Motivation

I feel like every single blogger is wearing a Fitbit these days.  Elise is, Ali is, Katie is.  Seriously, all the bloggers.

It is no great revelation that losing pregnancy weight is difficult.  Especially after a second child.  Especially when that second child was born only 19 months after the first child.  I know that I didn’t really give my body time to rebound from having Alma.

All that being said, I decided it’s time to get into better shape.  I knew that getting to a gym would be difficult and demoralizing.  I knew that I couldn’t bring myself to spend the kind of money it takes for barre 3 or pilates to be worth it.  I knew that I don’t have the intrinsic motivation to get out and run everyday.

I also knew that I like competition.  And I like extrinsic motivation.  And I like being able to stay at my house, or not venture far.

My friends Stu and Jacque had Fitbits, and they had great things to say about them.

Then I read some of the bloggers’ reviews.

And I convinced Jesse to get one for himself as well.  Now, they are $100 each, which is a lot for us to just go out and spend.  But I argued that it was way cheaper than a gym membership, or classes, and that it was a one time fee.  That did it.

We each got one.

I instantly was motivated.  It has all the aspects of a motivating tool that I need – flashing lights, email reminders, friendly competition, friendly support, easy to use.

I have really changed the way that I look at ‘down time.’  While the kids are eating or otherwise engaged, I will often march or jog around the house.  They both love watching me do laps around the dining room table.  It cracks them up.  Yesterday I had about 15 minutes between when I was done at Trader Joe’s and when Old Navy opened (my parents were watching the kids, so I had a luxurious morning of shopping alone, and working on Alma’s quilt).  In the past, I would have gone to Starbucks (and spent more money, and just sat there), or sat on a bench and looked at my phone.  Instead, I used the 15 minutes to walk to a nearby park and do a lap around their trail.  It felt good to move, and it was lovely to have some time in nearby nature alone.  I had time to look around at the wildflowers, and actually think.  I never would have done that if I didn’t having something counting my steps.

I’ve also been more motivated to get outside with the kids (and Jesse).  We’ve been doing short hikes at least once a week.  It’s so important to instill a love of nature in our kids, and we are so lucky to be surrounded by amazing nature.  It’s great to get out in it.

I talked my mom and step-dad into getting Fitbits, too.  I figure the more people who can inspire me, the better.  Today, mom and I went on a hike with the girls.  After the hike, we let Alma play at a playground while Harriet slept.  Instead of sitting on a bench, watching, mom and I walked around and around the park.

It’s pretty crazy to realize how sedentary my life was.  Sometimes it’s a struggle to get to 10,000 steps in a day.  I have to make an effort.  I always figured I was running around a lot, chasing the kids all day.  And when I’m teaching, I feel like I’m on my feet quite a bit.  I learned that is not the case.

So, motivation.  I am not up and moving so much more than I used to.  I’m not sure it will make all my post-pregnancy weight melt right off, but it sure can’t hurt!

What do you do to stay motivated?  If you have a Fitbit, let’s be friends!  If you get one, let me know!