Weight-loss Plan For The OSB

Weight-loss Plan For The OSB

January 31st, 2008 @ 10:32 am by Mrs. Cupcake
Share

…..Ya know, the OSB: Over-Scheduled Bride.Yesterday, I ventured to the gym for the first time in about *cough, cough, static* months. What’s that? You didn’t hear me? Well, let’s just say that the packed gym bag that has been living in my car all this time had a magazine in it which I had planned to read on the elliptical….. so when I finally got to the gym yesterday, I found myself reading about Thanksgiving dinner tips in late January.

Yup, it’s been a while.

It’s not that I’m lazy. It’s that I’ve been so. damn. busy. that it’s really hard to find time to get there. I know it’s the classic excuse, but balancing a new job with wedding planning and trying to keep somewhat sane and connected with my loved ones has proven to be really, really hard. Getting to the gym isn’t always the first thing on my list of things to do with my spare time. (Ha, sorry, I just hallucinated a little bit there and implied that I have spare time!)

But now, the wedding is less than 8 months away and there is no avoiding the fact that I need to get in shape. I’m not looking to lose an obscene amount of weight — I’m shooting for 8 pounds and a more toned bod — but if I don’t start now, I’ll just feel more pressure to get fit later on, when I’ll likely have even more wedding chaos surrounding me. If I’m gonna do it, I’ve gotta start now, before the flab really takes over!

I know all you readers out there are uber busy bees…. what is your secret to finding time for fitness amidst your chaotic schedules? How do you fit it in with not much time and still see results? And what is your favorite activity — running with a friend, pilates, yoga? Share your secret!

Tags: exercise, philadelphia |

Share |

Latest Gallery Pics

Hot Pink and White with Zebra 36" Lighted Spandex Ostrich Feather Centerpiece

33 Responses to “Weight-loss Plan For The OSB”

1 2 Last

Member

briannie (message) 273 posts, Helper bee

I wish I had a secret! Right now, I’m working full-time, going to school full-time, doing fieldwork and then I’ll be student teaching in March. I really need to get into shape, but I never seem to have time to!

1/31/08 @ 10:39 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Jasmine (message) 1,170 posts, Bumble bee

I go first thing in the morning. It’s the only way it ever gets done, because after work I’m tired or stuff comes up. Getting it out of the way first thing in the morning is the only way I’m able to exercise regularly.

1/31/08 @ 10:40 am (reply)

Member

ChicagoSarah (message) 159 posts, Blushing bee

I joined a gym very close to my office, and I try to think about it like I have three potential slots for workouts each day - before work, at lunch, or after work. For awhile I was trying to hit the gym twice a day, but with less than three months to go, I have a million things to do, so now I figure, if I can fill one of those slots with some kind of workout on most days, I’m doing pretty well!

1/31/08 @ 10:48 am (reply)

Guest

Faith

It sucks, but I get up and workout first thing in the morning. It’s the only way I can guarantee a workout, as I get to be really lazy in the evenings, or have plans that I need to get to within an hour of being done with work, so evening workouts just don’t suit me.

So I get up at 4:30 or 4:45 on the days I work out, I go to the gym and workout from 5:30 - 6:30, and then I either shower at the gym and head to work from there, or I go home and shower, depending on which gym I’m at. (I work out with a trainer twice a week as well…necessary expense, as its often been my only workouts throughout the week since my wedding. I’ve gained 10 pounds since then, btw. When I was able to drink beer again, I took a little bit too much advantage of that situation! ;))

It seems early…I know it does. But it’s worth it to get the workout done, and not have to worry about it at the end of the day. Trying to get to bed as early as you can the night before (I went to bed at 10:30 last night…would’ve preferred 10, but I got swamped by the dishes in the sink!) helps.

That’s my (longwinded) tip! Have fun with it!

1/31/08 @ 10:50 am (reply)

Guest

beckynoel

I’m an early morning girl too (not naturally, but to get it done, I have to be!) I usually am up at 4:30, leave by 4:45, get to the gym by 4:50 (it’s less than a mile away) and work out until 5:45, drive home, get ready for work and go from there.

I’ve found that having someone meet you at the gym (which is really hard to find in the AM) is the best thing possible. The accountability is great and if you’re lucky enough to have a friend that can hash out wedding stuff with you, even better! You’ll find you sleep better and feel better even though it’s taking more time, plus you have an outlet for those vendor frustrations!

