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Exercise: How I Make it Happen with Two Kids

I have never been super athletic, but I see a noticeable difference in my mood, positive body image, and health when I prioritize getting my heart rate up and strengthening my muscles. 

Proverbs 25:28 says "a man without self-control is like a city without walls." Disciplining myself to exercise is also a way to care for my body. I never want this bodily temple of God to be penetrable, attacked, and destroyed because of my lack of self-control. After all, it's what I use to love my family well, serve those around me, and do Kingdom work with! 

There were years I was able to go into a gym and enjoy group classes, but now that I have children I find it easiest just to exercise in our living room while the boys run around me. 

How Often:

For me, trying to exercise 5-6x week is helpful. That may seem like a lot during a season with little ones at home, but predictability is so good for all of us. My boys know that after breakfast we workout! If something comes up and I have to miss a day, that's completely fine. But this way, we have a general rhythm down and I'm usually able to get at lease 3-4 workouts in a week. 

I tell them "only exercising" is allowed on the rug in our living room. If they want to join in, they're welcome to! If they want to play/wrestle/whine (real life) they may do so in another part of the room or in their own room. After a few days, they understood and it's usually a fun part in our day. 

What I Do:

Last year, I followed the (bbg) app from Kayla Itsines after hearing so many people recommend it and really enjoyed the workouts! Under 30 minutes, very few pieces of equipment needed, and I definitely felt stronger at the end (though I'll continue to enjoy my more covering bathing suit, thanks). 

This year, I needed some variety so I signed up for Beachbody On Demand. There are varying price levels, but it's roughly $10/month and you get access to all the different workout programs they offer. I've been doing "21 Day Fix" for about three months now, but I could switch it up anytime. 

They're under 30 minutes, I can play them on our TV, and minimal equipment is needed. 

I try to do this on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday. 

Running:

Last October, I ran my first half marathon and loved training for it. Being outside and challenging myself was good for my soul :) 

I began with a couch to 5k app. Once I could run 3 miles without stopping, I started adding one mile to each Saturday morning run until I was up to 13.  It's not fancy and I'm certainly not a competitive runner. If I get three runs in during the week, I've done great! 

I try to do this Tuesdays (2 miles), Thursdays (3-4 miles), and Saturdays (whatever I'm up to with my long run). 

Because my husband works from home, I'm usually able to run right after breakfast while he watches the boys for 30-45 minutes. On days he can't watch them, I just do a Beachbody workout or run after dinner instead. 

Equipment: 

· A set of 5, 8, and 10 pound weights 

· These running shoes; I'm a firm believer in going to a running store and getting fitted for the very best shoe for your foot!

· This little runners belt for my short runs; it doesn't move as I run and is perfect for holing my phone and house key. I prefer this over shorts with pockets in them. 

· For my long runs, especially in warm weather, I use this. No shame. 

· As I started running more, I learned the value of a few extra minutes for recovery. I wear these socks after a run, try to roll my muscles with this, and am trying to enjoy a Saturday night bath soak with these