It was my goal to workout more this year, and I have seriously jumped on the bandwagon with three interval/boot camp classes during the week, Saturday yoga, and running 2 plus miles the other days. We’ll see how long this keeps up, but for now, I’m in a stride, and my body is loving it. As I’ve been hitting the gym and local running trails recently, I’ve been thinking about the good, the bad, and the ugly of working out.
5 Pros
1). Stress Reliever: I know it’s been proven by research that exercise significantly helps anxiety and depression, but now I’ve proven it to myself. As you know, proving something to oneself is always more valid than thousands of studies. If I’ve had a busy, chaotic day or if life just isn’t cooperating, working out truly, truly helps.
2). Social Time: Most of my girlfriends are moms to little ones, and we have very little time to get together and if we do, it’s typically for a play date or with families where we are having to wrangle children, wipe up spills, refill sippy cups, etc. A group of friends and I take the same classes at our gym, and now it’s something we all look forward to. Working out with a buddy definitely makes it more fun and motivational.
3). New Music Genres: My favorite type of music is indie/folk rock/light alternative (i.e. Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters & Men, Lumineers, Coldplay). This type of music does not lend itself super well to working out, so over the past month, I’ve been jamming out to Pink, Katy Perry, Outkast, and other upbeat bands. It’s been interesting.
4). Modeling Fitness for the Kiddos: I was very worried that joining a gym would take away time spent with my children, but in fact, it’s been great for them. I want them to see mommy and daddy caring about our bodies and taking time to exercise and feel strong. Further, after we workout, we often take the boys swimming in our gym’s indoor pool, and when they get a little older, they can take their own classes.
5). Increase in Self-esteem: There have been times over the past couple of years where my jeans were so snug, I had to opt for bohemian skirts or leggings every day. Since working out, my jeans fit correctly, and when a girl’s jeans fit well, all feels right with the world.
5 Cons
1). Sports Bras: I am having the hardest time finding a sports bra that is comfortable. I bought some from a retail store for less than $10, and they felt like corsets. Then I kind of splurged and spent about $20 each on a couple, and they still don’t feel right! A friend told me that I may have to spend some big bucks on a sports bra. I think she’s right. Who knew?
2). Profuse Showering: I have never showered so much in my life as I have the past month. I have to take a shower in the morning so that I can manage my curly hair, then after working out in the afternoon and getting extremely sweaty, I have to take another one. It’s time consuming and a waste of water, but I am certainly clean.
3). Fighting for a Spot in a Workout Class: When joining the gym, I thought if a class started at 4:30, I could get there at 4:25 and be okay. Apparently that is not the case. If I want a good spot or one at all, I must arrive at 4:15. This is sometimes challenging when my toddler doesn’t wake up from his nap until 4:00. I’m managing.
4). Significant Increase in Laundry: Similar to the shower situation, I have never done so many loads of laundry, but with the hubs and I both working out every day, and the boys swimming in the pool, we have increased laundry two-fold, at least.
5). Ear Buds: Any recommendations for ear buds? They kill my ears. As with the sports bras, I didn’t go the cheapest route, but I didn’t go the most expensive route either. I guess you get what you pay for.
Despite the cons of working out, the pros are worth it. As with any change in routine, there is an adjustment period. Overall, I feel amazing, have more energy, and am managing my stress level much better.
If you haven’t worked out in a long time, I suggest trying it. Even though some annoyances will arise, you’ll appreciate all the good it does for your body and mind.
Sports bras are definitely a science unto themselves. Good luck finding a good one!
Thank you! I’m still experimenting.
CONS: Don’t have to worry about #3 when you workout at home. #5 I’ve never been able to get the buds to stay in my ears. I have to use ones with the s hook that go es over your ears.
Ooooh…I may have to try the hooks!
I struggle with the same things, showering, sports bras, and laundry!! The best sports bra I have found came from Victorias Secret (was not expecting that) Yoga collection. It’s actually the only one I have I would ever recommend to someone. I’ve given up on showering to fix my hair and have to just pull it up a lot on gym days! I don’t like it cause I feel like I always look slobby, but I hate taking so many showers, and I haven’t found a laundry solution yet either. But working out is so good for us and our children, and you are right about the jeans!!
I may be heading to Victoria’s Secret tomorrow. Who knew they had good sports bras!?
