.jpg)
Need some more motivation? Try buying some fun workout clothes and shoes. Wearing old, crummy clothes to the gym can make you feel drab…try a new outfit in a bright color and see if that doesn’t motivate you just a bit…I like this…
I love these shorts from Athleta! Athleta is great about letting you make returns (even after you’ve exercised in their clothes!). Plus, these shorts come in some great colors and always wash and wear well.
If you’re looking for a yoga pant, I love these by Old Navy. I wear them on airplanes sometimes too. They’re really comfy!
I also love this top by Athleta too! Not only does it come in great, bright, happy colors…but it’s not clingy to your body, so you can workout without feeling like you’re showing off too much of yourself.
This tank comes from Gap, and I have it in two colors. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor exercise.
And a new pair of shoes really does make a huge difference when working out. I love me a Nike. Whether you’re taking a group class or working out on your own (or just going for a walk around your neighborhood), a new pair of shoes does motivate you to get out and get going.
So…in a nutshell..
I have done it all. I’ve done the gym, I’ve worked out at home with just a few DVDs and some free weights, I’ve run marathons, I’ve done stroller classes and I’ve even done Zumba ;). The most important thing about creating a fitness routine for yourself is to find something you enjoy…whether it’s running, tennis, salsa dancing, cycling, swimming, yoga…whatever…just find something and do it. And when you get bored and burned out, find something else and keep things fun.
I’m very grateful that my parents made fitness a part of their lives because it’s always come so natural to me to make it a part of mine. I just want to be active most days…even if that’s just walking the block. I want my kids to be active, which right now is riding bikes and going for a swim. Just add a little activity into your daily life.
One last note about working out while pregnant…
I worked out during both of my pregnancies. Obviously, check with your doctor, but for me, it was nice to get out, stretch my legs and do something good for myself. With Kensington, I did a lot of swimming and prenatal yoga and with Smith, I did Baby Boot Camp. Just get out and be active!
Alright…hold on tight…next week, we’re going to move from Fitness to finding a swimsuit. Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Swimsuit Shopping. It’s almost summer ladies!
(don’t be scared!)
And PS: Today, I’m featured on Hi Sugarplum’s blog…click here to see me play 20 Questions.
For the Stella and Dot giveaway, click here.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
If I wrote a post on fitness, it would go something like this: When your clothes starts to not fit anymore, put down the queso and get on the exercise bike.
And that work-out gear is TOO CUTE!
Paula says
Lol. …u r so funny. I need a Sheaffee friend. We neef a 50 Shades on how you two met.
Kelly Jo says
I love yoga! I need to try to find a stroller group -what a great idea!
Aubs says
Great post!! Love it! Weight is something i've struggled with ever since my 2nd pregnancy, and now that i'm losing it and getting fit, i'm really learning that i enjoy fitness and staying active! Thanks for sharing!!
Anonymous says
On the yoga clothes thing….you should try lululemon. They are amazing, fantastic and will put your old navy yoga pants to shame. Their tops, sports bras and pants are the most wonderful yoga clothes anywhere. Yes, they are pricey, but for very good reason and so worth it.
Tracy Boyle says
Great info Shay! As a woman who has not made time for fitness in my life, I'm starting late. I recently started walking with the motivation coming from my FitBit device. I loved challenging myself to walk further each day and I realized, "Hey! I'm feeling better too!" 25 lbs less doesn't hurt either! I want to try Yoga DVDs, so I think I'll incorporate that into my routine as well to keep this old body stretching. Thank you for the info!
Alice says
I tried pilates and yoga a few times and could never get in to those classes. BUT unlike you, I love love love Zumba! The instructor for Zumba at the gym I went to was absolutely amazing. Right before I had my 3rd baby, who is now 3, I was doing zumba, pump, step, and cardio/lifting 4-5 times a week. And now I barely do anything. I am just starting to pick up running and doing like a cross-fit WOD and that is making me feel better too. I exercised with my last baby until I was 34 weeks pregnant and my doctor made me stop doing anything besides lifting because my sciatica nerve was jacked up 🙁 but Colton ended up being 9 lbs 9 oz and I'm sure that's why my back was so messed up. LOL! Thanks for sharing your tips.
aprilparrish says
I've always been hesitant about joining a gym—I don't know why??? Guess I am worried I won't go and the $$$ will be wasted and I'll feel bad. Might not be a bad idea to try! I am a treadmill and elliptical kind of girl!! I also love dance since I am a dance teacher/choreographer!! I agree 100% to check out the teachers and be sure they are fit….very good indicator if the class will benefit you or not!!! That's why I don't understand how Abby Miller from Dance Moms has such a successful business??? She's a little on the heavy side!!! Ok, I'm rambling, have a great day!!!
