With six days until Christmas, the excitement is palpable and I’ve been doing all I can to enjoy holiday specific fun. We’ve seen Santa, baked cookies, done Christmas crafts, seen luminaries and lights, sipped hot chocolate, kept track of the elf, decorated the tree and yesterday Hailey, Kaitlyn and I stayed in pajamas all day long. Hailey helped me wrap presents and it was incredibly refreshing to have a day of no rushing to get anywhere and enjoying just hanging out.
Yes, I’ve been staying busy with a lot of things, but one thing that hasn’t been filling my schedule? Exercise.
burn
A couple weeks ago I was consistently doing 15 minute youtube workouts a couple times a week and then? I just kind of stopped. I admitted to myself it is hard to fit it in. I recognized that I wanted more time to be with the family. I just wasn’t feeling it.
You could also just say I was full of excuses.
And while I don’t feel guilty about my hiatus, I am ready to feel inspired again. I want to feel the endorphin high and pride that comes from pushing my physical limit. I want to feel myself getting strong. It’s not about weight because, honestly, I keep dropping weight and am the lowest I’ve been in years, which is telling me all the muscle I worked for is melting away, leaving me feeling squishy.
Working out doesn’t come as naturally to me as meal planning or making healthy food. I love the option of at home workouts, but I also know I have trouble sticking to them. I love my gym, but again, it’s up to me to kick my own butt and I just am feeling like I could use a little help. I keep pulling up workouts I’ve pinned but just end up going through the motions halfheartedly. I know I’m in a funk and I believe switching things up and enlisting some help could really make a difference.
In that light, here are some things I’m considering:
A personal trainer at either my gym or a training studio like InMotion Fitness or Fitness Together. Much like when I was actively health coaching, half the battle is holding someone accountable. The idea of having to meet with a trainer, even just once or twice a week, would help me commit simply because I hate letting people down. I think the individualized plan would inspire me if I felt I was working towards my specific, personal goals. I haven’t looked into it in a long time, but last time I checked, personal trainers are quite expensive plus I’d need childcare so that plan certainly has some challenges.
Burn Bootcamp. This program is designed specifically for moms. According to my friends that have tried it, the classes are intense in a wonderful way and get results. It may be just the kind of butt-kicking I am looking for, plus they offer free childcare with membership.
Charlotte Family Yoga. I miss yoga fiercely. I love the 15 minute Yoga by Candace videos I’ve squeezed in here and there, but it leaves me yearning for the structure and support of a studio. CFY is the only studio in Charlotte that offers childcare. I really enjoyed their classes, but they are not close by and I’m not sure I can justify a 50 minute round trip with a seven month old.
Typing this out, I’m cringing a little. Why am I considering spending MORE money on something I could do for free on my own at home? I guess because if I’m honest with myself, I need a little help getting back into the swing of things with my personal fitness. The proof is in the pudding and I’m just not doing it. If someone was struggling with healthy eating, I’d encourage them to find a health coach to help them navigate their way into a system that worked for them, so why shouldn’t I do the same with fitness? Hopefully a little spark to reignite my fitness flame will be all it takes to get me excited again.
So, here I am, lumped into the January joiners who are all looking for a fresh start in the new year! C’mon 2015
How do you handle fitness funks?
Any advice or programs I should look into?
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
The burn bootcamp sounds awesome! A great workout, chance to meet people, and a time to let the kiddos make new friends.
Kris says
Pure barre! It’s the only workout I’ve stuck with consistently for months now. It’s like having a personal trainer because they give you a lot of individualized attention, but it’s much more cost effective. They don’t offer child care, but my studio has lots of early morning classes so it’s easy to go before my husband leaves for work.
I’m impressed that you’ve stuck with working out on your own for so long. that takes tremendous will power!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I’d love to do Pure Barre! Though it’s pricey, I loved the class I took a long time ago. Unfortunately without childcare I can’t make it work since David often leaves the house by 6am. But one day I’ll have to figure out how to make it work- love that burn!
