Such a stress reliever to NOT be exercising

[Anonymous]

I knew life was going to be very busy for 1.5mos so I paused my gym membership and just accepted beyond waking I was going to workout. It’s been amazing! Not trying to figure out how to fit it into my day, not trying to quickly shower and look presentable again after, not pushing myself to go when I’m tired from the kids being up all night, it’s just been such a relief to have one less thing to try to prioritize.

Usually I feel good working out! But I didn’t realize how much stress it was also creating until that stress was gone. Also I bizarrely lost 5lbs in the 4 weeks so far (and I’m not big to start with) which has me 🤔. Not sure how I’ll ever get back into it which I know overall I should because I’m over 40 and feel like I’m at the stage where if I don’t maintain fitness it’ll be gone forever

[Anonymous]

If you were constantly stressed, your cortisol levels were likely high, which prevents weight loss and can lead to weight gain. It shouldn’t be stressful.

I work out exclusively at 5 am because with three kids and a FT job it is literally the only time I can make work. But I enjoy it, and if I’m too tired, I will sleep through my alarm to go work out.

[Anonymous]

I also have the same problem - how do people fit it into their days with work and kids? I cannot wake up at 5am on a regular basis. I live with the guilt of not working out rather than the stress of trying to cram it in. There has to be a better way.

[Anonymous]

Yep, working in working out is stressful when you have a career. I don't enjoy it getting up at 5 to get to my class at 5:30 and then racing home to make sure the kids are up, dressed and fed while also trying to shower and get beautiful before arriving at the office at 8:30. I definitely find it less stressful when I skip the workout, but I enjoy the way I feel about my body when I get it in. At this point in my life, I'm doing it as much for my health as I am for looking good/weight maintenance. All of the women in my class are in their 40s and 50s and as we're doing our squats and moaning as our thighs are quivering, our instructor yells, "SHAKE NOW LADIES SO YOU DON'T SHAKE LATER!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also have the same problem - how do people fit it into their days with work and kids? I cannot wake up at 5am on a regular basis. I live with the guilt of not working out rather than the stress of trying to cram it in. There has to be a better way.

When you are at the stage of life, I don’t think you need to think about big daily blocks. Instead, look for little ways, like adding steps. Body weight stuff like squats, walking lunges, pushups. I really never believed it at the time bc I was a “go big or go home” kind of exerciser. But the reality is that I was “going home” way more than I was going big.

Now I am a firm believer that adding little bits to your life during busy seasons is the way to go.

And my kids are teens - I go to the gym in the morning. We’re all up so early on weekdays again - like the baby days.

[Anonymous]

I just do quick 10 minute classes on my phone app from home. I have a break before a work call in 10 mins? I alternate squats and shoulder presses. Have 5 minutes while my lunch is heating up? Crunches or stretching. Thank god for WFH!

[Anonymous]

If you lost five pounds and you' e stopped working out, you are losing muscle that you previously built up. It's not fat.

[Anonymous]

I always find time to get to my yoga classes. It's not an issue for me. I do occasinally like to take a week or so off whilst on vacation, but I'm always thrilled to get back to my routine upon our return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you lost five pounds and you' e stopped working out, you are losing muscle that you previously built up. It's not fat.

I don't think you lose 5lbs of muscle in 4 weeks

[Anonymous]

There are many reasons I'm not even signing up for the lovely new gym nearby. I don't even work and I know how stressful it would be to make it to gym and to work from there or to pick up the kids.
I consider pros and cons and my time when it comes to activities, and have done so my whole grow-up life. Once I got everything optimized down to the science, I found that I don't even have to work for money anymore.
For me, food makes a bigger difference in losing weight than exercising. I do have a mini gym at the building and weights next to tv. Walking the hills listening to music and badminton are both great mood boosters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you lost five pounds and you' e stopped working out, you are losing muscle that you previously built up. It's not fat.

You don't start losing muscle at this rate during a six week break. I would think it is mostly lower water retention due to a reduction in stress and maybe a little bit of fat loss.