I wear Nike sports bras that cost under $30, so kind of in the middle/lower end of their price spectrum. And the ear buds that I like are the standard Apple ones that come with my iPods/phones. They aren’t the most comfortable, by far, but I have yet to find any that stay fit! (For my winter running, I have a hat that has ear phones in the hat. It was made by Nike and they’re called hat phones, I think, and the hat is amazingggg.)
The hat with ear buds sounds amazing! I am definitely going to have to get one.
You nailed it, though the pros always outweigh the cons for me! Sports bras and ear buds, I just don’t know. I keep finding ones I like for a while and then I change my mind!
I’ll just keep searching! You’re right, the silly cons are definitely worth the pros.
I work out 7 days a week and got all of my sports bras at Old Navy. They are relatively inexpensive and fit GREAT. There’s no need to spend big bucks – I am sure you can find one you like, but you might just have to shop around a little.
I tried the Old Navy ones and was not thrilled. Maybe I need to try a different one. I’ll keep searching!
I love the pros and do keep those when mind when I think about the money spent on the ‘cons’! Another con for me – is the time – finding it, making it and keeping it!
I sleep, eat and feel better when I work out. I’m experiencing the same cons but like you the benefits outweight the bad.
I’m totally with you on the earbud thing. They annoy the heck out of me and after an hour they hurt! I’ve been looking for ones that are wireless because every time I am running or doing the elliptical, they pop out or the wires get caught on my arm.
I agree! On all accounts.
The laundry stinks… lol. In both ways. But as far as sports bras are concerned, the C9 at Target bras are like butter! Make sure you’re getting the middle or high intensity workout ones, so you don’t bounce everywhere. They are seamless, soft, supportive and in nice colors! Good luck finding one, and see you on the road!
OMG the increase in laundry is ridiculous! We have 4 people in this house, all of who work out or play a sport multiple days per week. My laundry basket is insane!
Oh, yes! I’m only planning on it getting worse as the boys get older.
i wish i had an answer for ear buds. they ALL hurt my ears like crazy.
I cannot wait to get back to working out! I’m waiting on my postpartum appointment after having my second son in December. I was able to find a comfy sports bra at Academy Sports. I am going to try yurbuds soon for my music. Hopefully they will fit comfortably in my ears.
These are all spot on. I’ve never been able to find a great sports bra, personally. I usually wear a sports bra OVER my regular bra for extra protection.
Ear buds popping out drive me crazy! It’s so hard to find a good sports bra too.
I’ve been working out more too this year. The laundry does pile up! I like yurbuds for earphones. They are smaller, made for women’s ears(or at least, that is their marketing- but they ARE comfortable).
I would check out Yurbuds! You can save 20% off at a Best Buy right now too! They have wireless Bluetooth ones as well!
Wow! With two of you mentioning the Yurbuds, I am definitely going to try them out. Thank you for the suggestion.
You forgot the con of trying to find the time to do it! Seriously, it really is one of the biggest stress relievers!
I agree!! Finding the time is extremely challenging. Working out of the home only part-time helps tremendously.
if you have a recommendation for a sports bra for big boobs please let me know. sneakers are also a big expense for me.
I love working out but I definitely go through phases where I eschew it completely for months at a time. Time to get back into it. I don’t use a sports bra, just an underwire.
I always weight out the pros and cons before working out. I think it’s okay if you always have a ponytail from being showered and some people I know live in their workout gear anyway!
Your list of cons was hilarious, love it! Maybe that’s why I haven’t started working out yet? More good excuses to put if off. I’m trying to get interested, though, or at least do it anyways!
I can definitely agree with the sports bras. I feel like they’re either corsets or are going to slide around. If you find a good brand, let me know.
I agree with you also on sports bras, hate them. I love working out but getting the motivation to do it is another thing.
I hear you about the sports bra. I can never find a supportive one.
I actually don’t mind sport bras. I never have,
I find that after working out I am soooo relaxed and a good bath afterwards is great. I do agree though that sports bras are the pits though lol
I agree with all your pros and cons….AS for earbuds try “Yurbuds” they are awesome and don’t pop out right when you get into your groove. They are also great for outdoor walking/running they cancel out wind and other noises
OMG, the list of cons is hilarious!!! I love to work out but have gotten out of a routine and its been hard for me to get back into it.
Yes! Laundry is a con. My husband is a personal trainer, we own a small gym, all 3 of our boys are in sports and I work out every morning. Now can you imagine how much stinky laundry I have in my house?
Shhhh….working out is awesome. There are no cons!!! Don’t tel me about the cons or I will never start again. hahahaha