lack of time... or just an excuse?

sstonge · May 2011

Hello ladies,

I need some advice. Since I have had my son back in September 2009, I have not been happy with myself. I gained a woaping 65 lbs.

Last month, my FI and I decided that I was motivated enough that we would get an eliptic. The firs 2 or 3 weeks i used that thing every night or at least every other night. I was impressed with my determination. Then all of a sudden, when he went back to work, I find myself strapped for time. I get home, make supper, take care of my active 20 month old son, house work, bath time, and try to get to bed at a descend hour plus try to fit some quality time in there watching some tunes with my FI. I am finding myself over welmed. I want to lose some weight (maybe not look like what I did before I had Landon, but at least a bit) but I never find time for me.

My question, is it truely a lack of time or a lack of motivation? is anyone else in the same boat?

Suggestions are more than welcome!!!

KristinaJK · May 2011

I hear ya. I watch kids from 6am to 6pm then make dinner, then I just want to sit on the couch and relax. I have no energy or motivation to workout. We even turned one room in our house into a workout room with a full weight bench and bike. I want an eliptical though. I gaind 70lbs with my 3rd child and shes 4 now. But I was diagnosed with hypothyroid after I had her so I havent lost weight. I've just gained more. I don't even fit into my wedding dress and we are to be married in 4 months. I'm going to skip making dinner tonight and take the kids on a long walk.
Can you get on the eliptical for 30 min after he goes to bed or in the morning before you go to work?

anna.oskar · May 2011

Lack of motivation with a tight schedule.

A little of both worlds. A month ago i would have said I was too busy. That my only real down time was precious to me and that I'd be missing out on time with loved ones if I spent it working out. Not true. I've managed to find time. Sometimes i've got an hour, sometimes I've only got three, ten minute time slots between laundry folding and vacuuming, while dinner simmers, or right before bed.

i know this is a SO over used line and i have rolled my eyes at it in the past... but, If you really want to do it, you'll find the time.

Good Luck!

jennalynne2 · May 2011

Honestly, I think it could be a little bit of both (and I'm not trying to be mean or snarky here so please don't take it like that!). I don't have any kids, so I could be totally out of line here, but I think it's really how badly you want it. If you *really* want to lose the extra weight, you'll find a way to make it happen.

Have you tried putting the ellipitcal in front of the TV? Then you could spend time with FI and knock out a workout at the same time.

And maybe start slow. Like tell yourself "This week I will work out 3 days". And then you can see how that works and if you have the time to up your workout time and days.

Good luck!

probablykate · May 2011

I agree with pp that it's probably a little bit of both. When I have this problem (like right now... thanks for the reminder!) I try to work in little exercises when I have a spare few minutes (like right now I'm doing the 100 pushup challenge which only takes a few minutes every other day... not a real weight-loss strategy but at least I am doing something and building some muscles). Or I commit to quick exercise bursts, like doing the 30 Day Shred which only takes 20 minutes.

Also, remember that a huge part of weight loss is diet, not just exercise, so start thinking about what you are eating and consider counting calories. There are a number of free websites or smart phone apps that will help you do that.

Allycat11 · May 2011

I have to agree with others, tight schedules but for your health you can always find time

I work a minimum of 60 hours per week and there are days I swear there is no time, and I always manage to find it...without having the equipment at home.
Here's a few suggestions:
-While your son is napping, hop on the elliptical for a few, some good you time.
-Ask your fi to watch your son for 30 minutes when he gets home so you can get in a quick exercise.
-Have the elliptical in front of the t.v. and use it while you and FI are watching a movie or show you both enjoy.

kristinanddan · May 2011

Also keep in mind that so much of weight loss is what you're eating and how much. You could spend hours on the elliptical but if your diet isn't good it won't do anything for you.

J&K10910 · May 2011

I highly recommend paying close attention to what you're eating, and breaking up your exercise into smaller, more manageable chunks. 15 minutes on the elliptical in the morning, a brisk 10-15 minute walk at lunch time, and 15 minutes on the elliptical right after work is just as effective as 45 minutes at a time. Actually, for many people it's MORE effective because working out in shorter intervals allows them to up the intensity.

Frogger5 · May 2011

I'm new to really excersising seriously myself, and I don't have any excuses why I didn't do it before. I hope that if I stick with it long enough, I'll come to see the excersising as what I want to do with the time I have for myself instead of as part of my day that has to be sacrificed. I have lots of friends who work out regularly who actually look forward to the time! Stress relief, etc. So I hope that can happen for you and for me!

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_lack-of-time-just-excuse?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:a767dc66-4a85-42f3-9e4b-851e21ac4e67Post:be2f6cdb-d305-48e2-bbc7-24d5adcbd168">Re: lack of time... or just an excuse?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm new to really excersising seriously myself, and I don't have any excuses why I didn't do it before. I hope that if I stick with it long enough, I'll come to see the excersising as what I want to do with the time I have for myself instead of as part of my day that has to be sacrificed. I have lots of friends who work out regularly who actually look forward to the time! Stress relief, etc. So I hope that can happen for you and for me!
Posted by Frogger5[/QUOTE]

You can get there Frogger! I've just started to look forward to my incline walk. I do it for an hour while an episode of Cold Case is on. I've tricked myself into thinking I can't watch the show unless I'm walking.

amyderrah · May 2011

Exactly what PP said about diet! It's about 80% of weight loss and it will take a lot less time. Take about 5 minutes at the beginning of the day to plan your meals and use a calorie counter on-line (I read something once that said people who count cals loose about 20% more weight than people who just "diet"). It sounds like you have a very active life with your young son! How would your Fi feel about going for a walk with you and your son in the evening after dinner rather than watching an hour of tv? I've been walking to and from work with my Fi (buildings are close to each other) and it's my favorite time of the day, I get to chat with him AND exercise. Good luck!

lack of time... or just an excuse?

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