Liz says
I joined dailyburn.com and really love it. I am a group fitness junkie and they have sooooo many awesome classes that you access from your computer, tv or tablet. All different lengths and skill levels. I think it’s $10/month.
Sherry says
Starting with personal trainer on December 29th—getting a head start of all those starting in January 🙂
Angel says
I have no advice to offer, but am in a similar situation. I have a 6 month old and really struggle to workout on my own. There is a great gym with bodypump classes (which I love) less than 2 minutes from my house, and they have childcare, but I’m afraid of leaving her there while she’s so young and during cold and flu season. Good luck finding what works for you and your family!
Brittany Dixon says
I was worried about childcare during cold and flu season when H was 4 months old, but I went and looked around and at our gym, babies are kept in their own room, so they weren’t around the germy older kids. I felt a lot better once I saw how they ran things. But I understand wanting to keep a baby healthy too 😉
Joni says
My daughter is 15 months and I’ve struggled too – I use to teach fitness before and now I just have no motivation with working full time to set aside all this time, and get sweaty, and lose sleep/time with her/time with my husband. However, I got pretty into walking, and then I discovered a book called Move Your DNA. It’s not an exercise plan, or telling you to exercise more – it’s telling you to move more, and that we as humans aren’t really designed to ‘exercise’ but instead move all throughout our day. I’m diving more into now but it all makes perfectly logical sense to me and makes me realize it’s ok if we don’t have that drive to exercise – we’re not really programmed that way! I have, however, started walking a ton more, squatting or sitting on the floor when I play with my daughter, standing up more and taking walking breaks at work, etc. I’m going to try incorporate some yoga in too! Anyways just thought I’d mention that book, it was a total eye opener for me in the same way as when I realized whole, unprocessed food was healthier than diet/low fat/etc food. I haven’t seen anyone in the ‘blogosphere’ talk about this yet so thought I’d share 😉 You look fantastic though and have a beautiful family! You are doing all the things that count!
Katie says
This makes so much sense, thanks for sharing!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, I’d really love to look into that! It sounds like something I really believe in because though I haven’t been formally exercising for a while, I’m so active! I’m up and down stairs all day, carrying kids, cooking, playing and feel pretty great about it. I do miss a good hard workout occasionally though. I’ll look into that book- thank you for sharing!
Kaitlyn @ Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
I hear ya. Fitness has always been a struggle for me. I’ve decided (yep, through me into the January Joiner group) to start off the year with the Whole30 – I really need a whole diet (and mentality) reset on how I look at food, cut out the sugar, etc. And give running another shot for the 500th time. I am also planning to pick Pure Barre back up because it’s the only form of exercise I truly enjoy!! I haven’t been in over 3 weeks and I know the first class back is going to be SO hard! I only stopped because my membership ran up and I am home on Christmas break, were the closest studio is over an hour away.
The bootcamp sounds like a great option to me!
Brittany Dixon says
I think a ‘health reset’ like you are describing can be a fun way to shake things up. David and I are playing around with the idea of a mini-reset ourselves, like maybe 2 weeks of the Whole30 (which I guess wouldn’t really be the Whole30 since we wouldn’t do it for 30 day, but a fun challenge nonetheless!)
Halsy says
I personally would choose the personal trainer at least for 8-10 sessions just to get you back in the habit and accountable. I’m in the same boat( I had my second daughter the same week you did!). I just didn’t get back in the habit of regular exercise. I did use the excuse for a traumatic birth that took 4 months to even feel like I could do more than walk. But once I felt better, I still didn’t make the effort. My sweet husband got me personal training sessions for my birthday. It took me a couple months to cash them in. Like you I kept dropping weight and weigh much lower than I did when I got
Halsy says
Pregnant with my first. Anyways I’ve been getting up at 5 twice per week to pump etc and be at gym by 545 am. My personal trainer kicks my butt for 30 minites and I do 15 minutes of warm up cardio before. I’m usually left sore but am already feeling so much stronger and like I will be able to continue once were done. I’ve even been getting in a third day of cardio on weekend at gym on my own. Good luck!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
That’s tough! I also hate spending money on fitness. David has a crossfit membership, but that comes out of his monthly “allowance” which is about half of what he can spend on himself. I love working out at home because I get tired of doing the same things. Having a treadmill in the house has helped during the winters. I also love Tone It Up. I think what’s helped me is knowing that right when I get home I need to put on my workout clothes and just DO IT. Make it part of my routine that I don’t let myself get out of. I can imagine having two kids would make that very difficult! Maybe try waking up 20 minutes before them or doing it after they go to sleep? Good luck!
