If you were to find me in my natural habitat, I would be curled up with a good book, laptop near by, at complete ease.
I do not exercise for the pure joy of it. Seriously. That is not to say I do not like running, swimming, hiking, skiing I do. However, I am much much more comfortable in a sloth like state.
So how does one go from Sloth to Superstar? Slowly. In the month of January I started walking on the treadmill or outside everyday. For me, everyday is key. Taking days off to rest messes with the consistency I need to keep it going. Some days I rock the treadmill, running/walking at a pace that I can brag about. Other days I struggle to get one foot in front of the other.
I do it.
Everyday.
After almost a month of walking/running I decided to step it up a notch. I had been perusing blogs and came across Shredheads. Feeling inspired, I bought the Jillian Micheal’s video.
owie.
So the first time I tried the video, the kids watched me … laughing and inquiring why mommy was so sweaty, red faced and couldn’t breath.
nice.
The work out is hard. I want to be in better shape really really bad. So hard it is. Every morning I am up at 6 am, on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to be at it by 5:30 am so I can be out of the shower before J needs it.
yawn.
I am so proud that I was able to get up and just do it. Like I mentioned the workout is tough and I wasn’t able to make it through the entire 20 minutes at first, but as the week progressed I got better. I am still not quite capable of every exercise (push ups ugh and whoever dreamed up butt kicks deserves one!) yet I am progressing.
sore.
My body aches everyday. It is a nice reminder that I am doing it. Every evening I have been jumping onto the treadmill and walking for 50 minutes. Although one night I bailed at 35 minutes. The last two nights life has prevented me from getting on, which annoys me.
commitment.
I am committed to changing my lifestyle. Exercising everyday. Eating better. Getting into better shape. I asked our family doctor if I have to rest if I am sore. Now I am talking muscle ache from working it, not injury or strain. He said to keep at it. As Jillian Micheals says in the video, you have to put stress on your body in order for it to change (not a direct quote, seriously I can barely focus when trying to keep up!)
I have progressed to level 2 of the workout. It is still hard but I feel so freaking amazing afterward. I have energy all day. I am in a positive mood. I am showered, hair done and ready to face the world before 7 am. I have breakfast on the table for the young, with a smile on my face as I sip my first coffee. I feel good. My house is cleaner. I am happier. My kids are happier.
Ok for real there are some nights I am exhausted. However, remember last month I resolved to head to bed earlier? I am still doing that and since I established it before I tried getting up earlier, it doesn’t feel like a loss.
When do you exercise? Do you feel better after?
A Canadian mom with three cute kids. This blog chronicles our lives my creative pursuits. 
Congrats on doing so much! I think every day is going to have to be the thing for me, too. Not only because the doc told me, but because it’s too easy to get out of the habit if I give myself days off.
Belle´s last blog ..Despite my best efforts
Go Chelle!!!!
I’ve had the opposite thing happen to me this week, having to cut right down to one run this week because of exhaustion!!! Hoping to pick up again on Monday morning!
Gail´s last blog ..Crikey, What’s My Name Again?
You go Chelle! That is awesome. My sister loves the 30 day shred workout.
Cara´s last blog ..Team Up Thursday – Week Two
That is awesome. I need to get back to working out. It is hard to think about going for a run in this cold.
Brie´s last blog ..Fruit salad
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I’m ashame to say I don’t exercise, that is apart from the regular house mopping and sweeping. I used to jog before the 2nd one arrived and yes, I do agree that it does perk you up. Exercise may be tiring but it really gives you more energy to do lots of things. Hope that makes sense.
Anyway, congrats on your steady achievement.
Immomsdaughter´s last blog ..That’s My Girl!
I work out every morning..well I may take off a day but I have a system and it is what I NEED TO STAY healthy in my mind. It is my time even though sometimes I am singing abc’s to sam while I run or elliptical but it works and i get to release…
I am so proud of you!!
I always feel better after exercising – I’m such an endorphin junkie! I swear I have some chemical imbalances because if I don’t exercise my anxiety and depression creep in – even if I skip a day of exercising. I *could* speak to my Dr and be put on drugs – but why would I do that if exercise is healthier for me?
Cheers!
Keep up the good work with your exercising! I also have been doing the Shred and LOVE it! I play the DVD on my laptop and do it in the bathroom while supervising my kids bath
Janice @ Mom on the Run´s last blog ..SADE “Soldier of Love” CD Giveaway!
I would have mailed you that dvd and been glad to be rid of it. I LOVED working out to it, but I had never had problems with my knees in my life until I started doing it. I don’t know what part of it did it, but I had to stop because my knees were hurting just to walk.
I’m glad you are able to do it, though!