The next element

So, we've got the food thing down (sort of). Long tiring days often mean a simple, throw-it-together dinner. So, sadly, I haven't been making as fantastic of meals lately. We've propped up our health by buying some grass-fed beef and lamb and storing it in the freezer. It's been great to thaw one out and cook it, I'll never go back to regular beef again!

We've added the next element: EXERCISE for the whole family. I waited to gloat on this one since I can very easily jinx myself out of doing anything that requires motivation. But, we've added walking regularly to the routine around here. The kids and I are no longer commuting the 1/2 mi to school in the car. They hop on their scooters, I push the little one in the stroller and up the hill to the school we go. Since our youngest has an earlier day, that means I walk to the school 3 times a day! Luckily for them, they only have to make the trek once there and back, but how many elementary kids do you know exercising a mile a day?

With our youngest, the walking can get a bit boring, so I have had to be a little creative. We do fun things like walking backwards, high step marching, chorus line kicks, racing, simon says, and more. Being creative and fun makes the walk go a little easier, and gets my muscles moving in unique ways!

All the walking has brought one beneficial habit- more water! Both my husband and I are drinking at least a couple liters a day.

To address my husband's desire for weight loss and my desire to build strength, we started a yoga program. It's a hot yoga program, where the benefits boast cleansing and overall system renewal. It is very challenging, but I can see where we both should get our desired outcome.

So what motivated us to get off the couch and implement all this?

One very large deadline.

I am always extremely motivated by an impending deadline. We are going on a snowboard/ski vacation over the holidays. Our current state of health will leave us exhausted, injured, and plain unhappy after one day on the slopes, let alone several. Yoga is the perfect way to build core strength to protect muscles and improve flexibility.

So my suggestions for you?

1) Set a goal. A big goal. Preferably one where you are committed financially. Maybe signing up for a marathon (especially one you cannot back out of), a challenging vacation, or a rigorous volunteer opportunity.

2) Include the family. Find an incentive for everyone. We got a Wii snowboard game that has the kids going through the same motions they'll use on the board- they're off the couch and looking forward to the ultimate goal.

3) Start small, walk more. Park the car further from the store, walk or ride a bike whenever possible. Don't feel like you've got to start by running laps around the block, but get out and hike, jump on the trampoline, walk the dog (he needs exercise too).

Good luck meeting your fitness goals- this is certainly the first time that I feel that if I DON'T get in shape that my life could depend on it!