Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Working Out Q's

(I tried to get a picture of someone working out off of google images but when I put in "working out" all that came up was skanky pictures and I didn't think that would be very appropriate.) =D

You might seriously regret ever giving me good advice because now I can't stop!

I want to know what you mothers do for working out. I have always been consistent with working out 4-6 days a week, doing lots of different things- running, elliptical, weights, classes, and now P90X, but at this stage in my life it is so stressful to do anything.
I went to a gym for years and put my kids in the daycare, which worked great because then I still had a little bit of personal time during their naps and at night with Josh but that meant that I had less time with them which I didn't like. So I started the P90X program a few months ago, and now I no longer have a babysitter and have to do it while they nap or at night. I like it better because I have more time for my kids and they are happier because we get more quality time, but now I have zero personal time and feel overwhelmed by both my kids needs and working out, and on top of that I have to try to find time for cleaning, scripture study, etc....

I love working out and I feel like I need to. It's been something I have worked really hard at for years now and I don't want to have all of my hard work and good habits go to waste. I also really don't want to get out of shape, but how in the world do you do it all? How can you possibly be the best mom, teach them everything they need to know, spend quality time with your family, stay in perfect shape, eat healthy, have personal time, read good books, keep up spiritually, serve others, have a clean house....etc....the list could go on and on and on. I want all of these things but I am only 1 woman.

How do you do it?

5 comments:

Lauren said...

Hey Jena,

Like you, I enjoy exercising and having personal time. So I try to exercise when the kids are awake instead of sleeping because I like to use that time for other things. The easiest way to take care of them while exercising is to put them in the double stroller and go walking/running. I also do DVDs at home when the weather is bad. The kids will sometimes try to follow along with me and other times they will play together on their own. Of course I will have to pause the DVD a few times to help with potty time, toy fights, etc but it's not too bad. If your boys will get into trouble without your full attention, it'd be good to set them up with toys or a little activity in the same room you are in so you can keep an eye on them and referee when needed. Hope this helps!

Kristy E.B. said...

I ditto the last comment. I exercise with a DVD at least twice a week while the kids are awake. I'll get them involved in play do or they'll work out with me for a bit, or play together. I figure that it's not a bad thing that I'm exercising while they're awake, because they're AREN'T enough hours in the day to do everything and I need nights for my personal time. Plus, when your kids see you exercise, I think they're more inclined to make that a habit when they grow up and you're showing them that it's fun. Or if it's too much when they're both awake, work out during one of their nap times.

Tory said...

I get up at 5:30 to exercise. The kids are still sleeping at that point, so I don't feel like I am ignoring them, but then I still get to use quiet/nap times for some personal rest and relaxation. It has been working out well for me. It is all tough to balance, but I don't really love being a huge fatty fat face.

jamie t. said...

I was so interested to see what people were going to write about this. I think that every phase of life is going to cause you to do it differently. For with, with a new-ish baby, and a first grader that needs to get up for school, I want all the sleep I can get most days. It is funny though because the days I do get up to exercise, I usually feel great.

At home I have a few DVDs that I like and also we have an eliptical.
I'd be interested to hear what you think about p90x. Aaron has been doing it and it seems super hard core. I really want to try to complete the program sometime but I don't know if now is that time.

Don't be hard on yourself because you are only 1 woman and you have so much responsibility. Good luck!

Olsen Family said...

Jena,

No one is a super mom. Dont try to do it all. Just pray for help to accomplish the things Heavenly Father wants you to accomplish that day and you will! If you stress about all the things you did not accomplish you will forever be depressed. Relish in ALL the things you did accomplish for the day and be positive then you are accomplishing setting a fabulous example for your kids. You are a wonderful mom and woman keep telling yourself that in the mirror every morning and you will have all the energy you need. \
Niki