Get-Fit Thursday: {when you’re “stuck” at home}

Since I made plans to feature health and fitness posts each Thursday, I’ve had a few conversations with people who are frustrated for one reason or another with their fitness routine (or lack of.)  Today I am thinking about those of you who really want to pick up your fitness routine, but are feeling (for lack of a better word–)  ”stuck” at home. (or “stuck” at work, or just about anywhere BUT working out!)

OH, how I understand!..(I’ve been there, and back a few times myself.)

One of you is home with a bunch of small children, (too many to fit in a jogger.)
Another has a brand-new baby, and you’re already chomping at the bit to go run a few miles.
One of you homeschools, and struggles to justify taking time for yourself.  (Wait, that’s me--)
Some of you can’t get to a gym because you work full time, or live in the country (ok, me again, ) or are simply BUSY.  OVERWHELMED…

Anyone giving a nod of understanding right now?

One thing I know:  If you aren’t working out regularly, or feeling as fit as you want to be–it isn’t always because you’re lazy, or uninterested.  Sometimes it’s just because life is really challenging.

And that’s ok.

So if any of that speaks to you today, I have two things to say.  (And if it doesn’t, maybe you know someone who could use this!)

1.  There ARE things you can do at home.  These may not be your ideal, but they are something.  And something, is better than nothing.  I’m sharing two home routines here at the bottom of this post, and there are plenty more available on line.  Even ten minutes will help clear your head and make you feel a little better.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  You may already know that at least 75% of your body fat/weight loss outcomes are a result of your diet (how much you eat.)  So, if you can watch your food intake closely, you are doing the most important thing.  If you’re like me, working out helps keep the diet on track (just psychological,) but it is not the most important thing.  Diet is.

2.  Keep perspective!  There are many seasons in life!  When you’re in the middle of a particularly gnarly one, sometimes it’s hard to see out of it.  It’s hard to be reasonable, and to remember that, this too–shall pass.  Sometimes we  just need to BE WHERE WE ARE.  Don’t wish away the newborn, or the homeschool years, or the job requirements.  Embrace them.

Let me remind you, that later–when things aren’t quite so hectic, or when the kids go to school (or you find a sitter, or…) when you’re not sick, or your current situation changes, you will have the chance to get out again.  You’ll have more freedom.  You can join a gym, or get a trainer, or do an entire 40 minute DVD, if even that sounds like a dream right now.  (It does to me!  Workout DVD’s and my two-year old do NOT mix.)   And when that day comes, you’ll appreciate it so much, and wonder why you ever stressed in the first place.  Yes, it will come!

Meanwhile, some of the things I did back when I was home-bound with a bunch of little boys…

1.  (When it was just TWO boys,) a double jogger was my best friend.   Pushing that thing was a serious workout.
2.  Waited for my husband to get home from work, then dashed out the door for an evening walk/run.
3.  Hired a sitter, combining my workout time with other errands so I could score both.  Worth every penny.
4.  Of course when I was teaching group fitness, I took full advantage of the kid’s club at the gym.  I think that saved my sanity for many years!

For times when I am at home, and just can’t get out, I try to be creative around the house…Using furniture, small children, or other equipment to work up a sweat.  Here’s a simple workout I found, very similar to some of the things I’ve done over the years when I needed to get a quick sweat going at home:

(**The Run at the end could be replaced with any kind of cardiovascular exercise, of course.  My favorite has always been the Step I bought at a garage sale years ago…)

And this little visual from Women’s Health Magazine gives you a great arm workout!  I try to do these very exercises with light weights in my garage after I go running a couple times a week.   **You’ll need light weights, (or something similar–heavy cans or jars are always an option.)

**The airplane extension and T-Pushup are also both great for your core…Which is so important, especially if you are post-baby!

So get busy, and have fun!  And most of all–Be good to yourself!

One more thing:  Speaking of being good to yourself, here’s a LINK to a post that I totally agree with on the topic of HAPPY WEIGHT!  Hope you like it.

With Aloha, and hugs,
GM

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