(if I’m running something BAD is behind me!)
Last week I helped with Family Health & Fitness Night at the Child’s school.
It was a fun way to find out about elementary school PA (I’ve learned the hard way NOT to refer to it as PE. I guess it’s no longer EDUCATION but activity?).
It was also another experience of moms asking me: “How many hours a day do you workout?”
Hours.
Yep.
No matter how many times I’m asked that question it still blows my mind out (as the child sadly no longer says).
fitting in fitness. canine thinks I’m crazy.
Recently I’ve thought a lot about traditional fitness versus #wycwyc‘ing my way to health.
Of course I miss my more traditional routine.
I admit I’m ready for the days of gym membership and traditional workouts.
- Right now? That’s not a priority.
- Right now?ย PLAYouts and shifting passive into active is the name of the fitness-game here.
- Right now? I’m not training for competition (LIFE is my event!) & this approach both works and is enough.
it’s work. it’s fun! it’s a pre-dawn PLAYout!
That night, I explained to each woman who asked about my (finger quote) routine (unFQ):
I squeeze in movement where I can. I live each day with the backdrop of fitting fitness into my LIFEroutine.
Around here it’s as simple (once you shift your mindset) and easy (once you commit) as this:
I love Julie. I adore how she’s nailed me right down to the shoes.
For us all it’s as easy & simple as this.
No hours spent exercising.ย
Removing the pressure for “perfect workouts” of “ideal variety” and “looong length.”
For us all it’s as easy & simple as this.
Start. One lap around the room you’re currently in. Right now.
(Birkenstocks and green socks optional)
Vonnie says
May 7, 2015 at 4:02 amI love this, Carla.
Liz says
May 7, 2015 at 4:18 amI always worry this won’t be enough.
I want to lose 20 pounds and can’t figure out how long I do need to exercise each day??
CARLA says
May 7, 2015 at 4:50 amI know I say this all the damn time but I believe it from my core: just start. today. now. adding in some walking and movement and then go from there.
Try different things.
Find what you LOVE to do and wont ever wanna stop ๐
More than anything, however, start.
today.
now.
xo
Ash Diamond says
May 7, 2015 at 4:37 amA-M-E-N! I just had two people ask me how I fit in workouts etc. I was like if I have time to run outside or grab a class, awesome. Otherwise, there are things like Pinterest, DailyBurn and other things I can do at home on my own time. Today Bo and I squeezed in a 40 min video and tonight while watching TV I’ll do my 5 min body weight strength workout.
Kristina Walters @ Kris On Fitness says
May 7, 2015 at 4:53 amI love this Carla!
Olive says
May 7, 2015 at 5:10 amOMG!!!! Best picture ever, Carla.
AmyC says
May 7, 2015 at 5:11 amTraining for life…Liferoutine. love!
Susan says
May 7, 2015 at 5:11 amI love this! I’ve been asked the same question when helping with school fitness events and have a similar response. You said it perfectly!
HealthyMama says
May 7, 2015 at 5:25 amI think we really make things too hard and that’s why I like the messaging on your site, Carla.
I used to compete in cycling, but I no longer do.
My fitness isn’t my job these days.
Meredith says
May 7, 2015 at 5:39 amI’ll comment after a lap…. DONE! Granted, it’s a small room, but WYCWYC!
Love that LIFE is your event (like that ‘what are you training for?’ someecard), and I try to be the same way, too. While I do enjoy fitness classes, in general, my REASON for moving and eating well and staying fit is singular: to be well–to be able to continue to do the things I want to do for myself. C’est tout. ๐
Linz @ Itz Linz says
May 7, 2015 at 6:05 amHOURS?!?!!? #wycwyc!!!!! haha 10 minutes here… a few there….
Jennifer F says
May 7, 2015 at 6:14 amI stopped abiding by a workout schedule several years ago — now I just do what I feel like doing. Sometimes it’s a lot, sometimes it’s not ๐
cherylann says
May 7, 2015 at 6:17 amDoing what you love in work and play โฆ..living it since I was 16 and so glad I made the mind-switch wayyyyy back. It’s 4:15 (AM) and I am suiting up to ride my bike. Because I LOVE to AND I love to compete and win my AG in my next race! There is only NOW…
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
May 7, 2015 at 6:49 amLove this ๐ People also seem to think I run at least 10 miles every day or something. Being fit does not mean we’re superhuman or need to/should strive for that.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
May 7, 2015 at 7:22 amThat’s like asking how much cereal I eat a day.
