I like my clothes! I don't want to buy new clothes. But alas, my metabolism is slowing down and my clothes were getting tighter, so here is what I do:
1. walk everywhere I can. We have gear for snow, rain, and cold too: we don't just walk in sunshine. I was also inspired by my friend Daryl who asked why it is considered odd to walk a half hour to get somewhere but not odd to drive a half hour?
2. exercise DVDs at home. Gyms make me anxious (an I wearing the right clothes? is it going to be full? it's so boring!) and take too much time for me to get out of the house. Much easier to slip on some yoga pants and do a DVD quickly. I try out exercise DVDs from the library; when I find one I like, I search for it online. I can usually buy them for a few dollars - I'm patient. I like routines that are less than 30 minutes and do not use any special equipment. I adore pilates.
3. eat 20% less. I was inspired and fascinated by Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink. I like his no- diet philosophy. It fits with mine, which is "all things in moderation."
4. bike home from my job occasionally.
5. use a broom and a rake. No blowers!
6. run the kids in the park. They're like puppies, see, and they need daily fresh air and exercise. If it's an especially nice day or they are wild after supper, we go over to the park. Even when it's dark and cold - that's what streetlamps and coats are for.
7. love my body. Our bodies are really wonderfully made - and modeled after God, at that! I gained perspective by going to a Russian "banyo" (bathhouse), where naked women of all ages and shapes showered, swam, and sat in saunas together. Also, I've seen the destruction of eating obsessions and disorders. I want to keep my body and my eating in their proper places.
What do you do to stay trim?
7 comments:
This is an inspring post. I have been slacking off on exercise lately probably due to the cold weather and short days but normally I try to bundle up and go out for walks all year round.
This summer we went on outtings with the kids in the bike trailer and tried to use it more for transportation. I would really like to use my bike more for transportation even in the winter though I would be less likely to take the kids in the winter and I miss dragging them behind me. I make it a point to run out to pick up some needed things on my bicycle when I can get out of the house by myself.
I love that you take your kids to the park in the dark and cold. I feel like there is no time to do anything due to the short days and now I see I may have wider options.
I am motivated to get outside and exercise now especially since there isn't any snow and ice here yet. That's when I stay inside and exercise too. You're right. It is easier to do than to have to go to the gym.
Thanks. I am remotivated to be more consistent about exercising even this time of year.
I like your philosophy!
For the past couple months I've been doing a regime of stretches, bicycles, push-ups, squats, planks, leg drops, etc. I few every day. I realized I was loosing core strength and flexibility - things I certainly want to maintain! It's amazing the difference I feel. Going up and down the stairs and picking up toys off the floor is easier : )
I'm learning to love my body the way it is and also challenge myself to eat right and stay fit.
Getting trim in the first place was my problem. I joined Weight Watchers just before January 1, 2011. I love it, because like your philosophy, I'm allowed everything in moderation. After I had my eating under control, I started exercising for the very first time in my life. I lost 50 pounds between January and September, and I've kept them all off by continuing to eat right, and LOADS of exercise. I run now, an average of 30 miles a week; I did 10.4 miles on Saturday without stopping! I would have never thought that I'd ever be able to do that one year ago. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, we just need to take care of them.
Margo, I love that you exercise with your children. Had I been taught that years ago, I wouldn't have had to work so hard when I hit 40. Keep it up!
These are all great ideas! And I'm so into getting/staying trim these days.
I especially like the go run around in the park even after dark idea.
I have lost 4 pounds over the last month. Whooo! This is what I did.
PILATES!!!!! Canceled my gym membership and started Pilates --- every single day except for Thanksgiving. Sometimes just for 20 minutes.
NO SWEETS. Well, not really. I don't believe in outlawing certain foods. BUT - for the most part - I gave up sweets. I don't love desserts so this was not too hard for me. A little dark chocolate usually satisfies my craving. Or a smoothie.
Eating nutrient rich, natural foods. Lots of chicken, fish, and roasted vegetables. It seems like y'all already do a lot of this at your house.
Basically, I have tried to make lifestyle changes and not commit to anything I can't keep up with.
Keep us posted!
Tracy, I love your story! I am astonished at how many miles you cover in a WEEK. And my kids love, too, when I put in an exercise DVD. They've got some great moves.
Sarah, or. . . killer hot chocolate :)
I love this useful, practical post with all your useful, practical wisdom!!! Since putting on a couple dozen pounds when my high-needs baby morphed into a high-needs toddler (stress, anyone?) I have been lazy on this front, but am now starting to pay more attention. And that's the first key (I love the book mindless eating as well)--paying attention!!
I used to run; now I use an elliptical machine at home. I hope to start running again after some pounds come off--I like running when I'm lighter. ;) Have always wanted to try pilates, as a former yoga devotee (would like to pick that up again sometime too)--but have never tried it, not once! I should!
I love long walks and swimming--I don't do them during this season of my life, but I find both so meditative and relaxing.
I like to truly enjoy food and have to be sure I'm not eating too much due to stress or, conversely, forgoing eating due to stress. I inexplicably do both from time to time--it used to even out! But mindfulness re: food is the key for me personally.
Polly, I have 2 definitions for walks: the long, peaceful, meditative walks ALONE and then the opposite, walks with kids. Both are great, but for different purposes :)
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