Small Slice

Exercise.  The word gives me hives.   I have a resistance to the idea that I'm supposed to give up precious time from my already busy schedule to "work out."  In my perfect world, I would get plenty of exercise from switching loads of laundry and grocery shopping.   

I mean, think about it – one trip to Costco is the equivalent of an hour of free-weights, right?   Pushing around a giant cart filled with enough canned food to stock a bomb shelter, toilet paper for a platoon, with a flat of muffins balanced on top, all while singing cutesy songs to amuse your toddler - it's enough to get your blood pumping.   Add in a tantrum in the checkout line and the realization that your Costco card is gone since you handed your wallet to the <s>screaming beast</a> toddler in your cart, and you've got yourself an aerobic sprint through the store, too.   Laundry, well…when you are washing the comforters for the third time in a week because the flu is back in town, that right there is some serious resistance training.   Ever try to put fitted sheets on a top bunk?  I know you're feeling me on this.

Alas.  Even with all the exciting workouts I manage to squeeze in, it seems I still need to pursue some additional exercise to achieve my weight loss goals.   I've always enjoyed dancing, but finding the time to sneak away for a class is next to impossible.  I love the effects of yoga on my body and my temperament.   I'm eager to find a way to squeeze in a few poses a day, if not more.  That whole mind-body connection thing is blown to smithereens when you've got Dora the Explorer shouting in the other room.   New Age chimes and gongs just don't block that action, no matter how loud you crank 'em.

The diet plan I'm following is really a lifestyle makeover.  In the spirit of that change, I'm going to be taking a look at the building blocks of my day, and hopefully discovering places where I can increase my activity.   

I have to admit that I'm a terrible procrastinator.  Nevertheless, with a little planning, I should be able to add daily walks of two to four miles, just by taking the kids to school on foot.   I also have a nice selection of exercise DVDs and a set of weights, roller blades, a bicycle, a mini-trampoline, a weighted hula-hoop, jump ropes, one of those giant exercise balls, and a full compliment of yoga gear, all in a lovely shade of purple.   I've got no excuses.  Indeed, I'm well prepared for the challenge.  Now it's just a matter of being motivated.

The biggest challenge is having my youngest underfoot.  At three, she's eager to play along with me, but grows bored quickly and wants to ride me like a pony while I stretch.   She fights for control of the exercise ball, and considers the mini-trampoline to be hers alone.  Once, I tried jumping with her in my arms.   We bounced merrily for about thirty seconds before her skull connected with my nose.  Yeah.  That was the end of that.   She's given up naps, and I'm unlikely to find a time during the day that will be uninterrupted.  Any exercising is going to have to include the kids, at least for the next couple of years.

I think the key for me is variety on a daily basis, and finding a way to incorporate more physical activity into my everyday errands and chores.   Rather than making it a work out, I'm going to call it a play break.  I want to try to keep it fresh and fun. 

The first workout (er, play break):  I just spent twenty minutes chasing my toddler, and being chased in return.  We were both growling and lunging and squealing.  As I'm typing, she's butting me with her forehead, eager to continue the game.  "Up, mama!  Up!"  This is great!  It's like having a personal trainer...she doesn't hear excuses, and she doesn't take no for an answer.  This afternoon, I'm walking to pick up the kids, and I'm going to see how far I can get across the monkey bars at the school.  Granted, you may end up reading a news report about some fool woman who dislocated both shoulders while trying to brachiate across a play structure.  In any case, wish me luck!