At the beginning of 2009, I decided to get healthy. Getting healthy was quite a drawn out process and definitely did not happen overnight. I responded well to minor changes here and there, and adding more changes along the way.
Walking
The first type of exercise that I started doing was walking. Walking worked well for me because I could do it when I got home from work, and I could bundle up my then newborn to go with me. A few weeks into walking daily, I decided to bump it up a notch.
DVDs
I went to Target and purchased some DVDs from the Biggest Loser series. I started a little workout group at work, and we would do a video on our lunch break. We mainly did "Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga" at first, but gradually progressed to more difficult videos. I love the BL DVDs because they all have levels incorporated for beginners and advanced. Here are all of the videos that I own and recommend...
Running
I started running in the summer of 2009...July 27, 2009 to be exact. I want to be clear about one thing, I am not a natural runner. The first time I ran, I could last about 0.25 miles (that might be generous). 0.25 torturous miles. I always admired runners and loved the idea of running. Something about it seemed calming to be. Plus, its something that you can do with no equipment, and the results are seriously immediate (the next time you run you will be better). I am a firm believer in the Galloway method (run then walk, repeat) for beginners. I used an 8 week beginners program from Runner's World that worked well for me. At the end of the 8 weeks, I competed in my first 5k and finished in 35 minutes. I also got 3rd place in my division, which I thought was awesome:)
Since beginning running, I have completed 2 5ks and can run 3 miles without stopping. Have a running buddy that I run with twice a week at 5:45am. I try to run 3-4 times a week for at least 3 miles each time. Having a running buddy has been great. It has helped me get out of bed on those dark, cold mornings, and it has made me run faster!! I have grown to love running and that is something that I thought I would never say.
Running also provides me with a time of quietness and prayer. I love to pray while I am running. I also listen to podcasts (Mark Driscoll is my fav). I have learned and grown a lot spiritually since I started running.
A Typical Week
I am a working wife and mom, so workouts have to be scheduled and planned. My windows of workout opportunities include: EARLY in the morning before anyone is up (my personal favorite time), lunch break at work, or after Delaney is in the bed (about 7:30pm). Because my tummy doesn't like me to exercise on a day's worth of food its trying to digest, I leave night time workouts only for emergency situations.
Walking
The first type of exercise that I started doing was walking. Walking worked well for me because I could do it when I got home from work, and I could bundle up my then newborn to go with me. A few weeks into walking daily, I decided to bump it up a notch.
DVDs
I went to Target and purchased some DVDs from the Biggest Loser series. I started a little workout group at work, and we would do a video on our lunch break. We mainly did "Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga" at first, but gradually progressed to more difficult videos. I love the BL DVDs because they all have levels incorporated for beginners and advanced. Here are all of the videos that I own and recommend...
- BL Boot Camp
- BL Cardio Max
- BL Weight Loss Yoga
- Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred (not for the faint of heart)
- Mari Winsor Pilates
- Leslie Sansone walking (for beginners only)
Running
I started running in the summer of 2009...July 27, 2009 to be exact. I want to be clear about one thing, I am not a natural runner. The first time I ran, I could last about 0.25 miles (that might be generous). 0.25 torturous miles. I always admired runners and loved the idea of running. Something about it seemed calming to be. Plus, its something that you can do with no equipment, and the results are seriously immediate (the next time you run you will be better). I am a firm believer in the Galloway method (run then walk, repeat) for beginners. I used an 8 week beginners program from Runner's World that worked well for me. At the end of the 8 weeks, I competed in my first 5k and finished in 35 minutes. I also got 3rd place in my division, which I thought was awesome:)
Since beginning running, I have completed 2 5ks and can run 3 miles without stopping. Have a running buddy that I run with twice a week at 5:45am. I try to run 3-4 times a week for at least 3 miles each time. Having a running buddy has been great. It has helped me get out of bed on those dark, cold mornings, and it has made me run faster!! I have grown to love running and that is something that I thought I would never say.
Running also provides me with a time of quietness and prayer. I love to pray while I am running. I also listen to podcasts (Mark Driscoll is my fav). I have learned and grown a lot spiritually since I started running.
A Typical Week
I am a working wife and mom, so workouts have to be scheduled and planned. My windows of workout opportunities include: EARLY in the morning before anyone is up (my personal favorite time), lunch break at work, or after Delaney is in the bed (about 7:30pm). Because my tummy doesn't like me to exercise on a day's worth of food its trying to digest, I leave night time workouts only for emergency situations.
- Mondays- 3 mile run in AM and 2 mile walk at lunch
- Tuesdays- Strength train in AM and 2 mile walk at lunch
- Wednesdays- 3 mile run in AM and 2 mile walk at lunch
- Thursdays- Strength train in AM and 2 mile walk at lunch
- Fridays- Long run in AM and 2 mile walk at lunch
- Saturdays- Functional fitness (housework) and possible walk with Delaney
- Sundays- Rest
I try to stay on a schedule because I work well with schedules, but plans always change. I consider it a good week if I get 4 days of exercise in.
Other Tips
I drink water like I will never see it again. I carry around a water bottle that holds 24 oz. and I probably drink 3-4 refills everyday. Because of this, I go to the bathroom about every hour, my skin is generally clear, and I feel good:)
My parents gave me a Garmin Forerunner 405 for finishing graduate school this year. I LOVE it. Because I primarily run and walk for exercise, I use this thing at least once a day. I also love to keep track on my progress, and the syncing feature on the Garmin allows me to wirelessly sync and keep all of my information in one place. It's awesome!!
Since the beginning of 2009, I have lost about 25 lbs. I am 5'7, and have a medium build, so I feel like I have reached a healthy weight for my frame. I have changed my eating pretty dramatically (but gradually) over the past year, focusing on fresh fruits and veggies (I hate veggies), whole grains, no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, and cooking a lot more. It has been quite the challenge, but it has made my family much healthier (did I mention Matt has lost 25 lbs. simply by changing his diet?).
Getting healthy is all about self-control (the usually neglected fruit of the spirit). God has given us bodies to take care of and glorify Him, not be enslaved to. Getting healthy involves a conscious decision to do something different. We control our bodies, our bodies do not control us. God has given you the strength to get off the couch and change. It's all about self-control.
