Tell me what to do (H&F related)

[bowies]

I want to get back into some kind of healthy lifestyle but I'm struggling with time/energy. There is a Y next to DS's daycare and a Y on my way home from work if I'm not picking up DS, so I have no excuse with the logistics side of working out. But if I exercise after work, that basically takes away time spent with DS in the evenings. Mornings are basically a no-go since I have a 45 minute commute to work and have to be here around 7:15. Is a Y membership even worth it if I went once a week on Saturdays?

Are fitness DVDs/YouTube videos effective? I've thought about trying some after DS is in bed, but I've always exercised in a gym (cardio machines, weights, an occasional class) so this would be new territory for me. I'm not a runner and will never be a runner (I've flunked C25K numerous times pre-pg).

I'd also like to try something like WW. Should I give this a try first and then add in exercise? Should I join the Y? Skip that and go for the DVDs? Arrrgh. Tell me what to do. After so much time away from a diet/exercise program I'm basically a newb again.    

[Deleted]

1)Pay the drop-in at the Y, don't get a membership for once a week.
2)I'm doing kettlebell workouts off fitnessblender on youtube and they are kicking my ass. Love it. Plus I can choose a 10 min, 20 min, or 30 min workout based on the time I've got available. Working out at home is really the only thing that works for me right now.
3)I went with My Fitness Pal because it gives you really low calories and then overestimates the burn from exercise, so it's huge motivation to work out.

Plus a diet bet, because not losing money is highly motivating for me.

[Deleted]

So, I think the most critical thing is to find a workout you ENJOY. Whether that is a class at the Y, or lifting weights, or swimming, or whatever--in my experience you have to enjoy it to stick with it. I have been all gung ho about doing weights and running on the treadmill on so many different occasions in my life... and my enthusiasm lasts like 3 weeks before I dread my workouts. I have been able to stick with yoga for years continuously because I love doing it and look forward to my workouts. So that is my best advice.

I enjoyed the Y when I was a member in Atlanta and I think it could be worth it to go once a week. I also go to two weeknight yoga classes (and two on weekends) in a typical week--I don't like losing the time with my kids, but it's worth it for my health, fitness, and mental state. You may find it's tolerable to give up one evening a week, or two, especially if you enjoy your workouts.

No experience with WW but want to wish you luck in your fitness goals! I am in the best shape of my life after 2 kids and it really feels amazing. It's worth the time, effort, and sweat

[suburbanzookeeper]

The gym is 20+ minutes from us, so we bought a used Treadclimber and I work out from home. I also have done 21 Day Fix, T25, and PiYO (disclaimer - I am a Beach Body coach for the discount) and liked those a lot and they fit in well to my schedule with kids who don't nap. The diet aspect of 21 Day Fix is pretty easy to follow using the containers.

I have friends who've done well with WW in conjunction with some form of exercise.

Good luck!

[spk926]

I wouldn't pay for a membership to only use it 4 times a month. That's a lot of money for not much use IMO.

I have good luck with the free bikini body mommy videos on YouTube. I did those daily in the fall and was seeing great results. Then I solo parented for a week, got lazy and stopped Now I'm getting back into them. They're short enough to not take tons of time so I like it. Some days if I feel ambitious or I want a long workout I'll just do 2 videos.

I really like weight watchers. Before having DD I did it to lose weight and it works. DH and both just joined and are trying to each lose 20 pounds. We're doing the simply filling plan.

[iheartbanjos]

If I were you, I would start small. Meal plan and make diet changes that you feel are sustainable for you. For example, I do Paleo because it's an easy diet for me to follow. This requires me to plan ahead with what I am going to eat for the week.

I would get comfortable with this before I added fitness into the mix. I went Paleo last August and the first 2 weeks were a little rough for me. I had to focus on the diet without exercise.

After you get comfortable with your new way of eating, I would incorporate 10-15 minutes of exercise every day. For me, I started with 8lb weights and just did a few different workouts I saw on Pinterest. I also did crunches, push ups, and planks.

Once you get comfortable there, that's when I would start thinking about gym memberships or other fitness activities. I think building a strong foundation is the key to making a real change. Good luck!

[oceanstbride]

I would try going to the Y 1-2 times per week after work (even if you get less time with your DS those nights) and go on the weekends. I recently started going back to barre classes and switched studios to the one that is right near my DS's daycare and my work. It is awesome. I've been regularly going for the last month (3-4 times per week) and I have more energy, have noticed a difference in my shape, and most importantly have been in a better mood. For me, it's worth it to see DS a little less those nights. If the Y or other gym membership doesn't work out, there are a lot of different home DVDs that are great.

Once I got into a good routine that I liked with exercising, I joined WW last week. It was helpful to focus on one thing at a time, so I'd choose either diet or exercise first if I were you. Good luck! Definitely focus on one small goal at a time or it becomes so overwhelming!

[oliviapope]

I would skip the Y and find something else that you like. Try following a guide or plan if you are just getting started. Have you looked at Tone it Up, Barre3 online or bikini body mommy (or something)? They are a good way to ease into something and each day tell you what to do.

[kermit]

I usually work out once K goes to bed around 7:00. I really like fitnessblender.com and sometimes I use 30 Day Shred videos too. If you like yoga I highly recommend yogaglo.com. It's not free but has so many high quality classes. My joints are still too stiff and sore to do much yoga but I want to start up again soon.

I like the idea of going to a gym but it's so much easier to just do it at home. I've had more success losing weight with a strict diet more than exercise, though both are important.

[bowies]

Jan 26, 2015 15:16:08 GMT -5 kermit said:

I like the idea of going to a gym but it's so much easier to just do it at home. I've had more success losing weight with a strict diet more than exercise, though both are important.

This is true for me as well. I really got into exercising before I got married and I think it was because, for the first time ever, it was more about the endorphins and personal accomplishment than it was about how I looked. Then I got pregnant and my OB told me that walking and swimming were the only things I was approved to do, and it all went to shit from there.

[fortmyersbride]

I wouldn't join a gym if you don't see yourself going more than once a week. I agree with PPs that you're much more likely to stay committed if you pick an activity you enjoy and enable yourself to do it at home. We belong to a rec center, but I've only worked out there a handful of times. They even have great childcare and nice equipment (including an indoor track). The kids have classes and sports there, but I otherwise wouldn't drive out that way. I love running but am less interested in other exercises, so having a treadmill and a jogging stroller are better for me than the gym membership.

If you like classes or elliptical or bike, maybe you could get some of that equipment or videos for at home?

[thebreakfastclub]

I will only tell you what worked for me. It's so personal for everyone. I cannot exercise at a gym, it's just not me. I do not want to be around others, and I don't want to spend time getting there. I cannot run, jump around or do dance routines for an hour. I need to break things up and I get a sense of accomplishment from weights.

I use The Firm DVDs, which combine cardio and weights. They have sold them at Target in the past, or I get updated ones on Amazon. What I like is that the full video may be 45-60 minutes, but some offer an express option that is 25 minutes as a 2nd choice. They require 3 & 5 lb dumbbells to start (I think).

If you have a Roku, I saw an offer for a channel called the Daily Burn, where you can pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to a wide range of workouts.

I started working out and eating better at age 28 and lost 20 lbs, and I'm still here 10 years and one baby later at the same size.