My exercise routine changes often, depending on the whether and what I’m into at the time. For example, after one crazy incident where I could have been killed by a super high pimp several years back and then again after a head injury a couple years back, I got really into yoga. Slow, focused movements helped me to find calm in the craziness of my mind and also took care to protect me from further injury. The first time my ribs were broken and the second time my chin was busted and my balance totally off.
I once used marathon running to get me through nicotine and alcohol withdraws. I was a pretty heavy drinker for a while after college and had smoked for way longer than I’d like to admit, so in 2002 or so, I traded those vices for running. (It worked like a charm by the way.)
I’ve also done a lot of bike riding, hiking, and rock climbing at other points in my life.
As you probably know, while I was pregnant I was in pretty good shape – for a pregnant woman anyway. There was still much to be desired, however, so as soon as I was 2 months postpartum I started Tae Kwon Do with my older daughter Evelyn.
We spend about 5 or 6 hours at the dojang per week and are on the fast track to a black belt (I did Tae Kwon Do a little when I was in college too). But in order to really kick ass I’ve got to be super strong so I’ve also been pumping iron a little more than usual.
One afternoon, Julian and I swung by the gym that’s across the street from my mom’s new condo (she moved when my dad died) and when I saw the tractor tire I was like, “Sign me up!”
So here it is, the 150 pound tractor tire that lured me into a gym membership.
What crazy things do you do for exercise? Were you so active after having a baby?
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December 12, 2012 at 5:54 pm
I joined a gym because the trainer was into those kinds of things: my workout last night involved a tractor tire! He always uses kettle bells with me, which I love, and my workout is always different, which I love.
I am not pregnant yet, but I totally plan on being a healthy primal parent, and my husband is on board with me. I’m so glad I found your blog, since I’m on an apparently long path to fixing my hormones. It is really refreshing to hear the views of someone who is willing to challenge the Paleo diet, since it has worked well for me but hasn’t fixed everything.
My husband says he will never let me stop working out, no matter how busy we are with kids, because I’m a much nicer person when I get some exercise in!
December 12, 2012 at 6:31 pm
I’ve never been so lucky to have belonged to a gym with anything more than weights, machines and TVs on every treadmill/elliptical. ‘Murica!
I don’t have the time or proper finances right now to join one either, even if I went looking for one. I know there are some cross-fit places nearby but haven’t personally checked them out. For now, I sprint in my back yard and carry heavy things around, among other simple things. But I would LOVE to have access to kettlebells, giant tires and other people to motivate me! Looks fun!
December 12, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Sprinting and carrying heavy things sounds perfect! If I had a back yard I wouldn’t be at the gym!
December 13, 2012 at 12:21 pm
I left my gym membership a long time ago and have bought a tractor tyre instead! Combine that with a weighted hammer and you have an awesome workout challenge
December 13, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I go to a gym with no dumbbells and no machines. The focus is on kettlebells, bodyweight/gymnastic stuff and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but there are also large tires, sledge hammers, climbing ropes, rings, parallel bars, sandbags, and big boxes to jump on. It’s like a playground for grownups.
December 14, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I’ve done Crossfit on and off, though I never got to the big tires there. I just love doing barbell lifts!
For the past two years have been going to a place to do ‘superslow’. My workout lasts all of 3-5 minutes and I walk out of there feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. I don’t mean like tired, sweaty and sore. Dazed and barely able to walk. Once a week is the max frequency, I often go once a month and am still stronger every time. It’s weird and counterintuitive but ridiculously effective.
December 24, 2012 at 8:17 am
hi Peggy ive been following you since last year and I looove your blog…. what are your thoughts on exclusive vegetarian diet? no diary, no meats, no animal protein whatsoever.
December 31, 2012 at 11:39 pm
I am still struggling with getting into an exercise routine, but I’ve made a goal for the new year and I have half a plan. When I was a kid I stayed active by roller skating and in college I did folk dancing. I’ve managed to find places where I can do both of those! I do need a simple solution for weight lifting though. Wish I had a tractor tire haha.
December 31, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Oh yeah and I’m four and a half years postpartum lol. A little slow with the getting back in shape thing here…