Hi, I’m Jen. I’m a mom who works out. It’s sometimes trying, often-times complicated, and every so often, I almost feel like I have it all figured out. So obviously, you want to read my fitness tips, right?
Seriously, though. I literally make this shit up on a day to day basis. I wish I was in the season of life where I could come up with a more strategic plan (ex. On Wednesdays, I wear pink workout clothes and do bicep curls to the tune of Katy Perry songs.) But I’m toddler-momming. I try to get some sort of activity 5-6 days a week, and I pull it out of my ass.
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I usually go to the gym (barring a polar vortex) where there is a day care. Can I get a hallelujah for the angel babies that watch my maniacs so I can exercise? What I do kind of depends on the day, and my mood, and how much time I have before we need to go somewhere else… It’s a bit sloppy, to be completely honest, but I have been seeing some results so I thought I would share a few fitness tips.
Why fitness matters
Fitness is really important for a lot of reasons. It can benefit you physically, emotionally, and socially.
Physical benefits
- Good for heart health
- Helps with weight management
- Helps with muscle mass
- Can aid bone density
- Builds endurance
- Helps you sleep better
Emotional benefits
- Improves confidence
- Releases dopamine and other “happy chemicals”
- Gives you a goal to work toward
- Helps you work out of your comfort zone
Social benefits
- If you go to the gym, you have the chance to interact with other people
- You can lean on friends for accountability and strengthen friendships
Fitness tips for beginners
Don’t work against your personality
If you are absolutely not a morning person, don’t try to go in the morning. You will probably not get your best work done. Unless you’re a magical unicorn who can somehow reverse years of personality development, don’t even try. I am a morning/early afternoon gal, so that is when I prefer to get my workout in. After like 3pm? Nope. This old girl is ready to wind the hell down.
Set a goal
I wrote a blog post about SMART goals, and I think they are really important. Don’t say, “I want to be healthier.” Doy. Does anybody actually want to be UNhealthier? Come up with a goal that is more specific and has a deadline. “I want to be able to run a 5k without stopping to walk by April 1.” These types of goals are proven to be more effective.
Learn your body’s metrics
Percentage of body fat, skeletal muscle mass, water percentage… This stuff is interesting as hell. Maybe you have a goal for weight, and that’s okay, but keep these factors in mind too. It’s not all about the number on the scale.
Explore the equipment
Take some time to figure out what you love doing. Hate running? Don’t do it! There are plenty of other ways to get in shape. Try one of the free classes at your gym if you aren’t sure where to start. I have developed a love for weight training!
Take some supplements
I personally take organic sulfur/wolfberry capsules and an amino acid powder during my workout, and drink a protein shake after each workout. (Along with other various supplements during the day not related to fitness.) Google the benefits of organic sulfur and wolfberries! For realsies. The amino acid powder helps with muscle fatigue and recovery. The protein is good for someone like me who is trying to pack on muscle.
Join a challenge
I joined a 9 week challenge at our local nutrition shop, and it has been a great source of accountability and information. They have given me recommendations on how many calories to eat a day to meet my specific goal (building muscle mass) based on my weight and height. They told me how many grams of protein and carbs and fat I should shoot for each day. It has been really useful in my quest to learn how to better fuel my body. (ex. I am slowly learning my body f-ing hates dairy.) Best of all, it is a free challenge and they give away prizes. #jennylovesfreestuff
I believe in you
Those are just some tips, and I’m sure a personal trainer or nutrition expert could chime in with more ideas. I’m seriously just a mom trying to get in shape, and get more energy, and keep my sanity in the post-apocalyptic world known as two kids 3 and under.
You can do this. I believe in you.
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Related posts: How to Start Over With Fitness, How Physical and Mental Health Are Related, What Self Care Really Is, A Great Goal Setting Guide, Why Positive Affirmations Work
Awesome fitness tips! I agree, being fit doesn’t just benefit you physically but also mentally and emotionally. Now I need to work out more 😀
I do too! I need to use my own advice lately. Thanks for reading!
I love exercising. It does not have to be intense; I enjoy a healthy challenge that leaves me pushing myself just a little bit without feeling overwhelmed and depressed. The thing about exercise is, as you move forward, you can keep doing more and more. 🙂
Also, it helps me sleep better and feel better about myself.
Definitely, the self confidence boost is priceless! Thanks for reading.
These are such great tips for beginners. I definitely agree with all of them and I recently just got back in the habit of working out more regularly and it really does make you feel so much better!
It does wonders. Good for you! Thanks for reading!
First up: Love your style writing style!
Secondly, these are really good tips! I danced semi-professionally in my late teens but after moving abroad fell out of love with all kinds of exercise. Recently I’ve discovered running again, and now can’t imagine life without it. I think it’s super important to try a lot of different sports, otherwise you might miss the one that you really really love. x
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. It’s great that you found something you love. I used to be an avid runner and would love to pick it up again.
Great tips! I’m actually starting back up with a trainer tomorrow
That’s great! I’ve been having some health issues but looking to start getting healthier again too.
Fitness is so key to so much of our physical and mental health! Great article!
It really is! Thanks for reading!
The first tip is one I never hear but is so important! We should work with what’s best for ourselves. Great post 😊
Thanks! Don’t force yourself to run if you’re not a runner! 🙂
Fabulous post! It’s all about doing the best we can on any given day isnt it? I am trying once again to shift some weight and be healthier, it’s hard to do this alongside my fluctuating mental health and my hypothyroidism. But…..if l just look.at small changes, anything is doable. Smart goals are so important. I’ve just started reading ‘Habit That,’ it’s a fantastic practical book helping you to find small sections of time to ‘health up’. This is how lm progressing with my goals. Thanks for a great read!
Oh cool! I will have to look up the book! Physical and mental health issues do make it harder, but it’s still doable. I believe in you 🙂