Ya see, over the last year, I don't know if you know this or not (ha ha), but I had a baby and (re)gained all kinds of extra baby weight. I call it "baby" weight because it occurred while I was pregnant, but it was by no means necessary (or even a wise idea) to occur during that time. But nonetheless, here I am standing (and feeling) every single extra pound. Notice how I'm not really saying how much weight? I think it still shocks me too much to publicly admit it (yet).
One year ago I was semi-regularly going to the gym and in retrospect was probably in the best shape of my life, even though I didn't appreciate it and I was a far cry from being what I would consider "fit" and I would have pretend races on the treadmill with the guy or girl next to me and fantasized about crossing the finish line of the Bluenose Half Marathon that I had just recently committed to running and was very excited about starting training. My Christmas presents were ALL running gear and training related (hello Garmin 305 that has NEVER been used yet), running room gift card to equip me to run and train in the winter with the Running Room, stocking filled with goos and gels to fuel be through the "long" runs to come.
Wow how things have changed. Big.Wow.
Lots of people do it. Lots of people continue running, maintain impressive levels of physical fitness throughout their pregnancy and are right back at it soon after having their baby. And as much as I dreamed of being one of those people (even before I was pregnant) and as much as I felt like everyone almost "expected" it from me - given my commitment to my weight loss and improving my health - I fell into the other category with lots of other people who go the other way. I don't feel great about it - in fact it takes my breath away some days. BUT I know I'm not alone - not by a long shot.
All of this rambling just to try to work through my thoughts as to why I am afraid to work up that first sweat again. Not that I ever felt like doing it before I was a mom, but there's a definite new iron kick in the pants needed to get me to move my buns after the little one has gone to bed. When he goes to bed around 6:15, it's the first and only opportunity I have "free" - free to make supper, eat supper, tidy up, sit and relax, play online, watch TV, read etc. I go to bed around 10 at which point our Little Peanut could have me up anywhere from 2 to 4+ times during the night.
Even though it's exhausting, my most motivating time of the day would be after I get up with him in the morning, have had a coffee (or two) and then he is ready for his first nap (around 9). THEN would be the best time to pop in a DVD or run downstairs and hop on the elliptical, BUT (there's the but) - the little guy ONLY will nap for 30 mins on.the.dot. You can set your watch to it. So while there might be just enough time to get part of a workout in, there's no other time to catch breakfast etc.
I'm trying to be patient because he's making big strides on his independent play time, so I'm hoping that I can bring his exersaucer into the basement and "hope" that he can last in it long enough beside me while I bring it on the elliptical. I guess I could look at it as a glass half full kind of thing, like "even if I get 15 minutes in, it's better than none" but COME ON how frustrating would be be to JUST start to work up a sweat and then it's over. I'm also looking into taking him to the gym and just paying the extra $5 for him to go in the day care. It sucks to have to pay on top of my membership, but it also sucks that I'm not currently USING the membership either so it's time to show my face there again & take that step with the little one and have him experience play at gym while Mom's getting her sweat on.
Deal? See, I knew I could work through a thing or two, if I just sat here and got my thoughts out there to you guys!
Oh and I'm not sure exactly what event yet, but I'm running in the Bluenose again this year. Even if it's the 5k walk/run with the stroller, I'm doing it. The extent of my participation will all depend on my weight loss and fitness progress up to that point, but either way - I'M DOING! And lucky for me that a fine group of ladies on twitter have expressed interest in forming a little walking group in preparation for the same, so we're bringin' the Bluenose bloggies :-)
How do you Moms do it? Where and how do you trim out the time for yourself with a young baby?
23 comments:
I'm not a mom, but I was a nanny of 2 small boys for 3 years... I found a gym that had a daycare, it was about $3 per hour for both of them, and it helped keep me sane. Plus we did LOTS of walking, and those were some of my favorite memories... when they were babies it was easy to push them around, but by the time they were 3 or 4, they got so heavy and I got a better workout!! hehe
Angie, I don't think you are "gun shy" I think you are exhausted. Up 2-4 times a night? Sleep deprived is what you are and exercise will make an already tired you even more tired.
I know that you have to do SOMETHING but don't beat yourself up for not jumping into it. As Peanut sleeps more, you will become more energetic.
Bluenose Bloggies sounds interesting.
I might even be tempted.
I seriously don't know how moms do it... but to be totally honest, I think if anyone can, it's you. I'm not sure what the answer is... perhaps it's trying out the gym and trying it out at home and seeing what you enjoy most (or maybe it will be both)!
