If you're okay, we're okay. But if you've been thinking about it for more than a month, than it's time. To Start Exercising.
We suggest running or walking. Four times a week. Not a killer-routine either: 30-40 minutes max. Outside if you can. But inside on a treadmill works too. It's not an expensive commitment and the routine is a slave to your schedule, not the other way around.
We say this because its good for your mind and your over-all well-being. Not because we're advocating dramatic weight loss or body transformation - though with time, that's a possible bonus outcome.
When you exercise, your mind produces endorphins, which help combat stress, anxiety and depression. So just a little bit of movement will help elevate your mood. No dramatic changes - just a little boost. Which is what most of us need.
If you've just had a baby and you're not in your comfort zone- mentally or physically- give yourself a month. Then start moving. Take your baby in a jogger and go for a half-hour walk. Then move your way up to a half-hour jog. Babies love motion. If they cry, stop, hold-them, breast-feed them if that's what's called for; bottle feed them if that's where you're at. Whatever. Then start again. If it doesn't work out the first time, don't get discouraged. Just try again the next day.
Excuse-Busters:
I don't want to spend a lot of money on this- I don't know if I'll even stay with it.
Running shoes at Target cost $28.00 and they're made by a leading athletic foot wear company. Target and Walmart also sell athletic clothes and jog bras.
I'm nursing.
Check out La Leche League's Hi-Impact Sports Bra (about $27.00. Prices vary regionally). Walmart and Target also sell nursing sports bras (about $17.00-$27.00).
Pack in your stroller: water; sun block; diaper & wipes; nursing cover. You can get a really pretty nursing cover at BéBé au Lait: www.bebeaulait.com
If you can't get outside and you're not afraid of a small investment:
HSN sells treadmills on their FlexPay program (payment installments) so that you can pay a smaller amount and get the machine home, paying off the entire cost in about 6 installments. Of course prices for machines vary, but there are usually FlexPay options that start at about $140.00. Also, the HSN website and shows will often offer free-shipping.
WE LOVE to watch running DVDs from VirtualActive . They are virtual videos of running and hiking trails throughout some of the most beautiful places in the country - the next best thing to actually being there. And they keep you interactive with your work-out, so that you'll actually stick with it. Purchase one of four running DVDs or four hiking DVDs for about $20.00 on their website: www.vafitness.com
IF you do decide to stick with walking or running, we suggest treating yourself to some 15Love Apparel. The clothes are super-comfy and cute. And we LOVE the website which has a playlist of suggested music to move to. www.15loveapparel.com
Finally, if you want to do good while you move, join the Curves for Change ("C4C") 5K Run/Walk at 7PM, Thursday May 19, 2011 in NYC, at 103rd Street and Riverside Drive (or sponsor a participant). C4C supports the empowerment of women and girls.
The money raised from this event will support two organizations, The Komera Project (www.komeraproject.org) and Hardy Girls, Healthy Women (www.hghw.org). To sponser a participant in the 5/9/11 5k event, go to www.crowdrise.com , type in C4C in their search box and click on the event to donate as little or as much as you want.
xoxo Amalou Skin
No comments:
Post a Comment