Oh, and I'm scared—can't believe it's that time again***BATHING SUITS!!! 🙂
Jennifer Cannon says
Thanks for getting me up.and out of bed and to.the gym! Getting there is the hardest part! Good for you hot mama!
Anonymous says
Great post, but I'm going to politely disagree with #1. I've been taking group classes at a major gym for years and instructors come in all shapes and sizes. Some people are motivated by super fit ones, but I personally am not. I like the ones that represent the "regular" person /body type because it shows they are on the journey too. And you'd best believe they deliver a CRAZY workout. And it's also admirable to notice that they didn't let their size stop them from becoming an instructor.
Nicole Lee says
Super excited about next week!!!!
kristinwithani says
Shay, I feel like I always comment the same thing on your blog, we like and follow your blog because you are NORMAL!
This is so balanced and normal. You aren't hard core anything. Balanced and real and honest.
I hate Zumba too and feel like I have to whisper it.
My fave classes are the circuit or boot camp style. They fly by and I feel like I've gotten a real work out by the end.
It may be time to return to yoga…. injuries have slowed me down since May 2012 and I so miss running. My over 40 body isn't bouncing back as quickly as I wish but I could do yoga again. We'll see….
Ginny says
This is the best series ever. Questions we all want your solutions to :). Thanks for your fitness info! The gym has always intimidated me, and now I am doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (which I mentioned here http://moderncommonplacebook.com/2013/03/19/my-new-favorit…ings-currently/) and I love it. Have you tried the Shred? I am definitely going to try Power Yoga next. Thanks!
Ginny
http://www.moderncommonplacebook.com
Suzanne @ Mixing It Up says
I am a mom who loves her workouts!!! I too have done it all….gym, running outdoors, group exercise, Zumba and now I do most of my workouts at home.
I workout at home mostly because it is convenient and because it saves me a monthly payment from the gym! I have accumulated a good amount of equipment over the years and I like that I can do it whenever I want, regardless of weather or time of day. Of course, I do have kiddos that like to get in my way from time to time :-).
Autumn says
Thank you for sharing! The Baby Bootcamp and Stroller Strides programs sound great! We don't have anything like that in my area, but I could see getting a group of friends together to do something! I do want to say, don't judge an instructor by their body… you don't know their situation. Maybe she just had a baby? Maybe he or she gained weight while recovering from an injury? There are lots of different reasons an instructor may not look "fit", but that doesn't mean they aren't a great instructor! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
My philosophy on life is that whatever you do for a living, should be reflected through you. It would be hypocritical of me to be a travel agent but not travel…how would I know how to send you on a trip and not waste your money? It would be hypocritical of my mom (an interior designer) to have a house that wasn't put together.
I need to be motivated by my instructor. I didn't say she had to be "thin" but she needs to have the body type I'm looking for. I'm not going to go to a weight training class with a teacher without any muscle. I'm not going to go to a running class with a teacher that can't run a mile. Paying attention to the teachers and their physical appearance, has not steered me wrong. My time and money are precious…I can't afford to waste either in a class that won't produce results.
Try it…find a class with a teacher that's in excellent shape…and I guarantee you'll see results!
Becky says
Hi Shay! Great post today! Your info inspired me to look up a stroller strides in my area. I also have kids that are close in age (understatement) 🙂 I have a 14 month old and a 6 week old. Did you take both kids to the class? The photos I saw on their site seemed to only show single strollers. TIA
Christine says
I too am going to have to politely disagree with #1 to some extent. Hate to sound all cliche, but don't judge a book by a cover. (Tierra was beautiful, but cookoo once you got to know her.) I see where you are going with that, but agree with another commenter that a quality instructor can come in all shapes and sizes and another commenter who mentioned that you may not know their situation.