However much I damn well feel like. Sometimes quite a bit, sometimes not. I do what I want, and I want to do what I do. Sometimes I have to push myself to be better to myself by eating/doing less and or more. Just depends on the day.
#JUSTDOYOU
Dr. J says
May 7, 2015 at 7:40 amI like that comment about training for life! I’ve been that way for years.
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
May 7, 2015 at 8:04 amIt’s hard for people to understand that there are different ways to be active and fit in a workout. Some days I love tough workouts and then others I like to sit on the couch. It’s all about maintaining a more-or-less active lifestyle for me.
KCLAnderson (Karen) says
May 7, 2015 at 8:10 amLove love love…
I’m grateful for #wycwyc because it truly has helped my “all or nothing” brain.
I have a standing appointment every month with someone who is on the third floor. I always take the stairs (up and down) and inevitably, there will be someone about to enter the elevator and they will hold the doors open for me. I say, “I’m taking the stairs” and every time, I get there before the elevator does.
Estelle says
May 7, 2015 at 8:31 amYou are amazing and so dedicated. I try to workout 5 times a week.
Jody - Fit at 57 says
May 7, 2015 at 8:31 amI think it is great message! I do think though that people have to accept & understand it will take longer to lose the weight doing it this way & for some they may not be the results or look they want. You eta pretty dang clean & most don’t so for some, they may have yo accept that more time to lose it OR may have to find a way to add a little more time in or maybe do the traditional workouts a couple times a week if that works.
Rachel says
May 7, 2015 at 9:01 amI love YOUR honest response… and HER comfort and ease in asking you that question. Because, honestly, it would be something that *I* would ask too! :blush: I need to #wycwyc YOUR fitness routine (and eating routine) ๐
Tamara says
May 7, 2015 at 9:13 amYou know I’m with you on this! And training for life is training for a MARATHON not a spring ๐
Tamara says
May 7, 2015 at 9:14 amNot a *SPRINT* (apparently I be sprinting with my typing this morning…)
misszippy says
May 7, 2015 at 9:18 amAt the end of the day, it’s training for life and health that mattersโฆnot the hours logged.
Sagan says
May 7, 2015 at 9:25 amIt’s funny how it’s just such a completely different way of looking at the world. It just become the natural state of order to wycwyc fitness!
(she says from her standing desk ;))
That being said, FOR ME, I like a structured workout in my day as well. I like to fit in whatever movement I can – from the standing desk to walking to meet Mr. Science as he comes home from work every day – but I also get so much satisfaction from going to a structured, 45-minute gym class a few times each week.
Everybody just needs to find their own wycwyc version of fitness ๐
mimi says
May 7, 2015 at 10:31 amTrying to set up a life where i just work out as i go through the day. It’s starting to sink in.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
May 7, 2015 at 11:15 amI love this approach – I find myself doing more and more lately. It’s as easy a talking a lap around the neighborhood. And it’s a great sanity break in the middle of the work day!
Heather @ FITaspire says
May 7, 2015 at 12:01 pmI love your approach so much – hours are off-putting (I don’t spend hours in they gym & I have a bikini comp coming up). Do something!! That’s achevable & realistic for everyone.
Pamela Hernandez says
May 7, 2015 at 12:40 pmHow about a dance break instead of a lap?
My clients ask me if I still have to work at all because I move so much during sessions. ๐
Katrina says
May 7, 2015 at 12:55 pmPreach it girl!!!
Farrah says
May 7, 2015 at 1:53 pmMy former workout schedule no longer works with my current life, so I’ve definitely had to make a whole ton of adjustments in order to still fit something in. I love this!
Terri says
May 7, 2015 at 3:52 pmEven as a part time zumba instructor I don’t feel like I workout enough. However, I make it a point to move around every two hours. For me, the key isn’t working out for a certain amount of hours. It’s about not staying seated for too long. So whenever I feel myself getting sluggish – which usually happens after two hours of sitting I get up and try to do some crunches, jog in place, etc.
