I’ve written about my struggle with obesity eighteen years ago, and how I ultimately turned to a low carb lifestyle and lost 50 pounds, but what we didn’t talk about was the fact that I was severely out of shape back then too. I had been quite fit until I hit 40, when I became a new mom for the first time. Shortly after my daughter’s birth, I gained 50 pounds. Six weeks after her birth I achieved my post pregnancy weight but nine months later, people thought I was pregnant again.
In general, I have few regrets in life, but the one regret I have concerning my pregnancy was that I didn’t find some form of exercise to do every day. I had been an aerobics instructor and gym rat, but when I got pregnant, I just didn’t feel good enough to do those activities anymore. I had all I could do to get out the door in the morning, only to spend the day looking forward to going to bed each night. I wished I had spent a little time, at least 20 minutes each day walking, but I didn’t. Instead, I worked my desk job like crazy person, trying to keep all the balls in the air and act like I was still on top of everything as I slowly lost interest and was dead tired all of the time.
Soon after Brooke was born, I took her out in her stroller each day, and I lost my pregnancy weight. The walks felt really good. But when I returned to work after a six month maternity leave, the walking came to a screeching halt. I was exhausted. The more I worked the corporate gig, the more I missed Brooke and the more depressed I became. My immune system crashed, I got mono like symptoms, but I didn’t have mono. I attracted all sorts of bizarre viruses and was literally sick all the time. During that time I gained 50 pounds which made me feel even more terrible about myself. (I wrote more about this here)
From that rock bottom place, I realized that in addition to a diet plan, I needed to add physical activity back into my life. As a new mom and business woman, I had little time for for the gym and also absolutely no desire for heavy workouts anymore either. I missed walking and figured it would be the easiest ever thing to work into my schedule. Slowly I began to baby step my way back to a more fit lifestyle.
Everything starts with a willingness to change and a commitment to yourself that you will follow through rain or shine, whether your friend Suzy shows up or your dog ate your homework. A firm commitment to yourself is key.
First Step: Commit to something you like, and is easy to work into each day.
I started by committing to 20 minutes of walking each day—some how, some way. Before getting started, I made sure I had a pair of decent walking shoes, shorts and a t-shirt at the ready each morning so I could get right to it. Mostly I walked in our neighborhood, but on rainy days I’d go to the mall. Ultimately we got a used treadmill for $100 which I kept in the garage for days I couldn’t get out for some reason. I found music I liked listening to while I was on the treadmill or in the mall, but when I was outside, I made a point of really enjoying nature and being outdoors. I began to look forward to my walks—that little bit of “me” time—which was often all I had to myself in the day. While I didn’t loose lots of weight from walking, I was firming up, and was definitely feeling better.
Second Step: Assess your lifestyle, find what works for you and stick with it.
Going to the gym was not an attractive option for me at the time, so I began to look at exercise videos I could do at home. Yoga, and soft balance ball workouts fit the bill. I chose videos that fit my fitness level, which was no longer advanced, but beginner. Rodney Yee’s A.M. Yoga for beginners was a huge favorite for flexibility and centering—and Suzanne Deason’s balance ball workouts were favorites for rebuilding my strength.
While I had never heard of the Prancersize lady, when I was ready to up my cardio, I “pranced” while doing chores. Goofy I know, but it actually worked, and nobody saw me except Brooke. It was an easy free way to up my cardio game without having to go anywhere or use any special equipment.
The gym might be the perfect one and done for you. I’m now back at the gym a few times a week, the key is finding exactly what works and do that.
Third Step: Up your game in small increments.
I upped my game still more by adding weights and getting a set of water weights to use in our swimming pool. Every afternoon during the warm part of the year, Brooke and I would play in the pool. While we were there, I’d run through a little water weight work out. If it rained, I used a few light weights while we watched TV.
