here's the skinny...

 

Step 2 - Get active!  Once you committ to get fit, you have to committ to get active.  I don't belong to a gym and don't have a personal trainer.  I don't have any fancy equipment at home, either.  In the past, this would have been an excuse not to exercise.  But, not anymore.  I've never been athletic, so where was i going to begin?  I decided it would all start with walking.  Totally basic, no skill, equipment or coordination required.  Sweet!  One and a half months later, here's what i recommend:

 

• Invest in a really good pair of walking shoes.  At first i couldn't go even 1/4 of the distance that i'm going now without serious pain in my shins and feet.  In fact, i think i even had a bit of plantars fasciitis.  So, i figured if i'm going to be really serious about this, i needed to go get some really good shoes.  I went to an actual running store and got properly fitted by professionals who watched me walk, measured my feet and took the time to make sure the shoes i purchased were going to really work well for me.  They were a lot more pricey than any other shoe i've purchased, but in the long run, they've been worth every penny.  No more foot pain...no more shin pain.  i ♥ them.  Now, I usually go for a 2-3 mile walk every evening with Mark and the kids.  Sometimes, i will walk earlier in the day, too.

 

• Get a pedometer.  I bought mine at Target for $10.  Quite simply, it keeps track of my miles and steps per day.  Experts say everyone should aim for 10,000 steps per day.  I try to challenge myself to hit 15,000 per day.  It's a little game i play with myself.  I put it on my waistband first thing in the morning when i get out of bed and don't take it off until i get back into bed at night.  When i hit my target, it's a huge sense of accomplishment. 

 
{via Pinterest here}

• The internet is a huge source of fitness information. So many free videos, instructions and knowledge!  I know what areas of my body i want to work on most.  So, all i have to do is google "easy inner thigh workouts" or "how to get killer abs" and i find tons of videos, tutorials, etc... that i can use to create my own personal workout!
• My cable provider offers an Exercise on Demand channel.  Check with yours, you might be surprised.  I've been able to try zumba, yoga, and kickboxing on this channel.  Very cool and very thankful that i can embarass myself in the comfort and privacy of my own family room!!! Ha Ha!  Denise Austin is my favorite instructor...she's so encouraging and upbeat...

 

• Mix it up.  Now that the weather is nice, I try to start my every day with a bike ride to my church for morning Mass.  {having a purpose for my bike ride, helps motivate me to actually do it!} When i get home i like to do some crunches and then work on target areas of my body.  I like to switch up what i do so i don't get bored.  When i find a good exercise, i will teach mark and the kids how to do it at night after our walk.  Nobody wants to keep doing the same stuff over and over again.  Boring!  I have found some great exercise ideas on pinterest.  Like this one for upper arms using water bottles for weights. It's one of my favorites: 
• You're losing inches, not just pounds.  Not only should you be weighing in (how often is up to you), but also measure yourself!  Sometimes you can hit a plateau on the scale, but still you are sculpting your body.  Losing inches can be even more exciting than pounds!  I actually took "before" pictures of myself.  Some day, i want to be able to see how far i've come!

 
The most important thing is to just get out there and get moving!  We can do this!  If you've got any great exercise/work out tips that you want to share, i'd love to hear them! 

Keep up the great work!

Comments

[Susan B]

You are wonderful, creative and ever so inspiring!! Thanks!!!!!

[Carolyn@SweetChaos]

If you want to ride your bike over here after Mass, you can go upstairs and use our weights. We don't have anything too fancy, but we do have this awesome thing that works the legs and butt, and feels terrific for your back. You can also jam out to Aerosmith. Rock on, sister :)

[Nicole]

These tips are fantastic, Lori!! I'm definitely going to find myself a pedometer & challenge myself to 15,000 steps each day!