Getting Fit: Week 2 Update

           

So last week, after an incident in Target, I began Jillian Michael’s 30 Days to Shred. The first week went pretty well. It’s great that I can easily do them at home while the baby is napping or playing nearby. There was only one day where she got fussy in the middle of my workout and I had to stop and finish it later. The main struggle was that my ankles were really achy & sore from a run I went on the week before. So some of the moves were challenging and I felt like an 80 year old. The first workout was definitely the hardest. Even though I exercised throughout most of my pregnancy, I still felt so out of shape. I struggled to finish, but when I did, it felt really good. As the week went on the workouts became easier & easier and I felt my endurance lengthening. I think in a few days I will move up to level two of the program. 

It’s been a struggle to eat healthier. I’m breastfeeding and so I am just so hungry. All. The. Time. Being so ravenous sometimes, just want something quick & easy. Also, coming up with healthy meals has proven to be more challenging than before. All of my go-to foods (veggies, salads, etc) make the baby a little gassy & uncomfortable. So I have to get a little more creative. But I am trying! 

I’m also making sure to keep my motivations in check. While I do want to lose a few lingering pounds and fit better into my cloths, that’s not what it’s all about. The most important thing is to be healthy. I want to exercise and eat well so I have the energy & stamina to make it through long days. So I can feel my best to give my best each day. 

Scary Things Happen in Target Dressing Rooms

Set the scene: It’s a pleasant Sunday afternoon when Ryan sweetly suggests I take some “me” time while he stays with the baby for a bit. I cheerfully accept, and look forward to heading to Target for an iced hazelnut macchiato (my fave) and a little browsing. After getting my coffee, I innocently stroll towards the clothing section. I have a gift card, after all, and my post baby wardrobe could use some sprucing up. I don’t know what terror awaits me, but I’m soon to find out. I pick out a few dresses, a couple tops, and even a swimsuit. I’ve been on the lookout for a cute one-piece (I know, I know. Official mom status). I slowly make my way towards the dressing rooms and begin trying on my finds. 

This is when it happens. My post-baby, stretched, untoned body, meets horrible dressing-room lighting and clothes designed for prepubescent girls. Surely, these are fun house mirrors because that can’t be what my body looks like. Gasp! The Horror! I contemplate crying but instead take a big sip of my 300 calorie, sugar-filled coffee. (Oh, the irony).

I make a decision. I put back all of the clothes and me & my muffin top march on over to the exercise section where I purchase Jillian Michael’s “30 Days to Shred.” I’ve lost all my baby weight except for 10 lingering, stubborn pounds. I decided it was time to officially kick them to the curb, and start getting fit, toned, & healthy again. 

I’ve been doing the workouts all week, and I’m enjoying them. They are perfect for a new mom, because they are only 20 minutes. Going to the gym isn’t feasible right now, so a quick but intense workout I can do at home is perfect. It feels so good to exercise, and I’ve missed the feeling of sore muscles after a good workout. 

I’ve decided I won’t be doing any clothing shopping for a while, but I assure you, the next time I do… I will look & feel much better. 

PS: Anyone want to get fit together? Wouldn’t mind a few ladies to encourage one another and hold each other accountable! You can pick up the DVD at Target (or Walmart) for less then $10! :)