Alissa says
May 7, 2015 at 4:28 pmI am finding that the best way for me to fit in fitness is simply finding ways to add movement in throughout my day. I am so glad that you have talked about this so much on your blog and podcast, etc. because it makes me feel like “I’m ok” and that I don’t need to try to fit in hours of working out each day. Thank you!
Haralee says
May 7, 2015 at 4:31 pmI love the pictures. The dog is great and you are inspirational!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
May 7, 2015 at 6:20 pmIt really is all about training for life, isn’t it?!
Coco says
May 7, 2015 at 8:04 pmI’m more all or nothing. An hour of a hard workout, 10 hours of sitting on my a$$ at work.
Deborah says
May 7, 2015 at 8:14 pmI’m in my slippers and PJs (at 11.15am) and can’t do a lap… but I’ll walk to my kitchen to get some water!!
Love the practicality of your attitude!
xx
GiGi Eats says
May 8, 2015 at 1:22 amJULIE CARTOONED ME TOO way back when! OMG she’s a GEM and a GENIUS too!
Oh and I am ONE ACTIVE chick! I have to say… I work out (like focused work out – in the gym, etc)… for about 2 – 3 hours a day… And well, the rest of the day, I am UP AND AT EM doing SOMETHING on my feet… Even if it’s standing in front of my computer ๐
jill conyers says
May 8, 2015 at 4:48 amOnce I removed the expectation of perfection I accomplished so much more. Years of thinking perfectionism was a strength ugh!
As always a great read Carla.
JSellors says
May 8, 2015 at 7:13 amI think on a day l work out 1 to 1:30 hours a day…
The Yakama Yogini says
May 8, 2015 at 11:57 amDoes chasing my kiddo around count? ๐
Great post, thank you so m uch for the inspiration!!
Jess @hellotofit says
May 8, 2015 at 10:06 pmYes to the idea of training for life! Fitness is not exclusive to hours at the gym on a boring machine. It can be anything and everything!
Renee says
May 9, 2015 at 6:01 amI recently started working in an office. It’s crazy to me how little people move thoughout the day. I used to average around 13,000 steps a day now I’m down to 7,000 and that is with always taking the stairs and planning out short walks around the building thought the day. It makes me sad, and I’m really starting to think more about corporate wellness and the steps people need to be taking more each day for health.
Erin Kreitz Shirey says
May 9, 2015 at 5:28 pmCarla, I love this! I can relate and am asked this ….every day. When asked as I WALK to school, RUN to incorporate errands, BIKE to the park to play with the kids and everywhere else …it is a lifestyle. Mind you I do fit in traditional training daily, but why drive when you can Active Commute? I know my mind is less stressed on conference calls when walking, then when in my house looking at the dishes that need to be done.;) LOVE THE PICTURE! That is fantastic!!
1 Hour Athlete says
May 10, 2015 at 2:19 pmGreat post, if only more people could find the joy in playing around then I’m sure many people would be much more active and happier! ๐
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
May 10, 2015 at 5:19 pmThat pictures is amazing.
I think WYCWYC is such an amazing movement lots of people are put off by hours at the gym.
Mike-Truelifefitness says
May 12, 2015 at 12:02 pmI walk :walk to. People just need to understand that fitness is apart of life and its a lifestyle
Venus @ The Venus Family says
May 13, 2015 at 11:31 pmI usually do an hour each day. I focus more on consistence.
Biz says
May 20, 2015 at 11:01 amNow that it’s just me after my husband died, I find I have much more ME time than I’ve ever had in 23 years. So I break it up!
I walk 20-30 minutes around my neighborhood in the morning, just to wake myself up.
I walk 45 minutes at lunch with my co-worker and we gab away the time and it goes by fast.
After work I head to the gym for 45-60 minutes for strength, stretching, and a bit more cardio – but I am home by 6:30 and we are usually eating around 7:00. I do love having my daughter and her boyfriend to cook for – I think I would have lost my cooking mojo if I were just cooking for me. ๐ Bonus, her boyfriend loves meat as much as I do!