I talked about what fitness means to me last week. I want to be physically active with my kids without getting out of breath.
I also want to fit comfortably in my clothes.
It would also be great if, when I told people I birthed 4 kids, they responded in disbelief because I don't look like the stereotypical mom of four. I know it's vain, but it's how I feel!
Evaluate your current lifestyle.
As a home school mom, my kids are always with me. 24/7. That requires exercising outside my house before my husband leaves for work at 8:30 AM or after he comes home at 6:30 PM.
Twice a week we attend gymnastics practice for two hours. And once a week (during the school year) we attend Cub Scout meetings for almost 2 hours. Throw in school work, occasionally outings, trips to the library, and running errands and you've accounted for much of my day.
What changes can you make to your lifestyle that will support your exercise and nutrition goals?
- Get up at 6:30 AM and train for a 5k three days a week.
- Plan my meals to include a fruit for breakfast and snack, and at least 2 vegetables for lunch and dinner. I like fruit. Vegetables? Not so much.
- Reduce our eating out habit to once a month. I enjoy eating out and indulge when we do go out. It's the only time I drink soda. I don't want to stop that, yet, so I need to reduce how often we go out to eat.
- Exercise with my children twice a week. My 3 oldest kids will be competing in gymnastics this fall and need to tighten their core and strengthen their arms. Push-ups, sit-ups, etc. will be easy for us to do together and help us all.
That's why I started Project 10!
Make the changes for today.
This is the toughest part. So, my meals are planned for today. The kids and I will exercise together. Feel free to hold me accountable to this on Facebook!
What baby steps can you take to create a fitness lifestyle for your family?
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11 comments:
It really doesn take baby steps. I think why people often fail at getting fit is they try to do too much at once, You can't turn your lfe 180 degrees and expect to stick with it. If you change a little at a time you are more likely to stick with it! Small, attainable goals!
Exactly, Kameron. I've learned that from the changes I've already made. When I was pregnant with my firstborn I decided we needed to eat wheat bread instead of white. But neither of us liked the taste so I switched to the fake wheat - you know the stuff that's really white bread but with food coloring and enough whole grain to trick people. Once we got used to that I switched us to another bread that had more whole grain. Now, 9 yrs later, we only eat REAL whole grain bread and love it. None of us like the fake or white bread. So I'm taking that approach again and making small changes that will stick.
I'm with my girls all the time as well. I've learned I can't (let's be real - won't) wake up early and too late at night for working out kills the chill vibe of my evenings. My solution? A half hour workout midmorning while my girls watch a half hour kids show/something educational on my Kindle. We're a low - no media family so it's a treat for them and it shows them it's important for mommy to care for her body. I love the idea of doing sit-ups and push-ups, etc with the kids!
Good for you! You've got a great plan- and the determination to make it happen. Four kids and homeschooling?! I'm so impressed!
These are great steps!! And I love the idea of doing these exercises WITH my kids!!
Baby steps is the key! I am so impressed with you! You go girl!
Thanks, ladies!
Carla, we are also a low media family. Media has it's place every now and then!
I have been striving to get fit since I discovered my blood pressure was getting high. Eating less and exercising more has done the trick. Now I just need to make it a permanent lifestyle change. Thanks for sharing very practical information!
Thank you for these tips! I'm finally committing my family and myself to a fit, healthy lifestyle...and that means quite a bit of weight loss for me! This is a great list of things to consider!
Danielle
organizationalhysteria.com
Thanks, Danielle! My kids are a huge motivator for me to not only lose the extra pounds but truly develop a fit lifestyle. I want to be a great role model for them and show they how they should live as adults! I also want to have energy and ability to keep up with them. It's amazing the difference just a few changes in exercise and what you eat can make!
Sylvia, I found that making small changes over time results in real lifestyle change. If I try to make huge changes then after a few weeks I revert back. I know you can make lasting changes! Just focus on staying fit for you kids and grandkids and take one day at a time.
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