How I’m Getting Back to My Happy Weight in 4 Minutes of Exercise a Day

8th April 2013

Today I weighed myself. I am just under a certain amount of stone for the first time in years and years and years (I wouldn’t mind saying what the weight is, but I don’t think it’s necessary). I know, I know, it’s not supposed to be about weight. But but but, I’m not an idiot. I know muscle weighs more than fat and I know not to be (too) disappointed if my weight is higher some days. But I want to check my weight every day sometimes because it shows me that I am progressing and even though I’m older now, I don’t see why I can’t get back to the happy weight I was ten years ago, before baby and before, well, I got old 😉

four minutes of exercise a day

I want to get in the best shape I’ve ever been in and apart from the pooch I really want to get rid of that’s still kind of there, I think I’m heading in the right direction. So…what am I doing?

I’m doing four minutes (yes, really) of exercise every day. I’ve only been doing it a few weeks after getting off track when I got poorly, and I’m already seeing and feeling a big difference.

I do 4 minutes of 8 reps. 20 seconds of cardio and then march it out for 10 seconds.

That’s it. For the cardio I do star jumps, jogging (lifting my legs up high), and bum kicks, but you can do whatever you want, as long as it gets your heart rate up.

I do it first thing in the morning in my bedroom while Ava plays around me. I think that probably helps as I’ve started off the day well and feel better for it, and am also more aware of what I’m eating and drinking (more water) throughout the rest of the day.

Most days I also do a few other exercises when and where I can fit them in and if I remember. I do sit-ups, squats, tricep dips (really want to get rid of the bingo wings) and punches. I’ll do some squats whilst Ava’s having her lunch, for example. And some tricep dips whilst she clambers all over me…

It’s really making a difference to my life already. I’ve got more energy on the days when I’ve had no sleep and should be collapsing on the floor, I’m automatically drinking more water because I’m thinking about it. And I don’t know if its just a coincidence, but I’m eating smaller portions too, and less chocolate!

I can see a difference in my body already, it’s more toned all over and I’ve lost weight, and my clothes feel looser. And a couple of days ago somebody noticed! Without me mentioning it! That made me a very happy bunny.

I also drink a warm (not hot) lemon water first thing every morning. It’s supposed to help you digest food better during the day and it helps your body be more alkaline (which is always good). I’ll often drink some during the day as well because I like it and I know it’s good for me.

I’m really excited that I’ve found something that I can actually fit in easily, even if A’s whinging at me; and even though it doesn’t feel like much, it really is making a difference. I’m so determined to feel comfortable if not completely confident in a bikini on holiday this year, and to actually be happy with my body for once. Now, to work on getting rid of that stubborn pooch….

(P.S I obviously also run around after a toddler all day as well which probably helps a bit, but I’ve only really started seeing a difference since I started doing the 4 minutes.)

How do you fit exercise into your busy life? Any tips?

8 responses to “How I’m Getting Back to My Happy Weight in 4 Minutes of Exercise a Day”

  1. Calico says:

    This is such a good idea! I am so not disciplined enough to join a gym (and go regularly) but 4 minutes a day is such an achievable goal. I am definitely going to try this 🙂 thanks! Calico x

  2. Thanks Calico! I’m not disciplined enough to go to the gym either but this is really working for me, and actually motivating me to do even more exercise and eat more healthily! Thanks for commenting 🙂 x

  3. Angi says:

    Gosh, and here I am doing 30-45 minutes of exercise every single day…haha! I should add this 4 minute routine into what I already do, I bet it would be a great boost!!

    • Oh now you’re making me feel bad!! I bet it would be a good boost though. Good for you, doing all that exercise! Seeing the diffence in my body already has got me motivated to do even more. Thanks for commenting Angi.

  4. Emily says:

    Right now I am doing an hour of walking a day (4 days a week average so far) with my 6mo old son in the carrier on the treadmill. I go when it’s around the time for his morning nap and he falls asleep when I start walking. I really wonder why I didn’t think of it sooner! I can tell the exercise is having a good effect on my mood already, if not my waistline quite yet.

    I also started tracking what I eat this week and that alone is making a WORLD of difference.

    I think I may start adding your routine to what I’m doing! Great ideas!

    • Thanks Emily! That is great idea and well done for finding a way to start exercise with a young baby, I really wish I’d started sooner. I think it usually takes time to notice the difference in our body which is annoying because it’s definitely motivating to see changes starting to happen!

  5. Jean says:

    It’s amazing how doing a little work on any big task helps us get going. I’m starting to get my health back tomorrow. This was inspiring. Thanks!

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