I’ve talked a lot about food on Vegan Mom Life but have rarely mentioned exercise. I believe that what you put into your body is crucial to your health, but exercise is equally important. I’ve been exercising regularly and intentionally for quite a while. I’ve tried to incorporate a variety of different activities: running, lifting weights, elliptical, yoga, pilates, Body Pump (weight-lifting class), turbo kickboxing, hiking, biking, etc.
I have a tendency to get into exercise ruts periodically and I really felt like I was in one right before and after we moved to Austin. I had been going to 24 Hour Fitness off and on for a few years and quit a couple of months ago. Then I was attending these crazy intense yoga classes at Omaha Power Yoga for a few months. After my classes ran out I was lifting weights at home and attempting to run outside, but I just didn’t feel like I was doing a whole lot.
I have been trying to run outside more (at least twice a week). Running outside is very difficult for me. For some reason my lungs usually give out pretty quickly. I have actually built up to running 2-3 miles at a time which is a huge deal for me. I could barely run a mile without feeling like I was going to pass out. But powering through and a few days of good air (even in the Texas heat) has been good for my lungs and I’ve been doing better with each run. Hoping to keep it up!
Just this past week I discovered Blogilates. It’s an awesome blog with free workouts. The videos are about 10-15 minutes long and there is a monthly schedule that shows you how to pair the workouts for the best results. It incorporate a lot of pilates (which I haven’t done in a long time), cardio and strength moves. The instructor (Cassey) is super cute and energetic. She makes it easy to get through the workouts.
I’ve only gotten through 4 days and I am sore! It honestly felt like I had never worked out before. Solidifies for me the importance of switching up your workout routines. I’m planning on sticking with it at least through June and see how I feel. If it’s continually challenging, I will keep it up through July. It’s free and perfect to do at home. I’m going to keep running on the cardio days and try to stick to the recommended schedule as much as I can.
My best advice for working out when you really don’t want to is finding something you love to do. I really like taking our two pups for walks (even runs, but they get tired fast). Joe and I also like kayaking and have just started an interest in stand-up paddleboarding. We used to go kayaking in The Woodlands, TX and are excited to start up again in Austin. We can even take the pups! It’s so helpful to find something you love and enjoy doing. Another things that keeps me motivated is knowing how great I feel when I’m done. I never regret working out, but I almost always regret NOT working out. That keeps me going.
What is your favorite form of exercise? What helps you stay motivated to keep going?