Any Suggestions?

Does anybody have any ideas the best way to exercise and how to start so it will become a habit. I don't have a gym pass, I have a treadmilland a wii fit, bender ball and videos but for the life of me I can't get myself motivated to exercise. I have a busy life but need to take more time out for myself. Any suggestions? -Carpenter Bee
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'd suggest baby steps.When I first thought about going to the gym and working out regularly, I got intimidated and would eventually flake out. When I set a more realistic goal to start working out, for example I first just needed to start working out. So I made a goal to go to the gym for at least 30 mins for a week (5 days I said at first) no matter what. It was hard but I figured I could do 5 days. And I did, I'd take my kids to school in my gym clothes and head straight to the gym after dropping them off. After I finished my set of 5 days, I found myself having more energy and and eating healthier came naturally because I didn't want to waste my workout efforts. Listening to music helps pass the time when you have a routine set. -Camel Cricket
...............................................................................................
Okay- I have four kiddos and life is insane but I am faithful at exercising. (When I'm not sick like this week ;0$ .) What has worked best for me is to do it with a friend. I have a neighbor that is one of my best friends and we get together Mon, Wed, and Friday from 6:30-7:30 a.m.. We set our alarms for 10 minutes before, so we don't look cute or anything but we get to work out and chat. I don't hit the snooze button or skip "just today" when I know she's waiting for me. We have a clubhouse so sometimes we go there to do the treadmills or ellipticals but most of the time we are in my family room doing dvds. I have lots but one of my favorites right now is Jillian Michael's 3-2-1 workout (from Biggest Loser). She does 3 minutes of weight training, 2 minutes of (kick-your-butt) cardio then 1 minute of abs and cycles through that several times. There are various levels of difficulty but it only takes a half-hour and I feel awesome when I'm done. It's a really great workout for such a short amount of time. I also try to do yoga or pilates some of the other days that I don't workout with my friend. Good luck! - Treehopper
----------------------------------------------------------
My biggest suggestion for you that I have applied to myself is that you have to schedule it in and commit to that time. I would say that 75% of the women I know work out early in the morning before their husband leaves for work. That way, they work out while the children are asleep and then they have the entire rest of the day to do whatever they need to accomplish. I am reading a book right now called "Eat that Frog" by Brian Tracy and it is a book about time management. He says the thing that you least want to do or your biggest challenge needs to be the first thing done in the day. Some women hate waking up early in the morning and all I have to say to that is there is great wisdom in the "early to bed, early to rise" saying. If you work out early in the morning you also rev up your metabolism for the rest of the day. Also, weight lifting is another easier, low intesity work out that can be done from your home. I like it because I can take my time and I am not as out of breath doing it. Best part of weight lifting is that it continues to burn calories for the entire day. I say cheers to you for starting this program and wanting to get your self healthier. Exercising is part of a healthy body and the endorphins you will feel from it will become addicting. Your body will crave exercise, I know it sounds weird but you do. Your doing great! Get out there and take care of yourself and you will feel better and that will make you a better woman/wife/mom! - Greasy Butterfly

..................................................................................
I know life is so crazy and busy. I am in your same boat. I have a treadmill and Wii fit. I also have a gym membership, but have serious issues about leaving my children, and by the time Greg gets home from work, I am way too tired. So, I have been contemplating the same thing for when I start on Monday. I have come to the conclusion that as much as it sucks to get up early, before your children, that is the best time. That is what I am going to try. Otherwise, I could find a dozen excuses as to why I don't have time or can't. My son has pre-school 3 days a week. I teach 20 piano students. I do photoshoots. I have a house to clean, laundry to do, bills to pay, dishes to load & unload, I am so tired. Well, I am so tired all of the time. The treadmill was given to us, and isn't set up ... I can't do it myself. We got a Wii for Christmas, but I don't know how to use it. But really, when is any of that going to change? And, I cannot learn anything if I don't ask for help. You just need to make up your mind that you are going to do it ... and then do it. ~Natalie