I’ve been trying to get back into shape for the last month, just kidding it’s been actually about 5 years. After I had my daughter, I waited three months to start working out. I had a C-section and I really needed the time to heal. After working out for several month’s I managed to loose most of the baby weight that I had gained. I had gained between 36 – 40lbs during my pregnancy. I was only shy about 8lbs from my pre- pregnancy weight gain. As soon as I got back into my routine I started loosing the weight.
Within months I started to gain the weight back. Next thing I knew I had gained all the weight back that I had initially lost and then some. So there I was again back at square one. When I got pregnant with my daughter I still continued going to the gym in the morning with my husband. I didn’t stop working out I more or less continued the same routine. Except for some minor changes such as not lifting weights or running. I continued this routing only until my 7nth month, because I went to a prenatal visit with my Dr. and she advised me to stop working out. I actually enjoyed working out during my pregnancy. I felt good, I had energy, but if I must admit I was feeling a little bit more difficulty moving at a good speed. In my head I was moving faster than my body. I used to laugh because I felt like I walked like a penguin.
Well as all new moms know time flies and you don’t even realize that the weight gain is creeping in when you are not looking. For me it started with, Honey! the drier is shrinking my clothes again. Part of me wanted to believe this was true, but I couldn’t full myself. I knew what was happening; between the baby, house work, and daily To-do list; I just couldn’t find the time to work out. I tried to get back into a routine that worked for me now as a mom. I tried to work out at 5:30 am in the morning it was too cold, during the day I have too many things to do. Then I tried to work out in the evenings I’m too tired.
I continued on this cycle of trying to find the right time to work out. One week I would be doing really good and then I would fall of the workout wagon. I would tell myself, next week on Monday I’ll start over. After a while starting over every other week gets old, but I was still not giving up. Then today, this morning I realized why not use the buddy system. I asked my husband if he wanted to join my for a speed walk around the neighborhood for an hour and he said, “yes.” I put on some comfortable workout clothes and shoes. During our speed walk we saw other people making use of the buddy system. At the end of our 1 hour workout I realized that in the morning right after dropping of our daughter at school is the perfect time to exercise for us. It’s right after the morning rush, but before it’s right before it’s time to go to work. I finally found the right time for me to work out.
Everyone’s schedule is different, you just need to find the time that best works for you. Remember the important thing is to KEEP MOVING! Stay active somehow, whether you workout at home, gym, park, outside. It doesn’t matter, just stay active.
Why Use the Buddy System?
It’s a good idea to make use the buddy system when your in a work our slump. It happens to all of us. The buddy system is kind of like training wheels on a bicycle. Once you get comfortable there will be a point that you will no longer need the training wheels (buddy). You will be okay working out on your own because you are liking the results of your workouts and you feel that you need the exercise. It makes you feel good, and for this reason you want to continue to exercise. Plus finally dropping those extra pounds is a great incentive. I have found really cute workout clothes here.
Also your workout buddy will help you stay motivated; will remind you that you are trying to get back into those awesome jeans that are in your closet. On the days that you feel tired, your buddy will give you encouragement. Anybody can be part of your buddy system. Your spouse, a friend, neighbor. Just make sure that who ever is part of your buddy system is positive and encouraging. You don’t want to be around negative people when you are trying to do something good for yourself.
Let me know how the buddy system is working out for you.
Keep Moving!
My Life My Voice