[busymama77]

With two kiddos and I work full time out of the house, a DH that travels on occasion, how am I going to stick to working out three days a week - at the least? There is a gym in the bldg that I work in that is FREE so I have my lunch hour to step out, work out a bit and then return to my desk. It's not a bad gig, I just have to stick with it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"><br><br>
I tend to get in to a mode of yes, I can do this and then a month or two goes by and I get burnt out.... major lack of motivation. While I was on maternity leave, I walked 3miles a day - 3 day or 4 days a week. That's what helped burn off most of my baby weight but now that I'm back to the grind, I need to keep up with it.<br><br>
Sooooo.....do you mix up the cardio and weights to give more of a variety in your work out? Give me some tips, advice, suggestions?

 

[sewaneecook]

I stick with a workout when I see results or I have a goal to work toward. I like to run, so I sign up for races to keep me motivated. I've also done some workout videos recently that have made a difference fairly quickly. My favorite one right now is Jillian michaels 30 day shred. It's a 20 minute video and I noticed a difference with strength and toning immediately.

 

[busymama77]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>sewaneecook</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15440206"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I stick with a workout when I see results or I have a goal to work toward. I like to run, so I sign up for races to keep me motivated. I've also done some workout videos recently that have made a difference fairly quickly. My favorite one right now is Jillian michaels 30 day shred. It's a 20 minute video and I noticed a difference with strength and toning immediately.</div>
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Do you need any special equipment for this video?

 

[nola79]

I was going to suggest a quick video, too. What I would do is, hit the gym a couple days a week at lunch, and then do a 20 or 30 min video after the kids are in bed, or whenever is most convenient for you. I believe all you need for the 30 day shred are some hand weights.

 

[Rosemarino]

Yes, only handweights and you can download if from iTunes. What could be easier??

 

[GearGirl]

I'm going to fully agree with the 30 day Shred. It's so short that you can't make an excuse, and the results are great from it so you will stay motivated. By the time 30 days is up you will be so psyched by it that you will want to continue working out. All you need is a set of weights, probably 3 pounds. I even did it on a business trip to NYC by downloading it onto my iphone. That is how motivated I was, and I suck at sticking to something. Thanks to 30 Day Shred I've worked out ever since, and it has been over four months now. I'm about to complete Beach Body Insanity. I definitely have 30 day shred to thank for getting me into it. It was just short enough to keep on it, but challenging and I saw results right away.

 

[busymama77]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>GearGirl</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15441120"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm going to fully agree with the 30 day Shred. It's so short that you can't make an excuse, and the results are great from it so you will stay motivated. By the time 30 days is up you will be so psyched by it that you will want to continue working out. All you need is a set of weights, probably 3 pounds. I even did it on a business trip to NYC by downloading it onto my iphone. That is how motivated I was, and I suck at sticking to something. Thanks to 30 Day Shred I've worked out ever since, and it has been over four months now. I'm about to complete Beach Body Insanity. I definitely have 30 day shred to thank for getting me into it. It was just short enough to keep on it, but challenging and I saw results right away.</div>
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I just ordered it!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"> You mamas are getting me very excited about this. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"> I'm looking to shed some more baby weight plus some and if I can see results quickly, that's all I'll need to keep me going!!

 

[ryleigh'smama]

If you have access to the gym and 45 min-1 hour, then I also suggest Jillian Michaels book "Making the Cut". It consists of 30 days worth of circuit style (much like 30 day shred, which I love for in a hurry days, but these are longer and more intense) workouts. I loved it. My strength increased dramatically when I started doing it and it mixes cardio with your strength so you don't need to do both separately. I went through the book 7 times...I loved it that much. Now I do my workouts very much in that style, but with heavier weights and varied routines. It gave me the best starting point though.<br><br>
As far as sticking with it, gym time is *ME* time for me. I made myself get to the point where I couldn't imagine *not* going, it doesn't feel right. The above book outlines a four day workout plan basically, but I did start out doing it three days a week. I took the guess work out. Also, I signed up for a race after a few months and started running. Having goals to work towards helps me. Good luck!!

 

[nola79]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>ryleigh'smama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15441343"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">As far as sticking with it, gym time is *ME* time for me. I made myself get to the point where I couldn't imagine *not* going, it doesn't feel right.</div>
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Absolutely! This rings true for me as well. I'll definitely check out the book, too, it sounds good.

 

[MtBikeLover]

I have a gym at work and I work out 4-5 days a week during lunch. I actually go down a little before lunch because if I wait until noon, I am too hungry to work out. What helps keep me motivated is a friend that I walk/jog with. Many times I don't feel like working out, but if she goes with me, then I am more motivated. Is there anyone in your office that could be your workout partner?<br><br>
I also have a small iPod with great music on it and being able to listen to music for an hour is a huge motivator for me.

 

[proudmomof4]

I'm a SAHM and I've been working out on a really regular basis for more than a year now (my youngest child was 5y at the time!) - so you're doing great already!<br>
As you have about an hour: you could also get some variation by walking or running during your lunch break, preferably with a partner (chatting burns calories, too<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">).<br>
What helped me was a change in attitude. I try not to see this as another "job" on some to-do list but as "quality time with myself".

 

[busymama77]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>proudmomof4</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15464412"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm a SAHM and I've been working out on a really regular basis for more than a year now (my youngest child was 5y at the time!) - so you're doing great already!<br>
As you have about an hour: you could also get some variation by walking or running during your lunch break, preferably with a partner (chatting burns calories, too<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">).<br>
What helped me was a change in attitude. I try not to see this as another "job" on some to-do list but as "quality time with myself".</div>
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That's where I'm getting to as well - some 'me' time and I'm getting healthy and energized while doing it.<br><br>
I received my 30 day Shred in the mail yesterday and with this being June 1st, I'm going to start it tonight. I bought some 5lb hand weights today and I'm ready to get going.... the only bad thing is, which I've got to just deal with is that I started AF yesterday - 3 months PP - and it's really heavy and I feel blah. But hopefully I'll feel better after my first workout with Jillian. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">