Fit Mommy: Excellence Takes Time, Discipline, and Ingenuity

The one thing that I've noticed about those who choose to work out at home—for whatever reason—is how much more disciplined and dedicated they are than those who don't. Now, before you go wild and accuse me of being short-sighted, keep in mind that I'm not saying that going to the gym four, five, or maybe even six days a week doesn't take discipline. I did that for years and I know it does, but if you're at home with only a set of dumbbells and a a pair of gym shoes, then you're really having to work hard to find a regimen that works for you because you have to be creative when there are no machines or trainers to guide you.

While there are tons of at-home workout programs at your disposal—from television to DVD's—let's face it, those items can only be used so much before you start to get bored and yearn for something more, or worse quit altogether.

That said, keeping things fresh is a challenge when the only person planning the activities is you.

In my personal experience I've found that no matter how hard the way gets, I am always continuing to look for another challenge. If I start to get bored, I research other exercises I haven't tried or look into refining my fitness goals a bit.

For example, if my abs are finally showing, but my back needs a bit more work, then I focus on doing more to enhance it. If my strength training regimen is no longer producing results, I increase the repetitions or the weights—and along the way I continue to add to my home gym and, eventually, there is little I can't do in my own home.

I know that excellence—based on my standard of what that is—takes time, and every ounce of my being wants that excellence in the worst way. So while I may not be the best-of-the-best, I will work my tail off to prove that I'm every bit as focused as the next person.

It's all about continuing to succeed in my goals and reach the next level and, come hell or high water, I will do just that!

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The Most Important Part of Your Exercise Routine Is Y-O-U

I'll admit that one of the hardest parts of getting into a fitness routine is actually starting one. Many of us look in the mirror and make a mental judgment of how much we have to do in order to get to our "ideal" size and we feel overwhelmed. It is in that moment we manage to kill any chance we have at succeeding because we have already decided the outcome won't be positive or quick enough in coming.

It's an easy train of thought to fall into when you've spent years neglecting your body.

However, trust me when I tell you that there's not a woman or man alive who wants to look in the mirror and not like what they see. We are all vain in that aspect, and none of us wish to feel as if the beautiful canvas God gave us is somehow marred.

That said the solution to the above problem is a simple one—although many of us fail to recognize it—stop self-sabotaging your goals.

Does that sound too easy? Too cliche'? Sorry, but it's the plain truth.

We all make far too many excuses for why we choose (and understand in most instances it is a choice) not to exercise: no time, no money, no energy, no space, etc. Give. Me. A. Break!

Two things are required to cultivate a successful exercise routine: you and your body's weight. All of the special gadgets you see others using (weights, mats, bikes, elliptical machines, gyms, etc.) are just aids. Those things might help give you focus when deciding how to personalize your personal routine, but none of them are necessary for you to reach your goals.

Your body weight gives you the best challenge to building strength because you have to be able to control it as well as execute the moves. I can lift a 25 pound dumbbell 10 times with no problem, but if you challenge me to do 20 push-ups, I might need a break. Why? Because you not only have to concentrate on lifting it, but doing so with proper form as well—and that's not easy.

If you're worried about a lack of cardio, how about running in place while watching your favorite television show or doing mountain climbers in 30-second intervals. Have some stairs in or just outside of your home, use them as your stairmaster.

Want to build better buns? Try lunges...with weights.

Creativity is a great asset to developing a challenging routine that can bring you great results.

Don't believe me, just take a look at this guy...no weights, no gym, and no supplements. He's a work of art and he formed the foundation for that body by using whatever he had in and around his home. Oh and, by the way, he's almost 50.

My point is simple, there is no excuse for not exercising. If you can move, you can lose. It is that simple. And while I don't expect any of us to be able to duplicate what Herschel Walker was able to do, his dedication to doing a body weight workout everyday should serve as an inspiration for those of you still struggling to get off the sofa.

Now, get out there and move something!

Related articles

• Changing to a Simple Exercise Routine (rawminimum.com)
• Do Push-Ups Every Time You Brush Your Teeth (fitsugar.com)
• Beginner Exercises that Fit in a Studio Apartment (diet-blog.com)