Thursday, April 22, 2010

Reader Request: Heath and Fitness Tips

Make You Over reader Ann asked for some health and fitness tips, and although I am by no means an expert, I do have a thing or two to say on the subject.  If you would have asked me a month ago, I would have had to admit defeat, but I have finally made some new commitments that are improving my health!  

As a mom of two young boys, I know how difficult it is to find the time to exercise.  Sometimes after being up during the night with one of the boys, I just don't feel like getting up at the crack of dawn to exercise.  Actually I never feel like it, but regardless I know that I feel and look better when I'm taking care of myself.  Lately, I am not happy with the number on the scale, and so instead of complaining about it, I've decided to do something about it!  For me, I have to have something to work towards, otherwise when it's early in the morning and it's cold out, I just won't do it.  (man I sound lazy!)  I recently decided to train for a sprint triathlon over the 4th of July weekend.  This is no easy feat for me, especially since I was at a standstill when it came to exercise.  It was not happening.  

Half of the time I am working out alone, and the other half I'm able to do it with friends...which I prefer (schedules conflict on the days I'm doing it alone).  I am swimming two days, running two, and biking two (if everything goes as planned that week).  I wake up at 5:30 have some personal reading time, and then get ready to exercise by 6 or 6:15.  I have not been on a regular workout schedule for the past 3 years.  I've had lots of "good excuses" such as pregnancy, post baby, nursing, pregnancy, post baby, nursing....pretty much the same cycle over and over again.  I would recommend finding women in your neighborhood who are interested in an exercise group.  It always helps to get out of bed when you know someone else is waiting for you.  Don't be discouraged if you have to work out alone, that can be done too, but for me I need to have a goal.  Knowing that I have to be able to FINISH this triathlon is enough to make me want to get out of bed!  I still have days that I miss because of this or that, but all in all I've done pretty good with my new routine.  Just remember if I can do it, so can you!   

I still have not lost all of my baby weight, and since exercising I really haven't lost any weight,  but I know it will happen I have to keep at it and eat less.  Losing weight is simple.  Not easy, but simple.  You need to burn more calories then what you're eating!   

If any of my readers would like an exercise group and you live in Pasco, please contact me at makeyouoverblog@gmail.com.  A group of my friends are working out together (I will join them once my training is over).  

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3 comments:

A Simple Girl said...

Thanks for the advice :) I am in awe of the 5:30 wake up time!

sjmiller said...

I just came across your blog, and I am also training for a sprint triathlon! Mine is in a couple of weeks, and I am the same as you! I have to have something to work towards. I'm now thinking about possibly working towards another in Sept. as well, just to keep me going. I think I will be doing some 5K's definitely! Good luck with your training! What are your distances for each?

Chelsea said...

sjmiller: I am running 5 miles once a week and a little shorter one other day, biking about 5-7 miles twice a week, and swimming for 30 minutes. That being said, I don't always get this much in. I'm sure you know how it is trying to train for something...you kind of have to go with the flow.

I need to pick up my pace though! Good luck with your runs. I signed up for Forging the Triathlete, which has a free sprint training schedule.