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!