The one thing I do know is your little boy is one beautiful baby and he'll be so appreciative one day for everything you do for him.. including being healthy and living a long time for him :)
I'm not a Mom, but I often wondered how they do it, too. I think you are just sleep deprived, too. And I know you can do it!!!!
I don't have kids. But I've always found that whenever I make something a priority, I find time to make it happen. I used to think that I didn't have time to cook, to add yoga to my routine, to follow a training schedule, to keep my laundry put up, whatever. But when I made it a priority? I found a way to fit it in. Sometimes it means running at 5am or 9pm. Sometimes it means putting dinner on to simmer for Nathan to watch while I run. Sometimes it means doing 5 yoga poses while I have bathwater running. If it is important enough to you, you will find time.
My guess? Once you burst the "first time" and the "how the hell am I gonna do this?" bubble, you'll be hooked again. Just remember that your body has been through a lot. You may be starting a long way from where you feel you should be. But that is okay. Respect that. Remember that. And commit to never start there again.
I love ya, girl. You can do this. I'm behind you every step of the way.
Miss Angie, darling Mommy! I agree with everyone else...don't beat yourself up. Just jump in with whatever you've got and see what happens. That little peanut is slowly but surely giving you more "Angie" time and as he gives you more you can add more. How about right when Daddy comes home? They get boy time and you get girl time?
xox
Jessica: I think I'm ready to take the gym daycare plunge - being a first time mom, I'm just starting to feel comfortable with things like that (a whole other topic for a whole other blog!) lol
Shelagh: I think you should join our walking group - Tammi I think is going to set up a FB group for details soon!
You're 100% right about the sleep deprivation - boy you.are.right For some reason I feel like I just need to try to do something because who knows when it's going to get better. Some people it's now, some people it's in a few years :-/ I do cut myself some slack though - just don't want to get into a bad habit of using it as an excuse/crutch.
Jen: I think it's definitely going to be a combination of both home and gym for sure - at least it will be something to change it up!
(Thank you) xo
Sarah: yep to the sleep deprived! It's like running on "E" 24/7. Some days are much better than others, so it's promising.
Krissie: girl, when you're right you're right. I was all full of excuses as to why I couldn't before I did it and taught myself how possible it really is. This little obstacle is a bit tougher to navigate around, but I know that I will get there. If I was getting more than 3 hours of sleep at a time I'd have more energy to back up my good intentions and I know those days are in the future. I just don't want to sit around waiting for them, ya know?! You're right, I will find a way!
Jaime: Hubs gets home usually right as or after little C goes to bed which is between 6 and 6:30. I could high tail it to the gym then and then eat when I get home, but then we're talking supper at like 9p.m.! At least now he's going to bed fairly easily on a regular basis (even if he is up frequently).
How are you feeling about the new WW program? I've been a WW junkie forever and was so hesitant to switch to this new program, cuz it wasn't "what I knew", and totally fell off the wagon for the holidays! I'm back on it tomorrow though, but still nervous about the new points plus stuff... what are your thoughts about it?
Teale: Like you, I didn't stick to the new plan over the holidays and I"m now back in action. I will do a post about my thoughts on the new plan once I've had a few solid good weeks under my belt. I know it's hard to switch because we all knew the old plan by heart!
I don't have a baby, but I understand sleep deprivation (hello, shiftwork!).
I second what everybody else said:
-cut yourself a little slack
-do what you can, when you can (can you work up a sweat for 15 minutes twice a day? There's 30 minutes)
-can you use your crock pot so that dinner doesn't actually require your presence while it cooks?
-use the day care! The moms that I work with do it and they love it
-put the peanut in the stroller and go outside and walk. Maybe the fresh air will extend his 30 minute naps...
And you know what else? I betchya just tracking and following the WW plan will be enough to help you lose until you can fit more activity in. My SIL lost almost 100 pounds without exercising regularly.
You can do it!! =)
Angie as a mom I can tell you what I do that works.
I tend to do my workouts in the evenings. This is my way of getting uninteruppted quiet me time, with no one tugging at my legs or needing something.
Once the kids are in bed that is my time and my husband knows not to interupt unless it's an emergency (and we have already ironed out what emergency really is ;-)).
At first it was very hard to workout at the end of they day after caring for two kids all day, however I got use to it and always anticipated the end to my day.
Also on weekends my husband would watch the boys and I would do my workouts.
It's really hard to put yourself first especially when you are a mom, having said that you need to be a little selfish. You care for your son 24/7, you have to ask yourself am I worth a half an hour of time to improve myself?
I'm saying this because my kids are a little older, I know how challenging it can be when they are babies and on schedules.
Give yourself time to do what works for you, what works for me may not work for you.