Sam@ PancakeWarriors says
love the honesty here. I’m sure you know this but I believe burn bootcamp has living social or groupin deals going. It might be worth youryine to go for a month just to establish that routine. Best of luck in 2015!!
Brittany Dixon says
I need to look for the groupon! I didn’t know it was still out. Thanks 🙂
Elizabeth Evans says
I haven’t made the time to workout lately either. I’m full of excuses. It’s pathetic. When I work out I feel so much better about everything! Getting back into a regular exercise routine is probably my #1 goal right now!
My honest opinion: you should replace something on your to-do list with exercise and pencil it on your schedule. You seem to meet a lot of your goals, so if you make this a priority, you’ll do it!
christine says
My problem is I work from 8:30-6 +/- I need to be dressed and ready to go by 7 AM, My son goes down at 7:30 PM and I can’t workout over lunch. I’m not sure besides the 5AM gym visit (which I’m just too tired to do) when else I can workout. That 1.5 hours a night with my son is more important to me than exercise. I do a couple of workouts on the weekend but that is it. I basically need more hours in the day, or suck it up and workout at 5 AM.
Holly says
I am in a similar situation – I’ve been forcing myself to workout in the evenings at 8:30 pm even though I’m beyond tired. I manage 2x per week. I put my workout clothes on immediately when I get home and i buy lunch the following day (1 less thing to worry about in the evening) On those days I don’t do a video at home I make extra effort to be ‘active’ at work: taking stairs to diff floor for restroom, walking outside for 10 mins at lunch, etc. It helps – good luck trying to fit it in!
Andrea says
As silly as it may sound…I find a lot motivation in Instagram Yoga Challenges. Its a diferent pose every day and you get all the support of the IG yoga community. Perhaps something to look into.
My favorite yoga studio is 50 minutes round trip. Granted I’m not taking a munchkin with me, but if you can run an errand or two on the way home it might help justify the trip.
Mary says
Do you have a friend who would also like to start regularly going to the gym? You could plan to meet there and have each other to hold you accountable. Plus, the time on machines passes quicker – at least for me – if I have someone to chat with.
Or maybe you could do a childcare swap with another mom/moms so you could duck out for a run/walk/yoga or fitness class without having to take the kids or pay a regular sitter?
Brittany Dixon says
Love the idea of a childcare swap and suppose I could do it once a week, but so many of my mom friends are so busy! It would totally be worth looking into though because sitters can add up quickly. Thanks!
Kelly says
Now that my second is 8months I also decided its time to get going! I just signed up at pure barre and absolutely love it!
char eats greens says
I get in funks too. Or, I find I’ll choose running over strength training, which is wrong for a lot of reasons. Since moving, I definitely want to get involved in a class of some sort. I saw that Pure Barre has a Living Social deal on right now, so I might do that just to get out and workout, but also get in some “ME TIME” which I so badly need. Nia’s become a really clinger to me, which isn’t healthy for either of us!
Jess says
I love bootcamps! I, too, have trouble sticking to something unless someone is expecting me to show up. My bootcamp isn’t a ‘drop-in’ type environment like some are (cause then I wouldn’t go), I’m signed up for 2 specific days at specific times. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had ‘no time’ to go to bootcamp, but I go anyways because I’ve already paid for it. I also prefer a group atmosphere to one-on-one like personal trainers, I find I push myself more (I guess I’m a tad competitive!). It’s also nice to meet other moms (I’m at the 8pm class – aka the class all the moms go to after their littles are in bed). Lastly, I persuaded two friends to join. I know your husband works more irregular hours so this may not work for you, but thought I’d throw in my two cents!
