned why building muscle in women is so important, especially after a certain age, so I visited the gym to do weight training 3-4 x's a week in my mid 30's. I have since gone back to doing simple exercises as home because of my budget, but I am still always doing something. Jump rope, walking (sometimes with ankle weights), dumbbells, light yoga.
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| This is me now. |
Use the rule your child's physical education instructor gives:
30 minutes a day of physical activity.
It makes a difference-it improves your mood, your sleep pattern/quality and inevitably helps to burn calories and boost your metabolism. It also teaches your children how to be healthy and not be afraid of exercise.
While the No Diet Challenge is great for helping you watch what you eat and educating you, it should not be the sole factor in becoming healthy. As any doctor or health professional will tell you, good eating habits paired with daily exercise, are the keys to a healthier life. During the No Diet Challenge I'm working on sharing with you my habit of eating, cooking and shopping. But, it doesn't stop there. Remember, there's always a need for balance. Exercise should to be part of your No Diet regimen.
If Your are Currently Pregnant, My Biggest Tip Is: If you exercise or work full time, don't immediately quit either of these. There are plenty of things women can still do while they are expecting. If you do not currently exercise, make a choice today to walk daily or swim. Do this only under your doctor's discretion of course.
Step #6 of The No Diet Challenge:
Start Small: Choose just two days a week and 2 separate types of simple activities to get started!
Challenge yourself to do them for at least 4 weeks.
Before you know it - it will be second nature and your mood and energy level will increase!
Improve your health~Improve parenting.
And be a great role model.
If you are already a monster at the gym, KUDOS! Give yourself permission to take a break ~
Overworking is unhealthy (there is such thing as too much exercise)
And never feel guilty about missing a day because that's even worse.
Next Week of The No Diet Challenge: Step 7 How Foods Affect Us & Why Should You Care?