In August 2012, after being diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and put on medication, I knew I had run out of excuses as to why I didn’t make time to take better care of myself.
Before then, I watched what I ate (I wasn’t strict with my diet), exercised occasionally, and never took any daily pills except for a multivitamin. I knew I was still carrying a few extra pounds after having my daughters, but I wasn’t overly concerned about my weight.
With the cards stacked against me when it came to family history and the years slowly creeping up on me, it was time to change and put myself first.
A gym membership wasn’t even an option. The thought of dragging myself out of the house at some awful time of the morning or night was not going to happen.
A few weeks later I stumbled across Jillian Michaels “Ripped in 30” workout on a shopping trip. My favorite two things about it – the workout was only 24 minutes, and the DVD was $10! This was definitely my speed.
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| Image courtesy of Amazon.com |
I remember not being able to walk after the first workout. I kept with it because if I was in that much pain it must be working, right?
Seeing me jump and squat around our living room got the attention of my older daughter, who joins me from time to time. It also led us to having a conversation about why I was working out, and the need for our family to take care of ourselves.
After gaining strength I started running, and eventually started counting calories. I finished the first DVD and bought two other DVDs from Jillian. I’ve lost 15 pounds, several inches, and there’s a possibility I may be able to stop taking the medication, which is my main goal.
It’s too bad that it took being diagnosed with hypertension to get serious about my health, but I found a work out that works for me – even with my crazy schedule – and finally realize how important it is to take time out for me.
How do you fit exercise into your schedule? Do you have any quick workout tips that have helped you get or stay healthy?
I used to workout in the early morning, but that is not easy in the winter time. My goal is to remain committed, but flexible.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a morning person so I completely understand how working out on winter mornings is not easy. I think staying committed, flexible and finding what works for your lifestyle is key.
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