Saturday, December 13, 2008

Workout, Baby, Workout

So this week I've starting exercising again.  It's been awhile.  Like say, pre-Katie, and I do mean pre-Katie in the womb pre-Katie.  I am one of those people who has a very hard time exercising during pregnancy.  I usually just do not have enough energy, and that's how both of my pregnancies have been.  Anyway, now that things are in a semi-routine lately, plus with me being over 6 weeks postpartum and feeling up to it, I decided to start doing something about this here baby weight.  I didn't exercise much after Jenna, because I couldn't with the birth from heck and long recovery time, but even after that, I was focused on raising Jenna and didn't really get back in the swing of things.  And then I was pregnant with Katie and had no energy.  I was lucky enough to pretty much lose almost all of my baby weight with Jenna without really exercising...it just came off. 

This time around...not so much.  And I know it's only been a little over 7 weeks, but I can already tell that I'm going to have to really work at it this time.  This is fine in a way, because it motivates me to exercise and eat better, which is of course much better for my physical and emotional well-being.  It's true what they say about exercising: it makes you actually have more energy and feel better about yourself. 

I exercised on Monday and Wednesday with a workout from Self.com, which I had to sign up for.  The first time I did one of the routines I died.  That was on Monday.  I got through it once and then saw "Complete circuit three times."  Then I died again inside, because no way could I do it three times!  So I just did it once and had to be satisfied with that, because, hey, I'm out of shape, and it takes time for your body to get used to exercising again and to build up stamina.  I think that one of the hardest things for me do is to take it slowly.  I want to go, go, go when I'm gung-ho about something, but I really need to hold back and make sure I'm not pushing myself too hard.  The last thing I want to do is injure myself.  For example, I got a few exercise DVDs out of the library, and I did this one today.  I picked two 10 minute routines, and I'll admit that they were strenuous.  I could really feel it!  After I finished up, I felt like maybe I could do one more 10 minute routine, but I didn't for the reasons I just mentioned.  Patience, Kerry, Patience! 

I think one of the hardest things about exercising if Jenna's awake is trying to keep her from thinking I'm a horsey (horsy, horsie?) if I'm laying on the floor doing abdominal work!  I was also breathing really hard at times, and she would come up to me with her little brow all furrowed and put her hand on my shoulder.  I could totally tell she was like, Mommy, are you okay??  Don't die!!

I'm working up to this routine, which I really want to do, but I want to be in somewhat better shape than I'm in right now.  Trust me when I say I am really, really out of shape!!  I requested it from the library, but there are 21 people ahead of me, so I've got a little while before it comes in.  I've heard great things about it (thanks, Jen!).

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did you have to pay for the Self.com work outs?

I'm really anxious to get back to the YMCA. I have my postpartum check up on Monday. I'm a little nervous about leaving Ezra in the Y child care, even though I know the ladies there are great. I'm sure he'd be fine for 30 or 40 minutes. It just seems like a lot of work to go over to the Y just to work out for only 30 minutes. But I guess it beats staying home and doing nothing. I've still got about 14 pounds to lose to get to my prepregnancy weight. I'm feeling anxious to get back in my old clothes again!
Good luck with your exercise plan!

Ker said...

No, the Self.com workouts are free. You just have to sign up, but then I did get an unsolicited email from them that I don't think I signed up for. One of the hazards of those things, I guess.

It does seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it, even for only 30-40 minutes. I'm sure it will do a ton for your mood, too! I think you'll be a lot happier once you get back there...I know Dan says you really liked your step class. I would love to join our YMCA here, but it's out of the question right now. Maybe in a few months...

That's why I'm a fan of the fitness DVDs at home. It's less hassle, and it's free, after the one time fee of the DVD itself. Right now I'm using ones from the library, so that actually is free. Plus, there are a ton of workouts that are free online...I just find it harder to do the moves if I can't actually "see" them being done. I guess I'm a visual workout person! :)

Anyway, I hope your checkout goes well!!

Gina said...

Don't forget about walking! It's easy on the body, inexpensive, and provides a great workout. Invest in a double jogging stroller (I got mine online--free shipping + last year's color = one cheap stroller) and you can contain both kids for as long as you need to get a great workout.

Just a thought. :)

Ker said...

That's true, too. I wish we had sidewalks around here! :)

Right now I'm not too keen on walking outside, though. It's cold, and I'm a freezebaby. There's always the mall, or Costco.