Working it out

Like most women, I've had an up and down history with exercise. There was the period in grad school where I worked out like crazy, running up to 4 miles, taking step classes at the gym and even dabbling in tennis (which wasn't too successful). Then there was the time from about when I got pregnant with Big A till about 4 months ago, when I didn't do much beyond walking. A month before I got laid off, we rejoined the gym, and I vowed to get back in shape.

The timing could not have been better. I finally had the time to workout and bonus - the gym offers an hour of babysitting per day - which the girls love. Exercise is the perfect outlet for a stay at home - offering "me time" and an antidote against the "SAHM 15" - yes, I think I just invented that term.

I always thought that I might lose some weight staying home. After all, I went from sitting at a desk for most of the day, to chasing around rugrats all day. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out the way quite yet. Despite working out consistently for 3 months now, I've yet to lose a pound and have quite a few I could spare. What gives? I have to think it's the ample time and opportunity to snack, as well as a stocked kitchen feet away. While working, to save time, I brought both my breakfast and lunch to work, and aside from a few vending machine runs, an occasional birthday cake for a coworker or lunch out, that was all I had. Now, its just as easy to finish the kids' mac and cheese, or sample one of their 20 snacks/day. It also doesn't help that the standard "mom uniform" of sweatpants/yoga pants, t-shirts and hoodies is all to forgiving. I'm definitely making an effort to shed some weight now that spring is just around the corner.

Despite the lack of weight loss, I am glad to have exercise back in my life. It's fun, it makes me feel good and it sets a great example for my girls. My little one yells out "Y" when we walk up to the gym and Big A tells me I have to exercise for my "fat tummy" - out of the mouths of babes....