Also, getting it done first thing in the morning frees up the rest of your day for whatever may come up - you don’t have to worry about “fitting it in” - you’re done before work.

1/31/08 @ 10:55 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Hydrangea (message) 414 posts, Helper bee

I really want to try getting up in the morning…how do you guys get yourselves to do it? I have to be out of the house by 6:30 to head to work, so I’d only be getting a quick workout.

I’ve been tracking my calories on sparkpeople.com and it has made an insane difference already. I still can eat what I like, for the most part, but I just watch my portions more now and you’d be surprised how much that helps. I really suggest you try it (and it’s free)! It also gives you more motivation to get to the gym.

1/31/08 @ 11:04 am (reply)

Member

kleverkira (message) 331 posts, Helper bee

I go straight after work with my bag packed in my trunk. Then I can come home and make dinner and do the rest of my evening things. Plus, it’s nice to get moving after setting at my desk all day.

I do some combination of elliptical, StepMill, treadmill, and recumbent bike for 45-60 minutes with at least one day of weights thrown in there. I really enjoy doing weights and the way it makes me feel.

1/31/08 @ 11:05 am (reply)

Guest

mhb

I started working out 3 mornings a week about a month ago - at home with my iPod shuffle! I used to have some “sit around and drink coffee” time built into my mornings, so I only get up 30 minutes earlier on workout days, straggle into the living room, put on some jams (sometimes still in my PJs - I’m at home, who cares?) and do some toning and aerobics moves for 45 minutes to an hour. It actually really wakes me up, and the only equipment I use is a resistance band: everything else just requires me (push ups, crunches, jumping jacks, occasional unplanned dancing because Justin Timberlake just shuffled on… you know).

I started with this: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/explore/chi-0110_workout_detailsjan10,0,4341821.story
But am adding moves as I find them.

Good luck!

1/31/08 @ 11:10 am (reply)

Member

misschickie (message) 169 posts, Blushing bee

Morning workout too! I am up at 5, out the door at 5:30. Work out from 6-7:15. Shower at the gym.

**tip** I am the first one in at my workplace so I usually bring my clothes (or leave a spare set) at my desk and just get ready at work instead of fighting for counter space in the ladies locker room.

I’m with Miss Jasmine–morning workouts are the only way I stay true to my routine. Otherwise I am too tired or other things come up by the end of the day. And you get all those endorphins to make the day go by slightly faster and you actually have more energy as the day goes by (as long as you remember to eat & keep your metabolism up throughout the day)

**tip2** It was hard to get out of bed in the beginning so I created a “Wake Up” playlist. As soon as my alarm went off I would immediately insert headphones and start making coffee. It worked like a charm.

Oh–I also make sure my bag is packed the night before and I leave it by the door. Good Luck!!!

1/31/08 @ 11:15 am (reply)

10.

Guest

kim

i can’t bring myself to do mornings. after work i actually work out at home with kettlebells, i swear by them because they’re a total body workout in a short time (and they don’t take up much room). i’m also on a sports team in the spring and fall, which helps with the accountability part

1/31/08 @ 11:16 am (reply)

11.

Guest

fmcin2008

My FI and I are going to sign up for a half-marathon a few weeks before the wedding. This will force us to train in the months leading up to the wedding. And since we are doing it together, neither one can back out.

1/31/08 @ 11:32 am (reply)

12.

Member

jw (message) 167 posts, Blushing bee

i definetely could never do morning workouts. so i try to get a workout in during lunch. if not, i go home, make dinner, eat and force myself to do a DVD at home. its hard, but i easier for me than waking up early. plus, its great after a meal, you feel digested and continue to burn the calories into your sleep.

1/31/08 @ 11:35 am (reply)

13.

Member

debyeb27 (message) 37 posts, Newbee

I have been really motivated lately, I guess I just realized I had 9 months to the big day and want to look my best. I have been hitting the gym about 4 times a week, I go after work and then in the morning on the weekends. I really enjoy spin class, it gets me sweating (always the sign of a good workout).

1/31/08 @ 11:43 am (reply)

14.