There is also things that you can do to incorporate your son.
Check with your local sports facilities, rec centres.
In our city we have classes that you can take where you use your child as a weight ;-). There are stroller workouts that you can do with the baby in the stroller and you working out with it.
You can take your baby for a walk everyday weather permitting, slowly increasing time and distance as your son gets use to it.
Sometimes the best excersices are the ones that are easy and that you can do with your son.
It's about finding balance, and finding a way to put yourself first, I know that that can be easier said than done.
Be kind to yourself Angie, as time goes by you will fiqure it out, scheduling will become easier and you will be able to do more.
Ang, I know this is a huge adjustment for you but don't worry, you'll find a workout routine that works with your new schedule. I am in the same boat as you and am sort of a afraid to start working out again and seeing how unfit I've become. But we just gotta deal with it and go for it!
A few suggestions. I haven't had time to read through all the other comments so forgive me if there's repeats. :)
1. A 20 min workout on elliptical while C sleeps is still better than no workout at all. What about breaking it up 20 mins in the morning during his nap and then 20 mins in the evening once your hubby is home?
2. Bundle up the baby and go for a walk around your neighborhood. Exercise and fresh air!
3. Pay the day care fee at the gym once or twice a week (what does it add up to, a starbucks trip or two?) or try and go when your hubby is home.
4. Paying could potential turn into 50-60$ a month so what about asking MIL to come over once a week to watch him while you go to gym and then pay the other time?
I know you're exhausted right now and the last thing you want to do is exercise but think of the energy you'll have once you get back into a routine.
You have a lot of options, try them out and see what works best for everyone! Good luck.
xoxo
I have better luck with eating while the baby is awake so I can use naptime for sweating! Does he sit in his high chair yet? I put my baby in her high chair with a toy or two and I can eat next to her. Also, I watch tv while I run on the treadmill and the baby likes to sit in her swing and watch too (bad, I know. But it works!)
Do you like to walk with the stroller? That can be a great workout!
As a mom to a 2 month old, I know EXACTLY what you are saying. And this being January doesn't exactly help the whole exercise thing! I have visions of us going for long walks in the stroller, but with a mound of snow outside, I'm forced to stay inside and sit on the couch (well, I could exercise indoors, but, well, um...).
As I try to find an exercise routine of my own, I will think of you in a similar situation :)
p.s. What time does your little one wake up in the morning? Mine goes to bed around 10 or 11 and I usually get him up around 8 or 9...but if he went to bed at 6:15, this could potentially mean I could have some moments to myself in the evening, which is a very exciting prospect!
I too am gunshy, but for other reasons. Being a Momma myself, I've realized the importance of putting myself first. Once your little once sleeps thru the night - you will feel like a new woman, but until then, start small. Even at 4.5 mos, babies love to explore their environment. Load the kid in the stroller and walk! If the weather isn't cooperative, go to the mall and walk. Yeah, it's not the calorie burn you get from the run, but it's a start and it's time invested in you.
Someone told me when I was handling my newborn that your life is like a bank account. If the only transactions are withdrawals, what will you have left to give when that runs out? Invest in you. Take the walks to remove yourself, temporarily from the box. Many times I felt as if I hadn't seen daylight in months during those newborn stages. It helped me get over the monotony of the day as well as feeling good I did something for me! The exercise also helped me hurdle those baby blues I couldn't seem to shake.
Hope this helps and best to you!
H-Woman: you're totally right - I lost the first 100lbs without exercising too. Thanks for reminding me that I can still progress even if I don't get on the exercise bandwagon 100% right away.
Syl: I think once he starts sleeping through the night, I'll be better rested to take on a regular exercise regime that will most likely be in the evenings just like you.
Lynn: lots of great suggestions - all of which I will be putting into play as soon as I am getting more night time sleep.
Kara: I don't mind distracting him with the TV in his jumperoo or exersaucer to allow me the time to workout :-)
Robyn: It was right around 2-3 mths that he started staying down with a bed time around 6. He is naturally tired then. We try to push it a bit later to around 7, but so far it's a no go! So that's his bed time. He gets up anywhere between 6 and 7 a.m. (with a series of wakings through the night still depending on the night). Once he starting staying down after going to bed it was the BEST thing EVER! It gave us our evenings back :-) It took between 2-3 mths before he would though. For the 1st 10 weeks I couldn't even PUT HIM DOWN at ALL! There's definitely something to be said about the 4th trimester!
