The “F” in Fitness does not stand for FUN
Exercise has been regular part of my life for the last 10 years or so. If you know me, you know I’m a long time Billy Blanks fan. He and I go back — way back. In 2001-2002 I lost roughly 25 pounds thanks to him. Actually thanks to, Tae-bo, eating next to nothing and going through a divorce seemed to be the winning combination for me. And while being 25 pounds lighter, with my particular body (@ 5′ 3″) looks good, was not sustainable. Around 2003-2004 I found an ideal weight around 130-135. There I hovered until I got pregnant.
I recall many conversations I’ve had with friends both while I was pregnant and then postpartum and the general consensus from people, is that… the baby weight will just melt off. These were people who had children and were speaking from experience — WiTH THEIR BODIES. By the time I had Quinn, I had gain about 36 pounds, which is 1 pound over the average 25 – 35 lb weight gain. Days after I had her, I was amazed at how quickly my body began shrinking. I couldn’t believe this HUGE belly I had, was so small. I assumed all those people were right. This baby weight is going to melt away — especially with me breastfeeding. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued along my new mommy path.
True, my body shrank. But not to pre-baby size. It appears that my body has taken a liking to these last 12 pounds. Looking back in postpartum months 3 & 4 & 5, I thought the semi-strenuous walks would do the trick, but no.
So in the last month I’ve come to the realization that this body is not one of the blessed. Which honestly is no surprise. The words, WEIGHT and MELTING have never gone hand-in-hand with me. I more or less must pry the pounds off of me. In fact, I wonder if that whole, nursing helps you lose weight is some sort of myth that should be debunked by Mythbusters.
I realized I needed to step-it-up with the ol’ exercise and eating thing. Exercise is much easier for me to tackle first, as I’ve become oh-so comfy with my nightly treat. So upon the advice of a fellow mommy blogger, I checked out the video 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. And it’s official. After one workout with Jillian, I am willing to dump my 7+ year affair with Billy Blanks. So sorry Billy, but my time has become precious. Juggling this parenting stuff, working from home, keeping up with piles of dishes and laundry and a floor that seems to need mopping every other day – squeezing in an hour workout while my daughter is sleeping is not possible, at least right now. I know that our 7+ years together has seen some great times and I’m not saying it’s over. I’d like to remain friends and you know, keep the door open… Maybe one day you and I would workout in the future. (hehe)
Anyhow. The BEST thing about this video is that the workouts are 20 minutes. Which, I know, doesn’t seem like enough time to kick anyone’s ass into shape… But seriously folks, this is an amazing workout. The video has 3 workout levels, each are 20 minutes long, with the idea that you work your way up to level 3.
At some point in Level 2, Jillian says… “I want you to feel like you’re going to DIE…” And um, I’ve thought I might. This Jillian Micheals is one evil chick. But it’s good — and again, the best part is that you only have to stare at her mug for 20 minutes.
So there’s my fitness rant and with that, I’m off to another session with Jillian since Quinn is sleeping.
I love your fitness blog! I feel your pain. I got 10 more pounds to go and am wondering if i can shake it off?
Grandma from Mt sends her love..