What woman doesn’t want to look her best? Especially after giving birth, when our bodies have been stretched and pushed to the max. The truth is, though, that unless there’s motivation outside of wanting to wear that perfect size, the results won’t be long term.
Fitness is a lifestyle, not just a means to a goal.
Well, it can be that, but does that sound long-term to you?
I’ve been down this road before. I was determined to look my best in my wedding dress and I did it. I lost 15 lbs in three months leading up to the big day.
But what about after that?
It only took a few people telling me I would gain the weight back after my wedding, to become a challenge. Hey, I never said I wasn’t headstrong…
I decided I needed to train for something, so I started training to run a 5k. I wanted to train for a sprint length triathlon, but I knew I had a lot of work to do in the running department. I’d already done a swim team as an adolescent and I loved long bike rides, so I was less concerned about those areas. I was no athlete, by any means, but if I had to pick one weakness, running was the one. By far.
Of course, running led way to yoga because of tight quadriceps, which led to yoga teacher training and a slight obsession with yoga, which led to a metabolism where I didn’t have to worry about what I ate. My lifestyle transformation was complete.
Oh yeah, and I did successfully run a 5k in there, too.
Then everything changed. To summarize: I got pregnant, had a baby, six months later we moved, I lost most of my baby weight by way of running, six months later we moved again, six months later I got pregnant again, six months later we moved again, three months later I had baby #2, and here we are almost four years since that first pregnancy began.
I weighed in at 157 lbs today. That’s one pound since last week and 15 since I started this! I’m thrilled. BUT I also feel like I’ve lost momentum. Honestly, I have. Thanks to everyone getting sick a couple of times, its been weeks since my last real workout. Aside from playing tag with Dylan, of course.
That’s where the plan Amber (from A Day Without Sushi) and I came up with comes in. There’s this app called Charity Miles for your phone where you pick a charity before walking, running, or cycling and $.25 for every mile walked or run or $.10 for every mile on a bicycle, goes to that charity. I have decided to aim for $6 this month for the organization: Every Mother Counts.
I know that a healthy weight is so much more than a number on the scale or smaller dress size. It’s a lifestyle change and I intend to help my motivation and shift my focus by choosing a goal which will hopefully benefit more than just me. Because, wouldn’t it be great if I could help someone else while I’m working on myself?
I hope you’ll join me!
How are you doing with your fitness goals?
Yay!
I’m not able to post today (it’s been one thing after another this week) BUT I promise to post next week. I’ll be letting everyone know about how the CharityMiles app is working out for me. I love this idea so much.
I was my healthiest when I was pregnant – because I was focused on how my health affected the little guy I was carrying. So, knowing that whether or not I exercise means money for charity might just be the motivation I need!
Erika – you’ve done amazing since you started this. Now it’s time for me to really get my butt in gear and catch up!
Thanks Amber! I’m really excited about this too! I look forward to your post next week
I love that app. Thanks so much for mentioning it. Does it track your miles or do you put them in? According to my fitbit I am averaging 5 miles or more a day, so it would be great to give back with the app. You are doing great and I am so glad you mentioned making fitness a lifelong commitment. I have lost weight in the past, but fitness was never part of it. Now I train 3 days a week for a 5K, zumba at least 45 minutes a day and mix in circuit training and yoga on varying days. I love it, in fact I crave it now. That, makes me realize that no matter what lies ahead, I know I will always be healthier than I was before.
I’m actually not sure. It would be awesome if you could log miles! I’ll install it today and write a follow up post.
You’re doing amazing Kathleen! I see your posts on FB and you’re inspiring me!
You are doing so well! We all lose our momentum from time to time. That’s just human nature. It’s only a bad thing if we give up. It’s okay to take a little time to regroup. But we have to keep on going.
I love the idea of exercise for charity. Right now, I’m going to have to be my own charity since I can’t even pay my mortgage this month. Hubby is out of work with a broken ankle and it’s really hurting our budget. But when I’m back on my feet financially, then I’ll be looking at this again!
Thanks for being so inspiring!
Thanks Lauralynn!
Actually, I don’t think I explained the app very well. You don’t pay anything, just use the app to log your miles, pick a charity, and their sponsors pay per mile logged. You’re basically being sponsored to exercise.
Thank you so much for the mention on your blog! I’d love to get more participants! The more ppl, the more support for everyone! I’ll try to do more to spread the word, too.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I linked to this on my blog today. It would be nice to get others to focus on their health and link up on your linky tool.
Holy Spirit inspired attitude and writing