CantWeight: That is such an important way to look at it. It's so easy to keep withdrawing without depositing! :-)
I'm not a Mom, but I can relate to being a little nervous about the physical activity. Even if I take a week off I find myself saying "I can't run, who am I kidding", then I get to the gym, lace up the shoes and off I go... sometimes even better than before my hiatus! SO, go strong, give it all you got!!! Don't let fear get in the way of your dreams of getting the weight off. Just focus on how great you are going to feel when the pounds start coming off, every run will get easier, and it'll just fuel the journey. Good luck to you!
I'm in the same boat, and my guy just turned 10 months! Over the summer I did a mommy bootcamp thing where you bring your baby in strollers. But that's only good in nice weather. But before your baby's crawling you might be able to find mommy and baby yoga or other indoor classes.
It's 9:45 and Jack just woke up from his 40 minute nap, during which I hit the basement and did 25 minutes of weights and stretching. (I get to eat with him now that he's having some solids)
I'm with you sister! Except, my baby is six months. . . and I have two others. I haven't made it back to the gym until this week actually. My husband and I have been getting up at 4:30 in the A freakin' M. I get up to feed the baby and get her back to sleep while he goes to the gym, then we swap. Honestly, it sucks. But it is the only way right now.
I've only done it for this week, but I've done it. Now, we've decided we get time together in the morning, as opposed to the evening, because we are dead by 8.
I, too, put on way too much weight and I feel like I am starting my journey from point a. It's daunting, but I've done it before and I'll do it again. I even signed up at WW again this afternoon. My weight used to be out there for everyone, and I'm hiding again as well. I just feel like a failure, and I don't want to let anyone down. . . and if I post it, it's a little more real. ya know?
Oh, and it's SOOOO hard to realize what I've lost physically since I got pregnant. I ran a half marathon a few months before I got pregnant. BUT, on the treadmill on Tues, I ran a mile. It's no 13, but it's something.
I've rambled, but I just thought you should know that I understand. AND WE CAN DO THIS. . . again. You're one of the reasons I did it the first time. It was because of the BLBE that I really kicked my weight loss up a notch - so, thank you Angie. You hold a special place in my heart.
Journey2Goal: thank you, you are soooo right!
Randi: I could definitely work with 45 mins. I hope he starts to consolidate his naps to be longer soon. Good for you for getting it in. I saw your FB update a while ago about Jack's sleep and I sighed outloud for you.
Brooke: You and me girly! I was always SOOOO proud of you and what you have accomplished and I know that we can both do it again! (Thank you for your sweet words - I'm so glad I was able to inspire you to make such a positive difference in your life - THAT is why I blog :-) )
Having a little one is such a joy but also very stressful on how to manage your time while still being the best mom and not having the mom/guilt.
With my first daughter when my husband worked during the day I would leave her with him once he was home, (panicky he was ok) for an hour to get to a class. Was I tired? Definitely but I chose a class to get my butt going. I found it harder in the morning to get going because I was up so much through the night that 9am was naptime for me.
When he worked at night, I would take her with me to the gym. This was all fine until she reached about 1 year and did not like going again until 2 1/2yrs. That was stressful because by then I had two and needed the time away.
Still exhausted, I feel mom's are superheroes and just figure out how to manage...I bought a double jogger and started run/walking with them. I took them in the winter as well, not too cold but if it was at 0C we were good.
Now that I'm working its even harder. Some weeks I don't get any exercise in and others I manage a lot. IT just depends, some days I can get up at 5am and workout other days I just can't get motivated. I sacrifice say..cleaning, tv time to workout. IT is never easy and yes my children still get up through the night, in fact one just got up now and its 1230am.
Sorry this is long, its just what I tried. Also I aimed for 3 times a week at first, easy things like walking than I moved to harder things.
Just remember you are doing the best you know how and that is the most important.
I just came across your health and fitness blog. Your article about your weight loss journey through the years was especially interesting. I especially liked your comments about gaining unnecessary weight during pregnancy to stagnant your progress; there's no better time than now to get back on track! I am adding you to my favorites. Since you and your readers are interested in health and fitness, we thought you would like to check out our ab workout machine called The AbStand. The AbStand is a full-body workout machine that provides an easy way for you to keep your New Year's resolution! Any feedback would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
I just stumbled across you blog and I can totally relate right now. The lack of sleep makes me buzzy when I do try to exercise.
My baby is 2 1/2 months old and he still finds joy in eating every two hours. I also have a 21 month old who requires a lot of love and energy.
Your blog is inspiring to me. When I take a look in the mirror and am having a hard time coming to terms with my "baby" weight (x2)and recognizing the body that has become my current me I will think of you and the great journey you have already overcome, and that I too can overcome!! Thanks for being an inspiration to the web world.
amber in idaho@
talesofdomestica.blogspot.com
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