Thursday, April 29, 2010

Project Self Esteem

Today I am starting a new "project" so to speak. After having three C-Sections in 3.5 years my body has taken a beating, and I have been so busy I haven't been able to focus on getting back in shape. That combined with being a stress-eater has led me to top out at my highest non-pregnant weight ever - which is only a few pounds less than when I was pregnant! Ultimately the goal is to lose weight, but I'm going to try not to focus on the numbers. The most important part is for me to start feeling better about myself, and getting in shape and eating better is going to help that. This seemed like a truly insurmountable task since I am home all day with three kids, and too exhausted after they got to bed to do anything. Enter Frisco Rec Center.

I had heard that I would be able to bring my kids, drop them off at their childcare facility and go work out for up to two hours, but I have to admit I didn't really believe it. There had to be some sort of catch. So yesterday while my mom was in town and watching the kids, I finally dragged my butt over there and checked it out. And its true!!! For $35 a month I can work out there EVERY DAY and drop the kids off for up to 2 hours a day! EVERY DAY! FOR FREE!! It will be a little tricky planning around feeding schedules, class schedules, nap schedules, and preschool schedules - not to mention just getting out the door with diaper bags, strollers etc, but I am motivated to do it!

Today was the first day. I checked in, dropped the kids off, did the eliptical machine for a 20 minute work out, and then went to 45 minutes of a cardio-boxing/aerobics class that totally kicked my butt, but it felt SO GOOD!! I was a little self conscious, but I think once I go a few more times I'll be more comfortable. My goal is to make sure I'm doing what I enjoy while I'm there, and remembering that its MY time, not some other obligation I HAVE to fill, and as long as I keep the pressure off I will enjoy it, continue to go, and the weight will start to fall off!

So... I'm going to be more honest here than I'm really comfortable with, but I've got to track my starting point somewhere. I weighed in today at 237! Yikes! I just have to keep remembering that my body has been through three major stomach surgeries in 3.5 years, and that it could take up to a year to recover. I'm only on month 4. The most important goal is progress of some sort. I'm going to set weight goals, but for now they will not have time limits. My first goal is 10 lbs. Then, when I reach pre-pregnancy weight (3rd pregnancy)(211 lbs) I will treat myself to something - maybe new clothes, maybe new bras, maybe new workout clothes... we'll see. The next goal will be to get under 200. I am not going to look beyond that right now. I will have more work to do when I get there, but if I think about the total amount I need to lose I am afraid it will just frustrate and discourage me, and I won't be able to focus on the smaller goals.

I was planning on going to the gym 5 days a week, but I think sticking to 3 days a week may be a wiser start. Plus that will allow me some time for playdates etc.

Wish me luck!!

Oh, by the way, the kids are doing great, lol. More on them later, this post is all about me!!!

The Slightly Selfish Mama