Health - Fitness

Exercise in Motivation

Fill in the blanks to hone in on your fitness goals

By Babytalk
 
See Also
The Plan Starts Here: 3 Months to Looking and Feeling Great - Parenting.com
Look 10 lbs. lighter -- by changing your clothes! - Parenting.com
Top 10 Diet and Exercise Articles - Parenting.com
To help you identify and hone in on your fitness goals, try this introspective writing exercise adapted with permission from Body After Baby: A Simple, Healthy Plan to Lose Your Baby Weight Fast by Jackie Keller, founder of NutriFit LLC.

Think about the positive impact exercise has had on your life in the past -- or how you hope it might impact you now. Then, fill in the blanks in the following sentence:

If I _________, then I _________.
For example: If I start walking daily, then I'll have more energy and feel better about myself.

Now, take it to the next level...
If I _________, then I _________.
If I have more energy and feel better about myself, then I'll be happier about how I look.

And then to the next...
If I _________, then I _________.
If I am happier about how I look, I'll have more confidence overall and feel happier about my marriage and being a mom.

Another example we can think of to help you get started:
If I eat a turkey sandwich with mustard, tomato and cucumbers for lunch, I won't crash and burn by 2 pm.

If I don't crash and burn by 2pm, I can sneak in a 30-minute yoga video while the baby naps.

If I can sneak in a 30-minute yoga video while the baby naps, I'll feel energized and accomplished, and will be motivated to take a long afternoon stroll tomorrow.

As you move through each level, you'll get to discover what's truly motivating you. Once you've tapped into that drive -- whether it's more calm, more confidence or even just a smaller size -- start leaving yourself little notes to encourage your new healthier habits.

If you're constantly frenzied, try posting "I need five minutes" on your phone as a reminder to take some deep breaths. If you need a confidence boost, tape a note to your bathroom mirror exclaiming "You're a great mom!" All of these steps can help you change a negative mindset and remind you to take care of yourself (not just your newborn), to listen to what your body is telling you and to cut yourself some much-deserved slack. Consider them love notes... to yourself!



PRINT
Quick Poll

What's the most you've ever spent on a single kid's holiday gift?

Less than $100
$100 to $200
More than $200
I'm trying to forget


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

10 Superpowers of Pregnant Women

Pregnant? How those crazy body changes turn you into Wonder Woman (plus one)

Pregnancy Super Powers
promotion
 

Blog: The Daily Fave

Shawn: "Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of 'medical diagrams' or 'compound sentences.' Well have I got the book for you, Pops." Updated frequently.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "I have been in charge of the family finances for about a year now and I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING." Updated Daily!

The Best Toys of 2009

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cake Designs

Sweet! The easiest, cutest cakes for boys and girls