This seems like a random post to make here, but since January, I've been on a fitness journey, and I've stuck with it! It's been several years since I've worked out.... at least 4 1/2. When Gretchen was a year old, I started working out and got in really good shape. Probably the best shape I had been in in a long time! But, then I got pregnant with Megan, and I've been in and out of a fitness routine since then.
So, I thought I'd share a little big about my fitness journey today...
In January, I decided that the girls were getting older, and I needed to make time for me. I didn't like the person I was, didn't like how I looked in clothes, having to buy larger sizes, and I just knew that it was time to take care of me again. A gym had finally opened closer to our house, and I knew that I needed to join despite the cost.
During the school year, working out was difficult. My goal was to make it to the gym 3 days a week. I was able to go on Monday's when DJ came home from work, and then I would squeeze in a walk on Tuesday nights while Megan was at gymnastics. Eventually, I could squeeze in a small workout on Wednesday nights, a yoga class on Thursday, and an occasional Saturday or Sunday workout.
Now that it's summer, I've been more consistent about finding some time and squeezing time in to workout. Each morning, I put on workout clothes. I make it a point to get to the gym at some point during the day. This week, we've had errands to run in the morning, but we make it to the gym before we head home.
When I joined a gym, I absolutely knew that it had to have childcare, or I wouldn't go. DJ's schedule is too unpredictable for me to build a workout routine around him.
Now, he would tell me to wake up early in the morning and go workout, but I am NOT a morning person. And, I honestly don't mind an 8 pm workout. Because there was many times during the school year when I couldn't make it to the gym until after 7 or later.
My gym also has classes. I've tried Body Pump, which is a very difficult class for me, and I've fallen in love with yoga. I try to take a yoga class once a week, but there are some weeks that I miss.
When I work out on my own, I start with cardio. Cardio is my least favorite! I know that if I don't get it out of the way that I won't get it in. I have always said that I am not a runner, so I mix it up between walking and jogging on the treadmill or I get on the elliptical because it's low impact. I shoot for at least 1.5-3 miles total.
After I complete my cardio, I lift weights. I was pretty comfortable around the weight room from previous workouts, but I've finally learned to change up my weight lifting.
I came across Amanda Raines on Instagram and I absolutely LOVE her workout videos! They're short, and they give me ideas of different workouts to complete.
Thanks to some of her videos, I absolutely love working out with kettle bells, and I've been able to challenge myself a little more.
On Memorial Day of this year, I started a Summer Run Streak. The idea is that you run 1 mile every day beginning Memorial Day and ending on July 4th. I did this two years ago, and knew that I needed to pick it back up this summer.
So, on Memorial Day, I set out to complete the challenge. There have been a few times that I haven't been able to make it to the gym, so I'll have the girls ride their bikes while I try to keep up!
And, I finally completed 3 miles on the elliptical the other day!
So far, I've only missed one day.... I wasn't feeling well on Saturday. But, I've tried to make up the miles on the other days.
I also started this challenge the same day, but I failed on Day 5.... I plan on picking this back up tomorrow.
I also had a friend share this Squat Challenge on Instagram, but I haven't started it yet.
I like to screenshot these, and then use the markup tool on my iphone to cross off the days I've completed.
A few of my favorite workouts include:
kettle bell squats
leg raises with kettle bells
lat pull down
row machine
row weights
tricep dips (which I use to hate, but I'm getting stronger and enjoy them now)
ballet squats (inner thighs)
leg press
calf raises
Okay, your turn! Share a few of your favorite workouts in the comments below!
You can also follow my fitness journey on Instagram by searching #weltefitnesschallenge, or you can find my favorite fitness pins on my Pinterest board.
Inspiring!
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