Brittany Dixon says
Competition works for me too 😉 Or maybe I just get caught up in the group excitement, but I love that kind of atmosphere too!
Julie says
I need the gym setting. I have a terrible time motivating myself to do a video at home. I think partly because I just don’t enjoy it as much. I think the key is to find something you love. I love Body Pump & Body Flow & look forward to them so much! That’s an hour for myself. I’m totally ok w/ spending the $$ for the gym membership because I think it’s a great investment for your health & mental well-being. I make exercise a priority (partly because I love it so much & love the way it makes me feel) so I rarely find myself making excuses NOT to do it. I make an effort to schedule everything else around my class if need be. Good luck! Maybe try some HIIT routines – they are very short, but very effective!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Fitness is always the easier part of the puzzle for me and the eating is harder. I think a trainer would be a great idea but you have to do things outside of the session, too. The bootcamp might be a better option because you might be better able to schedule three classes a week and find motivation from the social aspect.
Katie says
Katie Levans (who I think lives in your town? (I try not to get too stalkerish)). is posting 25 days of yoga schedules. Here’s the link for week 3, but you can go through her earlier december posts for weeks 1 and 2. http://honeystuck.com/2014/12/14/25-days-of-yoga-week-3-schedule/
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, she is in Charlotte too! 🙂 I’ll check this out- I do love yoga and would love to find a way to incorporate it more into my life. Thanks Katie!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I’ve found friendship (or the buddy system) is the best motivator for me. After I had my first child, I met up with some of my friends to walk around various parks near our homes and we eventually progressed to other kinds of workouts, all free. I might sign up for a gym with baby #2 so that I can use the baby sitting services, but I have to admit I am not good about going to the gym regularly.
Dixie says
Sounds like you may do well if you had someone to exercise with. Is there a Stroller Strides where you are? The local one here is way more than just pushing baby in a stroller. It combines running/walking with strength moves like push-ups, burpees, dips, etc. it is a real workout in a fun, social environment where kids are welcome taking hassle out of finding childcare.
Brittany Dixon says
There is a stroller strides not far from me! I’ve been nervous about the idea though because K does not like to be stuck in one place (like a carseat or stroller), but maybe if they incorporate the baby like you say, it could work! Thanks!
Michelle says
This may not be what you were hoping to hear, but I think it’s totally normal to feel especially unmotivated this time of year. I was chatting with my friend (an amazing yoga instructor with her own fitness website I highly recommend – http://www.elisejoanfitness.com) yesterday about how unmotivated I’ve felt lately, and was surprised to hear that she was, too! Her theory is that this is the time of year mammals hibernate! 😉 Definitely makes sense to me!
If you want to do in person classes, I think barre or pilates are great options (if you can figure out the childcare part). Good luck and keep us posted!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh heck yeah, I’m all about that hibernation right now! :)At least I know I’m not alone 😉 Thanks!
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
Sometimes paying for a service forces you to go and then when you get into the habit of going, it becomes easier to do at home, right? So I’ve heard anyway. I’m not one to give workout advice. I do admire your honesty about not going lately. Tis the season to enjoy hot chocolate and hugs.
C.
Rachel says
I just want to say that you should not feel guilty spending money on a gym/personal trainer/yoga classes because you can do them for free at home. Motivating yourself to work out at home is HARD. Half the fun of working out, (for me,) is to change up the scenery, change up the workouts here and there, and get up and GO somewhere. Being home there are a lot of distractions, not to mention that doing workout DVD’s kinda feels like watching the same TV show over and over again. I’m not in any way bashing at home workouts, they definitely work for a lot of people and are a great option. I’m just saying, don’t feel bad if they aren’t working for YOU. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Amen!! This is so true. The change in atmosphere/energy is half the fun. Thanks for the reminder that it’s not selfish 🙂
Lisa says
Have you tried or thought about Stroller Strides? You can take the girls, and I’ve been watching some of their workouts lately – they are tough! Also, while personal trainers can be pricey, I know a lot of them who work independently (think church gyms, etc.) and can offer great discounts if you are willing to go with a buddy or two, or if you are willing to commit and pay for a certain number (5 or 10) of sessions up front.
