To the Mom who Wants to Workout but Doesn't Know Where to Begin

Let's be real for a moment: Us moms/stepmoms are so amazing that we can do multiple things at one time (something dads just can't seem to get a hang of it). We cook dinner while we practice handwriting with one kid and feed the baby his food all at the same time. The problem is: We don't make time for ourselves. Ever. I can't even remember the last time that I sat down to read a book or took the time to take an actual bath in the tub. One thing that I have a really hard time doing for myself is making time to get my body to where I want it to be. It's not just about looking good anymore- I want to feel good. I don't want to run out of breath walking up or down the stairs at my work. So a few weeks ago I decided to begin this process to a "new me" and here is what I have discovered so far:

Whether you are working out at the gym or at your house the best way to start is to find some way to sweat where you are actually enjoying yourself. After trying to work out at home on my own for several months post baby I realized that a group setting was the best way for me to stay diligent and work out in a way that I wouldn't get burned out quickly. If you are interested in doing some cardio at home with a Zumba/dance feel I highly suggest Dance Fitness with Jessica. Not only are her workouts fun and high intensity but I seriously feel like I'm not even working out. I bought her DVD a few years ago and still use it from time to time if I can't make it to one of my gym classes. An added bonus is that her YouTube channel is FREE and she has tons of great dances to songs I could actually follow along to.

This time around I decided to join a gym. The first time I walked into the gym without my husband I thought I was going to pass out. I also realized pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be able to do anything except run on the treadmill until I found someone to show me how to use the weight equipment. Well me, being the introvert that I am could never make myself actually ask anyone to help me and ended up cancelling my membership that same month and sought out a gym with some fitness classes that would help me make some friends and get some basics down.

When the time came to leave the house for my first Dance class at the gym I am currently attending my palms got sweaty and I almost decided to just give up and not go. I swear the hardest part about going to the gym is actually making yourself get in the car and drive there. Once I made it to the gym, I was over it and ready to workout. Almost instantly I was hooked. I was having so much fun I knew I was getting a good workout from the sweat pouring off of me but the hour class flew by.

The best part about my gym for me is that they have a childcare area. My kids are old enough that I don't have to be in the area with them all the time and I can easily see them from anywhere I am working out in the gym. I highly suggest finding a place you can take your kids with you where you don't have to worry about finding a sitter or waiting until your partner gets home. Added bonus is that my kids actually enjoy it and are just as excited to go to the gym as I am.

My husband is actually an avid weightlifter and has been working out consistently for almost two years now. So after a month of just doing classes I decided to throw in some weight training twice a week. Its different from cardio but I can already tell a difference in my body. If you can I would highly suggest adding weight training into your fitness routine whether your spouse can show you the ropes or you can look into finding a trainer it will make a world of difference.

Whether you want to work out at home or in a gym the best way to start is just to jump right in, headfirst. It's not easy to throw working out into my already busy lifestyle: I have two kids, a house to clean, a full time job, etc. There will be days that you just don't feel like going: go. I have never regretted working out, but I have regretted not going.

To check out the YouTube page I mentioned in this post click here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnesswithJessica