How Erika Does…Exercise

Happy Wednesday!

This was one of the most asked questions I received from my survey several months ago.  

What does my exercise regimen look like?

Last week, I tried to document my workouts to share with you.

Monday-I hit up my favorite workout class.  This class is a core and weights type of workout.  I forgot to take a picture, so I used one from the week before.  🙂

Tuesday-I went for a quick run before getting the kiddos up for school.  This is not my norm.  I usually go to a cardio class at the gym on Wednesdays and this particular week I couldn’t go Wednesday.  I fit in a little run on Tuesday instead.

Wednesday-I did absolutely NOTHING physically active.  #keepinitreal

Thursday-One of my favorite ways to work out at home is with a video.  I’m one of those people who doesn’t like spending too much time during a workout.  The quicker, the better!  At home, I start thinking about doing a load of laundry or emptying the dishwasher instead of finishing my sets of squats.  So-videos with an instructor telling me what to do is the way for me to go!  Lately, I’ve been working out to Jillian Michaels’ videos.  I put it on my computer while I have this on the television…
Real Housewives!  
That’s killing two birds with one stone!  haha!  The show helps keep my mind off of my inability to breathe.  #winwin

Friday-I forgot a picture, but I met a friend and we went for a long walk.

On the weekends, I’m kind of hit or miss.  If I haven’t done much during the week, then I’ll make it happen on the weekend. My go-to weekend workout is a Pinterest workout or a video.

A couple things…
*I’m not a fitness guru by any means.
*I have some weeks I’m a rockstar with my work outs and other weeks I hardly get to the gym.
*I give myself a lot of grace-it’s more about being healthy and active.
*I want my kiddos to see a mom who’s healthy.  That’s my goal!
*I think it’s important to find things we enjoy (that keep us moving) and do those!  I tend to get bored doing the same thing over and over.  My classes at the gym help with that…the instructor is always changing it up so I never know what’s coming.
*My goal is 4-5 days a week do something physically active.
*I think every stage of life is different-right now at this stage I fit work outs in when I can while staying at home with Bowen, carpooling, shuttling kids to different activities, and working from home.  When all my kiddos are in school, I’m sure I’ll spend more days at the gym, but for now-this is my schedule.

What about you?  What do you do to stay healthy?  

Today, I’m off to the gym.  Gotta get movin’!
XOXO

Leave a Comment

43 Comments

  1. 9.21.16
    A Gal Named Al said:

    If you like short videos, check out PopSugar Fitness videos on YouTube, especially those hosted by Anna Renderer. She's a great motivator. I do Jillian sometimes too but Jillian is aggressive and not as great of a motivator as she could be.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Thanks so much for the recommendation! I'll check those out ASAP!

  2. 9.21.16
    Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said:

    So my neighbor and I have been doing one of the workouts from T-25 every day. One day cardio, the next day strength training, and back and forth. You know me, I usually don't start this until January, so I'm pretty proud of myself for doing it already!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      I'm proud of you too!! I thought that sounded funny when you told me you were about to work out yesterday! You'll be so glad you didn't wait!

  3. 9.21.16
    Danielle said:

    Loved this post! My son Ryan will be two in November and I am currently expecting a little girl in January! I also teach full time so needless to say I seem to never fit in a workout! How did you find the time to squeeze in a workout when your kids were so young?! The struggle is real!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      When my kiddos were young, the gym was my only "me" time so I always made time for the gym! Ha! But I have no clue how full time mamas find time for that. Can anyone help us out with good advice?

    • 9.21.16
      Elaine Welte said:

      When I had one child I would hit up the gym after work. It helped that I was off by 3:30 and we lived in a small town and could be at the gym by 4. I would do one class and we'd be home by 5:15. When I was pregnant, I was way too tired!! With two kids, I was working part time and would go while they were in daycare. With three kids, well- it rarely happens. I try to run a few nights a week when my husband gets home.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Thanks, Elaine!

    • 9.22.16
      The McCaleb Family said:

      I'm a single mom now and teach PE full time. I wake up at 445 and do a YouTube workout before school. It's early but it's worth it. I like Popsugar and HIIT workouts!

  4. 9.21.16
    Unknown said:

    Hi Erika! Which Jillian videos do you like?? Thanks! Emily

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      The shorter, the better-I like her 30-day Shred videos. She keeps them u see 30 minutes but they have good variety.

  5. 9.21.16
    Jordan said:

    I love reading what other people are doing! I'm on round 2 of Country Heat; it's a super fun country line dancing program through BeachBody!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      I'd probably love that. I MIGHT have take square dancing/line dancing in college and LOVED it! Ha!

  6. 9.21.16
    Anonymous said:

    This was a great post, I love hearing about other mommas workout routines. After my marathon training is over I plan to change up my routine to different types workouts during the week-to keep from workout boredom! Have a happy Wednesday!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      I feel that workout boredom pain! It happens to us all!

  7. 9.21.16
    Anonymous said:

    Such a great post! I'm lucky if I hit the gym twice a week, but I need to check out those Jillian Michaels videos! 30 minutes sounds just about perfect! 🙂

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      You know me-halfway through class I'm ready to go so they're the perfect amount of time. Ha!

  8. 9.21.16
    Jill said:

    I'm a 5 a.m.er…either at the gym, on long walks solo, or long walks with a friend. With two kids, a full-time job, and a husband who works long hours, 5 a.m. is what works with my schedule. I love the early mornings, and they start my day off just right.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Thanks, Jill!!

    • 9.21.16
      Jen said:

      Same here. I get up at 415 for 5am Crossfit classes. Its the only way to fit it in since both my husband and I work.

    • 9.21.16
      Aja said:

      I'm also up at 4:45am for a 5:30 boot camp class. People think I'm crazy for it because I am a SAHM and all my kids are school aged, but it works for me. I love my trainer and the class and it's super hard for me to get motivated to workout after I drop my kids at school. There's always something else around the house I can do to put working out off. So my class is the key for me!

  9. 9.21.16
    Rachel dyan Hancock said:

    What exactly is a pinterest workout?

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      If you search Pinterest for workouts, there are tons. They range from cardio to just weights to everything in between. Most of them are just a graphic with what to do listed. There are usually several exercises and then it might say repeat two or three times. My problem is I never want to repeat. Ha!

  10. 9.21.16
    Elizabeth said:

    For about three weeks I was really good about doing a home workout right after putting my baby girl to bed… And then she started waking up during the night 🙄 So I started going to bed right away and now I need to figure something out because just going for walks isn't cutting it for me! Thanks for sharing!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Oh girl! I feel for you! But it will get easier!

  11. 9.21.16
    Meagan @ The Clanahan Fam said:

    I'm super impressed you can do it by video! I have zero self motivation to work out at home. I must pay someone to kick my bootie every day 🙂 But you're definitely right on the kid thing – it's been SO good to have my kids see Matt and I doing something active every day. They are working on perfecting their burpees currently, ha!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Hilarious! I bet they both have good burpees. 🙂

  12. 9.21.16
    Kelly S said:

    I suggest Fitness Blender (on You Tube) GREAT GREAT short and specific workouts. Usually 10 min. or 20 min long. You can find squat videos, arm workouts, all kinds. You can NEVER get bored with these, because there are so many kinds to do. I love them and have been doing them for years.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      I'm gonna check those out. Thank you!!

  13. 9.21.16
    Allyson said:

    I and my husband work full time and have two boys- ages 2 and 5. I run 5 days a week at 4:30 AM and do a workout class one night a week. As a mom I think it is important to make time for yourself and for exercise. I have many mornings I would love to sleep in, but never regret a great run or workout. When my husband is deployed or away for work I run on my lunch breaks. I have to keep training for my upcoming marathons.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      That's awesome! Way to go, Mama!

  14. 9.21.16
    Shelly @ The Queen in Between said:

    I definitely think putting things in perspective and setting a good example for your kids on what BALANCE looks like is key. I definitely have to exercise and eat healthy to keep my weight in check but I try not to make that the focus.

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Great words, Shelly! Thanks for sharing!

  15. 9.21.16
    Lauren Gillaspie said:

    I'm not sure if Camp Gladiator is in McKinney, but I'm in Keller and I get my workouts in before the husband leaves for work! I love love love CG and HIGHLY recommend it if its in your area!! Its a community in itself, love CG and my CG family!

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      Yes! I have friends that do Camp Gladiator and love it! It's all about finding what works for you!

  16. 9.21.16
    Olivia at Joyfully Prudent said:

    I am 100% a gym girl! I have tried working out at home and it just doesn't happen…I think because I'm a stay at home mom I do everything else at home…I like to escape, plus I'm obsessed with lifting weights so the gym has everything. I want to try a class at my gym once a week but I'm a little scared to go in alone 🙂 #introvert

    • 9.21.16
      Erika Slaughter said:

      I remember that feeling. Only a couple weeks of awkwardness and then you'll meet people. You can do it! 🙂

  17. 9.21.16
    Leigh (Balancing By Faith) said:

    Ha, I did yoga while watching the Real Housewives this morning! So zen! 🙂 Your workouts sound like mine – the more variety the better!

  18. 9.21.16
    Lindsay's Sweet World said:

    I loooove Jillian Michaels! I always feel like her workouts are my best workouts! She will kick your booty for sure!

  19. 9.21.16
    Casey said:

    I have done the Sworkit app on on my iPad. You can choose how long you want to do it and what kind of workout you want to do. It worked pretty good when I actually did it, ha!

  20. 9.21.16
    Megan said:

    I love Jillian videos.

  21. 9.22.16
    KJJ Houston said:

    Inspiration!!

  22. 9.28.16
    Unknown said:

    Erika, I saw that you mentioned Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, so I amazon primed it and did my second day today and cant walk at all ! ha – im hoping it gives easier, but dear gosh my body is SORE!! I usually run and thought i was in pretty good shape, but now i wondering what it's like to actually walk normal and not be in pain. I guess thanks? for the recommendation. 🙂