So I’ve been trying to get myself back on a regular fitness routine. I’ve been making decent progress. A little short of where I’d hoped to be by now, but it’s progress and I’ll take it. The cardio’s there. But I’ve been putting off my strength training. And this week I really felt it.
In the past, I’ve done cardio in the morning, and strength training, crunches and pushups, in the evening after the kids went to bed. But that was when everyone had a different schedule. What I forgot about this time around was that my schedule is different now. I wake up much earlier but instead of hitting the gym, I start writing, check my email, catch up with social media pals and prepare breakfast. Once I get the kids to school, I can start my workout, unless I have a pressing deadline. So instead of being done with my workout and showered by the time the kids get up, I’ve already been up a few hours and then I still have to do my workout after they go to school. Because I’m up so early, I’m worn out by the time the kids go to bed, which is later than it used to be.
I have about 6 1/2 hours each day without my kids here. Seems like it would be loads of time to get hit the treadmill and lift some weights, don’t you think? But it’s not. If I have errands to run, most of them are at least a 20-minute drive away. On any given day, I may have interviews or writing assignments or both. When I’m not doing that, I’m researching future articles, tracking down leads, brainstorming, working on other projects. At some point I still have to eat. I don’t do a lot of convenience food, so if we don’t have leftovers, I’m pulling together something from scratch. Now factor in the hour to two hours I need to workout, lift, get a shower and get dressed. Takes a big chunk out of my “free” time. A necessary chunk, to be sure, but still a chunk. So I tend to do my cardio and flake out on skip my strength training because I feel pressed for time.
Well, that ended today. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill. Kids are home and were making all sorts of noise and distractions since my treadmill is in the play room. I was getting frustrated but decided I’d finish my 30 minutes and then do some strength training. I started with medicine ball chops, and I did 3 sets of 15. (My medicine ball is 5 pounds.)
Next I hauled out a small (5 pound) set of dumb bells. I’m still trying to figure out a weekly schedule for weight training (arms on Mondays? legs on Tuesdays?) so I decided that since I hadn’t done jack-diddly-squat anything, I’d just do a set of everything and take it from there. I do sets of 15.
- Front raises
- Biceps curls
- Shoulder press
- Triceps kickbacks
- Bent over rows
- Lunges
- Calf raises
- Can’t think of what these are called: stand w/ feet together, dumb bell in each hand. Put weight on one foot, bend from waist, lift one leg and reach forward w/ opposite arm, repeat on other side. Anyone?
(Somehow, totally forgot to do a set of squats.)
Was it the greatest strength training workout of all time? Definitely not. But it wasn’t meant to be. The intention was to just do something so I can get back into the routine and go forward. And I think that’s where I’m headed. My plan for later this afternoon is to develop a strength training plan so I can get it on my calendar and commit to it.
When I was done with my workout, I made smoothies for the kids and I: hemp protein, apple, banana, spinach & green grapes. They are loving the spinach shakes as much as I am, which is a complete shock to me, but I’m not going to complain! No weight loss this week, but at least I didn’t gain. Looking forward to next week.
Your turn:
How are you doing on your goals?
Is there part of your routine that you like to put off?