I happen to be a Jazzercise instructor. I've always struggled with my weight and I will never have a body that looks like yours (it just won't, it's just not my body type), but I can be fabulously fit and curvy. When I first certified as an instructor I weighed quite a bit less than I do now. I even completed a half marathon before having my first and another one again after my first and before my second. Currently I'm battling off my baby weight. Since the beginning of the year, I've lost a little over 20 lbs but I still have a long way to go (2 pregnancies with bedrest in under 2 yrs will do a number on your bod). If you saw me, you may choose to leave my class and you would be missing out on a great workout. Trust me, I'm kicking booty as hard as possible as much for myself as those in my class. I'm up there offering tips for dialing it up a notch and tips for keeping it low impact but high intensity, so that I can reach all fitness levels. I hope that I inspire my students as I talk about my journey with them AND, I get fabulous encouragement from all the wonderful women I work out with. Feel free to come join me for a class sometime – I teach at the Plano Center at 75 and Parker Rd. It's a Premier Jazzercise Center with about 60 classes a week and babysitting is offered at many of the class times. I teach Tuesday at 9:35am, Wednesday at noon, and Thursday at 5:30pm. Or hit up any other person's class – we all have very different body types and personalities.
Oh, and my two cents on Zumba: it can be great, but your experience can vary widely from instructor to instructor. In my two times to try it, I had one instructor that was awful, I barely broke a sweat, and I had one that was good. There is little standardization and little quality control with that program. Plus, I did miss the strength training aspect as well.
Otherwise, love your post. I had never thought about the shower at the gym thing, since our rec center is only 2 miles from my house, but that is a fabulous idea. 🙂
Happy Sweating!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Take both kids in a double stroller! Some kids are as old as 5 or 6!
Paula says
I am in a situation where the gym is just not possible. But, I do love a good tape. Jillian has always worked well. I have insanity, though not tried it. I have always been intrigued by yoga. You really think it is a good workout or compliment to what you are already doung? In addition to cardio and weights.
Health_Adventure says
Thanks for your tips 🙂
Melanie Lien says
Thanks for this post!! I appreciate it! Those are a lot of great idea! Have you ever tried Pure Barre? I saw where you have dancing in your past. I have only been going for 2 weeks and my body has changed like crazy (and I would say I am athletic/healthy before). If you ever get to feeling crazy, you should go try a class!
Sarah says
I joined Stroller Strides when my son was 7 weeks old. I love that class and the moms! My husband would always know when I couldn't get to class cause I was just grouchy and not in a good mood. When I had my daughter I kept going, and did the double bob thing, so Becky take both kids! And I second Paula's comment. I just told Sheaffer that you guys need a post on how you met!
Kristin's Chronicles says
Love this post! I just had a baby in January and a stroller workout seems so doable!! Thanks for the suggestions!!
Melanie says
Thank you I needed that encouragement. My daughter is 15 months old and I've only worked out at home 5x since she was born. Neither of my parent's make this a part of their daily lives and your right its not as easy to incorperate it as an adult. Thank you.
Jennifer Bell says
Great post! Thanks for the links — I checked them all out. I'm a decade older than you but believe I can still work hard for the body I want 🙂 Believe it or not, this was an extremely inspiring post. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
Samantha says
Running my first half marathon in about a month! I was very active in hot yoga (practicing about 4-6 times a week) and then decided to start running. I've been following a training program for 6 weeks- 4 more to go after this week! I continue to practice yoga along with my running as I know it's beneficial. Any tips from an experienced runner to a novice?
Anonymous says
I know you wrote this awhile ago, but I'm hoping you read this still and reply 😉 which days do you normally work out? All at the gym, or at home too? I am needing some inspiration in revamping my fitness routine and finding how to make it work with my little ones! Please, please reply! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I work out at the gym on MWF and then either run or do yoga on Thursdays at home. Some weeks, I only get to the gym once or twice and I don't beat myself up about it. This season in life (with small kids) is tricky…so I try and stay flexible with my fitness routine.
Anonymous says
Thank you so much!