Guest

Alissa

I’m also a morning gal. FI and I get up and go together-we get up a little before 6, try to make it to the gym by 6:15 and work out until 7. Then race home and try to get to work by 8:15!
Its only 45 min per morning, and we always take wednesdays off and then have a ‘big’ workout on saturday or sunday.
But I have to say the early morning thing-as much as I hate getting up-is the only way I’ve been able to keep a routine!

1/31/08 @ 11:55 am (reply)

15.

Guest

Trebuchet

I have to be at work at 8:15, and I’m up at 5:45. I definitely prefer the morning workouts, and I found that the best way to keep me motivated is to have my FH drive me to the gym on his way to his workout at 6. The gym is in our apt complex, so its a short walk back, but the accountability is what forces me to actually go. He then drives to another gym where his work buddies meet him - which has really helped him stick with it.

I also started wearing my workout clothes to bed…not very pretty, I know, but it works!

1/31/08 @ 12:02 pm (reply)

16.

Guest

Kyleigh

My hunnie and I go together. We started walking a few months ago, and walk a few evenings a week (when we can squeeze it in around our schedules *i work full time and 2 part time jobs. He works full time until 730pm and has baseball twice a week*) we go about three miles, and jog a bit when we can.

We recently started going to the gym on tuesday evenings and saturday and sunday (which are the only times we have together to really do anything) So we spend time together and get in shape for the wedding. He helps me with my form (because im gym-tarded) and i help motivate him when he’s ready to quit.

I can tell you, i keep that image of me in my strapless gown and then look in the mirror at the flabby arms ™ and it keeps my tuckus movin’

1/31/08 @ 12:10 pm (reply)

17.

Member

enmoore66 (message) 330 posts, Helper bee

I also agree mornings are the only way to go (run 6:30-7 with a neighbor). The night before I lay out my running clothes and pack a lunch. My motivation comes from a monthly contest with my FI (and now my neighbor has the contest with her husband): 30 minutes of continuous raised hearttate counts as 1 point. You can only get 1 point per day. Most points at the end of the month wins and chooses date (we will be seeing Juno this weekend!!!). Being that my FI, neighbor, her hubby, and I are all very competitive, this is working REALLY well.

One last suggestions, celebrate small victories. I wish I were running with the neighbor for an hour every morning, but 30 minutes is what we can fit it, and 30 minutes is better than nothing! (I’m also thinking of a once per week trainer…)

1/31/08 @ 12:32 pm (reply)

18.

Guest

davis2b

I’m a morning exerciser too! My husband and I get up around 5am and hit the gym for an hour. We try to go 4-5 times a week.

I hope I can hang in there. But it really helps to go with someone and we get to spend that time together. After work, I’m way to tired/lazy to even think about going. I’d rather get it out of the way!

Good luck!

1/31/08 @ 12:32 pm (reply)

19.

Member

GetMarried4Less (message) 911 posts, Busy bee

i have no secret. i am exhausted all the time. i commute 2.5 hours and work 8 hours a day. i dont know where to squeeze in a workout. i just want to sleep dammit!

but i’ve got to get it together. unlike you, i have a lot more that i want to lose……kinda like 30 lbs…and i could theoretically do it by my November 08 wedding. but freak! i am sooo tired. all. the. time.

1/31/08 @ 12:33 pm (reply)

20.

Member

styleish (message) 95 posts, Worker bee

I live by my outlook calendar. My phone is connected to my work e-mails and calendar so anytime anything happens it beeps. Well, I started scheduling time to go to the gym, so when I’m at work and my reminder pops up, even if I still have stuff to do, I leave and go to the gym for an hour and then go back to work. if I’m not at work and my phone beeps, I look and it says “GO TO THE GYM” which honestly works. Sometimes you get so lost in your day that you just need a reminder that going to the gym is a priority also. When my gym has classes that day I put it in my calendar “Step class” or “Yoga”.

Honestly though, it is one of those things that you have to make a priority. It sounds as though a lot of women *want* to do it, but there’s always something better to do. I make it a high priority to go to the gym. If my friends want to meet for a drink but I have a gym time scheduled on my calendar, I just ask them if we could push it back until 7pm or whenever so I know that I can work out and then still have time to meet them.

1/31/08 @ 12:42 pm (reply)

1 2 Last