Fourth Step: Find a Sport you Love
When Brooke took up ice skating, a light turned on for me. I realized wanted to learn to ice skate too. So I rented a pair of skates to see if I liked it. Fast forward 11 years, and I am still in love with ice skating. Finding a sport I loved was the final step back into fitness for me. Skating inspired me to get stronger and healthier still. I wanted to be fit for my sport so I made my way back to the gym and took dancing lessons to improve my skating. I think finding a sport you love is the secret sauce—you do it because you love it, not because you to specifically lose weight or look better, and voila, the next thing you know, you have lost weight, and are feeling better.
If you are considering upping your fitness game, start slow and keep steady. Pick something you can realistically fit into your life. I’d love to hear what you do to keep fit, or about your fitness/wellness journey. Let me know what you are up to in the comments below.
If you would like to join in the fun and have your blog or instagram post shared here please email me at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to give you a shout out. Be sure to stop by and visit Robin at www.helloim50ish.com and Eugenia over on Instagram @theeageofgrace.com
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What an inspiring story. I had no idea that at one point in your life you lost 50 pounds!!! We do try to keep all the balls in the air, don’t we? Thank you for sharing your story and the tips on maintaining a healthy body.
Interesting Nina! I always find working out should be something that doesn’t necessarily feel like working out, something you enjoy doing. I know it helps to vary thing too. as it can get boring unless you chang eit up. I am at home, so I am going to look up some of the yoga videos you mention, sounds great. i walk, going to try to get back into biking ( see how it is with my condition) and swimming. I like to do weights in the pool. I use kettlebells and a medicine ball for certian exercises and really feel… Read more »
I was never a gym rat but played sports in HS. Met my first boyfriend in HS and the relationship didn’t work out but he introduced me to the gym. During our relationship we gained a lot of weight. He suggested signing up,at the gym and I eventually found out so that he can lose the weight and break up with me. Little did he know that I would fall in love working out. That was 20 years ago! I work out religiously by that I mean I make the time and either go swimming, lift weights or run or… Read more »
I really enjoy reading you’re blog. You always have thoughtful, insightful posts. I’ve had very similar struggles throughout the years. When I had the kids, my fitness went out the window and it’s been an on again/off again affair ever since. I know that it’s so very important now that I’m getting older, especially, to get exercise though. I’m going to try what you suggest and start with just committing to walk every day (walking is something I really enjoy). I posted this one to #BlogCrush.
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Inspiring. I so need to find a sport that works for me. Maybe that I can do with my four year old around. #Blogcrush
I found that once I found something I loved doing physically, it made all the difference. Let me know what you decide to take up! I’d love to cheer you on.
With everything that has been going on in my life including a dicky knee I have neglected my fitness and am deter,ined to get back. Going to do 15 mins today. I am playing catch up with everything.
Perfect! 15 minutes is a great start! I hope Graham is doing better and better every day so you guys can enjoy your trip to India.
I can see you ice-skating – you always look so elegant! Thank you for the inspiration xx
Thank you so much! I love skating and am blessed to be able to conitnue to do it.
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I had a bone scan last week that showed my hip bone strength has significantly decreased since last year…. I stopped walking!! I go to the gym three days a week and do cardio and weights but I must get back to walking. In reality, I know that’s not going to happen until the weather cools off. Thanks for the encouragement to walk. xoxo, Brenda
Hi Brenda! Thank you so much for stopping by! I don’t do much walking here in Tampa in the summer either, it’s miserable. Lets make a point of walking and enjoying the beauty when it cools off, shall we?
Nina, I always love and appreciate how open and honest you are about your journey. And you always have some wonderfully insightful tips to share. I am still trying to find my best and healthiest routine. The struggle is real! Thanks for sharing your post at my #SpreadTheKindness Link Up. It will be featured in today’s link up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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[…] of Sharing a Journey shared her Secrets to Getting Fit and Staying Motivated. With her signature honesty, Nina tells us the story of her struggle with weight fluctuations and […]
Hi, Nina – This personal sharing is the most inspirational thing you could possibly do! I like your tips, and if you could do it so can I or we or anybody who reads this. Fitness is a daily habit that must be created and kept going…Not an easy task. Thanks for sharing! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com