How do I get started exercising?

[Anonymous]

I am 3 months postpartum with my second child. I have lost all the weight but feel lethargic even though I'm getting enough sleep. Quit the gym about 2 years ago, but haven't worked out regularly since then.

How do I get myself off the couch??

[Anonymous]

The weather's nice -- go for a walk with the baby. When you notice how much better you feel after working up a little tiny sweat, it will be much easier to plunge in.

You may find it easier to put together a home gym (check craigslist for equipment) until the baby is older.

[Anonymous]

Sign up for a class.

[Anonymous]

Schedule it in everyday and just do it, no excuses.

[Anonymous]

Schedule it, although with a 3 month old, the schedule may vary with the child's schedule. I think walking with a stroller is a great way to start. Especially with the nice weather. I found if I did it the same time each day, my son even got used to it and would get fussy fi we didnt' go - great motiviation.

Then maybe add some light toning (light hand weights, excecise bands) When my son was that young, I found anything beyond that was too much for my overly tired body. And holding him was a great arm workout on its own.


I think the most important thing is starting - anything. Once your body gets moving, you will feel more like moving. And remember to stretch!

[Anonymous]

I was a big fan of Stroller Strides when my kids were babies.

[Anonymous]

DH here: drop on the floor, right now, and give me 10 pushups. There, you have now started exercising. Godspeed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH here: drop on the floor, right now, and give me 10 pushups. There, you have now started exercising. Godspeed.

Seriously, I have heard of people who like to do the online 100pushups program.

[Anonymous]

Are you working? If so, that would definitely make it difficult to carve out time.

Before returning to work, I walked almost every day with my son in the stroller - unless it rained or was excessively windy. (It helped having a May baby.)

Once I returned to work, I made sure to carve out a few hours a week to either do cardio or weights. (I'm a fan of weights.) And on sunny days - when the days are longer - we'd take a walk as a family (daughter on bike, son is stroller, husband and I on foot!). That's a win-win situation.

[Anonymous]

I just started the 30 day shred this month, and it's not too bad. Even though the you work out everyday, I like that it is only 20 minutes long and find it easier than trying to go 40 minutes every other day. Also, there are 3 levels of difficulty. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Be the change you wish to see