Hope you find an answer soon. For me, the easiest answer is to sign up for an event. I’m not great about accountability if I am not training for something!
Kelly says
Awww, I’m so happy we have a name ‘January Joiners’ I love it! I can’t wait to rejoin the gym!
Matt says
Endorphins are the only thing that get me through the day! I get very cranky when I can’t run.
Carlee says
I recently started some of the beach body programs: first 21 day fix and now the new insanity max 30. I’m loving it. I’ve joined challenge groups through Facebook that are tied to the program ( as well as clean eating). It was exactly what I needed to jump start my fitness. I’ve been waking up super early to get the workout in, but then I always get it in. Let me know if you have any questions. You’ll figure something out that works for you.
Holly says
I’m doing a beach body challenge in Jan – my first! I’m hopeful the Facebook accountability will motivate me to workout more frequently than I am currently. Still deciding between 21 day fix and piyo….
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve heard people love those programs! I think I need a switch from anything centered at home, but once I get my groove back, maybe I’ll look into them. Thanks!
Carlee says
I really liked the nutrition program that came with 21 day fix, but you can actually buy the containers separately. I’ve heard great things about Piyo and I think I will try that next. So not very helpful in making a decision, but at least you know they are both good!
Christina says
I think it’s really normal to struggle with motivation and desire to exercise when you have small kids. We all have a lot going on in our lives, and it’s hard to do it all. OF COURSE we all logically know that exercising will make us feel better, give us more energy, make us better moms and spouses, etc etc — but when it comes right down to it, being a mom can be exhausting and sometimes working out is the easiest thing to drop in the beautiful chaos of daily life.
I feel like I’m finally turning a corner (and my daughter is almost 3, so it took awhile!!) — what worked for me was finally becoming a morning exerciser! I started attending a 6am Pure Barre class 2-3 mornings a week. I’m home by 7:10am and showered and ready for work by 7:45am. My husband has been really supportive in taking over all parenting duties on the mornings I exercise. I also have a couple of new Pure Barre friends, and it helps to know they are expecting to see me in class. Not sure if early morning classes are available to you (or if they work with your husband’s schedule) but maybe worth a shot!
Holly says
I can totally relate! I love the at-home exercise videos (popsugar fitness and fitness blender are my favorite), but I feel like I need more. We have a new Barre 3 studio in Columbia and they offer childcare. I signed up for a class pack to add some varity to my routine!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
Oh I feel you… I haven’t worked out in weeks… I love Paige’s programs. Have you ever checked her out? Yourtrainerpaige.com She really is awesome!
Stephanie says
Hey Brittany! I totally get the fitness funk.
My friend Kathryn and I started a boot camp last January 6th and we start again this coming January 6th! It’s in South Charlotte (too far for you), but for those readers who are interested and in the area, check out http://www.four-fit.com
We are also hosting a Clean Eating Challenge for 40 days beginning in January!
Check it out!
JoAnn says
Have you heard of or considered Fit Avenue? It would be very close to you as they are now off Rolling Hills (the road that runs between Brawley and Hwy 150 by Chick-Fil-A). They have many options of doing a small group training (very affordable in terms of personal training), a monthly membership or a punch card. They have childcare. I know Molly and her team well and love them all. The classes vary from bootcamp style classes to club cardio (dance and weights) and barre. I highly recommend them.
http://www.fitavenue.net/Class_Schedule_Calendar___E.html
Headed there this morning 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I haven’t heard of this! I’m going to look into it. Thank you!
Camille says
I second Stroller Strides! The workouts are challenging, you get to meet moms going through similar stages as you and you get the benefit of having an instructor tell you what to do! The babies all cry or pitch a fit at one point or another but the teachers help out and you have the freedom to stop and take care of your baby if you need to. And some areas now offer Stroller Barre, which incorporates a lot of Pure Barre exercises – it’s awesome!