As I get older I’ve noticed my metabolism isn’t as great as it was when I was in college. I used to drink Starbucks Frappuccino’s regularly and didn’t bat an eye regarding the high sugar content. Back then if I gained 5-10 lbs I would run or hit the gym for a few weeks and feel back to normal. Three kids later I’ve noticed that doesn’t work as easily as it used to. My family has a long history of diabetes and heart disease so on top of my issues with clothes not fitting well, I worry that the extra weight I’m carrying around could lead to bigger issues down the line. In the past year I’ve increasing become dedicated to healthier lifestyle. While I’ve given up Frappuccino’s, I haven’t been able to completely tame my sweet tooth. I have, however, created a regular workout routine to help build a healthy heart.
My usual week consists of going to the gym 4-5 days. Most weeks I’m there ready to exert myself and feel great doing it. But then there’s weeks where I simply can’t get motivated to put on decent workout attire and leave the house or I’m preoccupied with parenting and house duties that I simply don’t have the time to leave. I try to not let myself get the “I don’t have time to workout” idea in my head and make time whether it’s at the gym or at-home. My workout routine isn’t perfect but I try really hard to be consistent, whether I feel like working out or not. When I have those days where I simply can’t or don’t want to leave the house I pick up a workout video or rely on my favorite at home workout. I developed this quick workout to help me stay on track when I’m pressed for time.
In this quick workout I try to mix in cardio with toning exercises. My favorites are jumping jacks, squat jumps, high knees, jump rope and mountain climbers. I always begin with a cardio move to help loosen up the muscles then do a toning exercise or two before starting another cardio move. With this workout I try to focus on each muscle group – legs, arms, abs, chest and cardio for your heart and to burn calories.
One of my goals in February was to get moving outside more (after spending months indoors avoiding the cold) and the watch really helped keep track of my movement. For example we recently took an 8.4-mile hike to Alamere Falls and the watch helped not only with time spent on the trail but also steps, distance, calories burned and heart rate. As a moderate level runner this watch is a dream to have when I’m on the go.
I’m also working on trying new exercises with the balance board and foam roller. The balance board has been great for core workouts. My current favorite is squatting with hand weights. I’ll squat keeping the weights at my shoulders then rise and do a shoulder press. It’s still a work in progress to keep myself balanced without shaking too much, but it’s nice to change things up a bit.
When I do make it to the gym I’m trying new exercises like TRX and the battle rope. Keeping my watch or FitBit on helps keep track of the calories I’m burning and timing each move. My goal is to lose 25lbs this year and I hope that my new lifestyle changes can help me achieve this goal.
Favorite recipes:
Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats
