Page 12 of Big Girls Do It Stronger

Chapter 8

I’ve Got 99 Problems and Burpees Are About 90 of Them

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”

—Billie Jean King

Let me tell you a tiny secret: I’m not Wonder Woman. In fact, most days I feel like a great big fuck-up. I think this is a pretty normal feeling for most American women these days.

There’s just so much to do, right? We have to go to work, raise amazing kids, give our husbands the best sex, help at the kids’ schools, volunteer at church, bake a cake for the fundraiser for abused animals, grocery shop (for me this activity alone takes a full day), keep your house looking like an HGTV crew could visit for an on-the-spot interview at any time, keep the kids clean ... and now Jasinda wants me to find time to work out? Do something just for me?

Yeah, I know, I get it.

Our workouts need to be quick and dirty. I know time is precious, but I also know we can find time. Sometimes Jack and I get up before the kids to get a workout in. Sometimes we have to skip watching an episode ofReal Housewives—I know, I know—just to make time for a workout. I personally prefer to do five workouts of 30–60 minutes each week. Sometimes we go hard with weights, and sometimes we just do a nice walk or run. There’s no one-size-fits-all,ever, so do what makes you feel good.

The purpose of this book is two things: One, to encourage you. Two, to create a simple, no gym experience so strong that in 30 days you’ll feel you can do this health and strength journey after all. I really think sometimes it just takes someone telling you that youcanto make all the difference.

Here are some time tricks I’ve found that help with my busy life; I’m going to call them #WilderWay fitness hacks.

Walk whenever you can.

If you’re going to the store, park in the farthest spot from the door, not the closest.

Make a goal of doing some sort of squat or lunge each time you go to the bathroom—usually I try to do at least 10 of something. And, yes, you might look silly if someone catches you, but just think about how freaking amazing that butt is going to look!

Make exercise a family activity—maybe you have a backyard where you can do some jumping jacks and sit-up challenges with your kids, or just move the couch and coffee table out of the way, whatever it takes!

When you carry your kids to bed, try to use your muscles and fully engage your body.

I know these things seem very minor but they add up. And hey—have you signed up for your next 5K?

Here are a few other easy ideas:

Speed-walk or power-lunge through the kitchen.

Get down on the floor and play with the kids.

Carry heavy things like groceries and lift them as you carry them inside.

Flex those glute muscles regularly.

Plank—I try to do three reps (repetitions) of one minute each before I shower.

50 sit-ups/pushups before bed (this is especially fun with wine and a friend).

Walk the dog.

Squat!

Join a team! My husband really enjoyed subbing for an adult softball team over the summer.

Get a wearable movement tracker and challenge your colleagues, friends, and/or family to movement goals.

Run or walk while the kids are at dance or sport practice—I found that walking the track while my son was at football practice was a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Remember, any movement counts. It’s best to try and get that heart rate up periodically even if you need to take breaks. Heck, even seasoned and conditioned athletes take breaks. It’s Okay!

Sometimes, when my husband tells me about our next day’s workout, my first response is: “no freaking way I can do that!” There are always going to be days like that, but as long as you make an effort each day, be proud of yourself. I also think it’s super helpful to have a friend, husband, wife, or child to work out with. Jack or Nanny Karri (now, my sister-in-law) are my usual workout partners. They’re always so encouraging, and they push me to keep going when I want to give up ... which is pretty much every set.