When I was younger, shortly after the boys were born, there were days when I just had to get out of the house. I desperately needed exercise and at the time had no idea how to run (something I had decided was much bigger than anything I could ever accomplish). So I started off slowly by attending aerobics classes at a local church. Once I proved to myself that I could “stick with it” I joined an official gym that offered group exercise classes. This gave me two things: 1) Adult time (something new mothers need) 2) A physical outlet that made me feel human again. I attended classes 5+ days a week and loved every second.
Years went by, the boys got older, and our schedule changed. I realized that being outside made me happy so I took up running. Much to my surprise, it really wasn’t that bad! We are fortunate to live in North Carolina where we experience four seasons – most of which are pretty nice. During spring, summer, and fall, Mr. and I try to run most days. Up until this week, we belonged to a gym where we could do weight training, etc.
Recently we found ourselves once again needing to change things up. The winter months are hard. Especially if you prefer exercising outside. On days we can’t run because of weather, we have a couple of workouts we do that are more challenging than they look.
I’m a big fan of these 30 day challenge sets. You can find for 30 day challenges for planks, running (as I mentioned here), push-ups, etc. This is the one we are currently on. As the days progress, the challenge gets harder.
This is our extreme weather day go-to (Mr. does it with me as long as I don’t call it the Lauren Conrad workout ;)). You do this three times through with a two minute break in between. All you need is a mat, but you could really do this anywhere. I like it because after 30 minutes, my entire body feels like it did something significant. We all have 30 minutes, right?
So tell me, what do you do to get through the winter months?
P.S. I have a wellness pinboard if you would like to follow along.
Well that explains why you're such a hottie 🙂
Now tell us your secret 🙂
i agree with julia, first of all! i go to the gym in the winter. if it's at least 30-35 in the morning i might walk, but i hate running in that. i do weights once or twice and then i do cardio 3-4 times if i am going to the gym…. i just started training for the american odyssey relay where i will run 17 miles over 3 seperate legs of a 2 day relay. WHAT WAS I THINKING? so the treadmill and i are going to get even better acquainted as it it just too cold out there!
I'm like you Cassie, I can walk in the cold, but running is just awful! Good for you for taking on the running challenge! Treadmills and I don't get along.
This is good for me since extreme weather in my part of the world means -40. We have been living -30 temps for the last month, off and on. The snow blower is a really good work out along with all the shoveling but I do prefer the crunch routines you offer here.
Thanks. I like the Lauren Conrad version.
You made a great point…sometimes just keeping up with the elements can be a good workout. I'm all for doing yard work, house work, and all those things that come with home ownership.
Great tips! My workout routine has gone down the tubes so far this year! I always call it my "winter weight" since I never can get myself out the door to run that often in the colder months.
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I love those challenge sets too! I do a boot camp three days a week with an instructor who is from Wisconsin so to her there is no cold or bad weather excuse not to run outside. Oy. Thankfully here in Texas we barely have two seasons (hot and well, not hot) unlike your beautiful state 🙂 BTW I just bought a new Tracy Anderson video for my off days and it is AWESOME. She breaks it down into 15 minute workouts for four different areas so you can do it all or parts depending on time. Not sure if your hubby will like it but for women it ROCKS.
Thanks, I'll check out that video series!
Thanks for sharing, Rene! Such smart tips to get out of a rut, especially when the weather is anything but conducive for outdoor exercise.
Thanks for sharing this! I find it impossible to workout with little ones at home, unless it's a gorgeous day where we can all be outside (like yesterday). I may be able to handle a 30 day challenge (I had the 30 day shred and lasted until day 14… I need to make a commitment!).
I changed to a new gym last November and have been doing Yoga 3-4 times a week. I love it. The mental benefits are equal to or even better than the physical. I find myself drawing on the positive energy all day long!
Yoga is a great form of exercise! I've pinned a few poses that I do at home.
I swore to myself that I'd get back to the gym much faster than I did with Sheila (took me 2 years to go back with her), so needless to say I'm enjoying it as well. Some alone time, some wellness, and some adult time. I'm going back to my first class tonight (kickboxing) and quite excited about it. I love the way exercise makes me feel – happy Mommy = happy kids, hubby, family 🙂
You are so right Holly…emotional and physical health is good for everybody!
Honestly, it's been 7 years since I have belonged to a gym. So, once we moved to KY, I joined and most weeks make it 3 to 4 times a week and it's great. Prior to having children, I used to do marathons & tri's. It's humbling now to go back to working out after so long and I have started slow with just building my core. I'm doing planks and I'm up to a 45 sec. plank. A month ago I could barely do 20 secs. So, it's great and I feel so much better on the days I workout!
Rene, it's so sweet how you and your husband do so many things together! I love that. I run but I have never reached that point where I actually like it. Last year I started boxing and that has turned out to be the best workout! It's so hard, feisty and fun!! Plus my boys love that I own boxing gloves 🙂 I have to check out your 30 day challenges on your Pin board, they sound great for indoor winter workouts!
Boxing is a serious workout! I've considered getting a punching bag to hang in the garage. Maybe I will.
We do a workout similar in my class…100 squats,pushups,lunges,abs, triceps, and biceps…..sucks! I just volunteered to teach a spin class on Friday at 6:15….you might hear me complaining at your house:)
I love the gym and go faithfully 3x week all year. Then in summer I swim in the huge pool here for 30 min. almost every day…. and this winter joined an indoor pool although I don't go as often. Can't run anymore. I too "discovered" the gym and the joy of exercising after I had my daughter and haven't looked back once!
Just joined a gym! Downsizing meant getting rid of the elliptical … and I think I need the discipline of going somewhere … I am going to follow your Pinterest board … keep me motivated!! xo