Fitness was a big part of my life growing up. I was an active kid, swam competitively, ran, and tried just about every sport (though I am terrible with anything involving a ball).
But now 15 years after becoming a mom I realized my fitness has not been a priority in a long, long time. Sound familiar? I know many of you are in the same boat. Childcare, housework, work, and life all come before my own needs usually. But all that is changing.
I have had brief runs of taking care of myself, whether it was walking, running, yoga, or something else, but I’ve never been able to rekindle my passion for fitness. Couple that with young kids, and then suffering a persistent neck injury over the last few years and it’s been challenging to say the least.
Are you through with my excuses? I am too.
Over the last 4 weeks I’ve been making small changes with big results-I’m down 7 pounds as of today (woohoo!), with just two small changes.
1.Walk.
2. Count calories.
Despite whatever is going on making time for a walk, run, yoga, or swimming some laps is more than I was doing. It’s all about baby steps. I’m not going to go from unfit to triathlete overnight. (It works the same way with debt and savings, too.)
Three to four times a week I walk for about 45 minutes. A brisk pace with some hills. Since we live in a tree-lined, sidewalked neighborhood it’s a real pleasure to get outside and walk.
Counting calories has been slightly trickier, but with a few simple steps I learned how much I was overeating and cut way back. I still enjoy a glass (or two) of wine, cheese, or even guacamole. The Lose It app makes it easy since I can log calories from my iPhone, iPad or the web. When you work out you get more calories, so ‘Hello, dessert!’
A note about food: I eat mostly whole organic foods already, and drink mostly water (and coffee or tea). If you aren’t already eating healthy here is my advice for how to eat organic on a budget.
Other awesomely easy ways to get fit:
In general fitness is about movement, monitoring your intake, and awareness. Here are a few great links including some products you may find helpful.
The Couch to 5k program helps literally take you from sedentary to being able to run 3 miles. I’ve used this program twice, and personally used the app Ease into 5k to help keep beats going and the voiceover dude telling me when to run or walk.
I’ve heard great things about FitBit. Check out the reviews on Amazon.
Striiv is also a fun tool to track your steps. It comes with a side of gameplay for people who want to get fit and have fun.
Want an easy way to get fit? Robin from Simple Green Organic Happy shared this awesome guest post sharing her before & after and 5 easy ways to get fit. I may have started doing 5 lunges or jumping jacks every time I get a tweet notification.
What ways do you stay fit? Have you had a fitness transformation-what worked for you?
Anytime! Oof that’s a good thing-some of us forget to empty our pockets a little too often. 😉
Thanks for the shoutout Kelly! I have the FitBit and I do like it- but I’ll say the BEST feature is its ability to survive (multiple) machine washings! Takes a licking and keeps on… counting steps and flights of stairs 🙂
YES! I haven’t tried another one, this one is so easy to use I probably won’t. I forgot to mention that it scans packaging! While I typically don’t use packaged products a ton it helps for things like peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, etc. Makes it SO simple.
Love that! My kids have a school bus that picks them up at the end of the driveway! LOL I used to walk to pick up the littlest from Kindergarten, but they get plenty of exercise at sports and just running around. 🙂
Yes! Housework even counts as a calorie burner if you’re working hard enough!
Thanks Whitney! My goal is to look as awesome as you. 😉 It’s amazing how something so simple helps so, so much.
I can’t take full credit since the hubby is doing the same, but it’s been amazing to see the difference in such a short time!
Calories in, Calories out, right? I am right there with you Kelly! I am starting my fitness journey to a healthier me too! I have tried My Fitness Pal and really like that app, but I am going to check out the Lose It app to see if I like it better. Thanks for that tip!
Walking as much as possible, despite protests from my kids, lol. We walk to and from school (about 1 mile each way), drinking lots of water and watching what I eat. So they same as you. I have also started little things like doing lunges instead of walking when going around my house to help ton up.
wtg on the weight loss kelly, that is awesome! My aunt swears by walking… goes to the gym and does it several times a week. I think she aims for 3 miles each time? Lost a ton of weight doing that and has kept it off.
Way to go!
I love the simplicity.
-r