Like many middle aged women who spend too much time sitting in front of the computer rather than being out in the world, the size of my behind (not to mention the rest of me) has managed to become larger.
While I knew that I needed to lose the weight I made a decision that I needed to grow my business before I could worry about shrinking my butt. It just seemed like I only had so much mental energy to spend and I wanted to spend it all on building my business.
Then about six weeks ago my mom decided she needed to get in shape and joined the Y. Wanting to support her, I started attending with her. I had no particular goals, I just worked out when she did.
Now since I’m not retired I’m not spending two hours a day six days a week at the Y like my mom is. However, an interesting thing has happened in the last six weeks. I’ve gone from nearly drowning while swimming 12 lengths, to whipping through 40 lengths in no time flat. My favorite dress pants now fit me again, and even a little loose.
But the exciting and surprising thing is the effect on my business. Although I’m taking a couple of hours in the middle of the day two or three times a week, I’m getting way more done. I’m more focused, more excited about my business and have more energy throughout the day.
Who knew?
Okay, probably lots of people knew but apparently I didn’t.
So the moral of the story is I just needed to get moving. Setting goals for losing weight or getting in shape seems overwhelming, but hitting the pool and the gym with my mom is easy.
This is a mistake I won’t make again. I feel too good and my business is thriving.
Andrea Stenberg
Please leave a comment and share your thoughts and experiences around keeping fit while running a business.
Apparently suggestions from your husband don’t count… 🙂 Glad you are doing it though.
I hear ya! I did the same thing. Doing yoga is so good for by body & spirit and I love it. Yet, I stopped to work more. Then forgot it. A friend convinced me to do a few poses for my achy back from sitting all day– now I’m hooked again.
Doing the crane pose requires balance and focus- Doh just like my biz. Mastering poses helps me master things like doing an editorial calendar; I see my growth & that fuels more!
Thanks for getting me to connect the dots & happy new you!
Wow, what a great reminder! I keep saying I don’t have the time, but whenever I take the time I am much less stressed, , more focused, get more done in less time too. I won’t say I’ve seen much or a physical change, since my exercise still isn’t a daily habit (and sometimes just consists of walking around outside for 30 minutes) but then, who knows what my butt wold look like if I DIDN’T do even that?
🙂
What I like about your article is reframing time spent on fitness as an investment in your business. If I think about it that way, can I really afford NOT to do it?
Thanks for the much-needed kick in the you-know-what.
Lisa
I know EXACTLY what you mean. I started back to working out just before the New Year and guess what? I have a two pack that’s slowly developing. I’m well aware of the effects of working your body and jump starting your brain. The issue is getting started and maintaining the momentum.
Congrats to you and keep up the good work.
Warmly,
Lu Sabal
Who knew?
Okay, probably lots of people knew but apparently I didn’t.
I loved that bit, it made me laugh! Yes, my butt has expanded since I started my own business. Thanks for the inspiration!
Who knew that taking a break and investing in ourselves would be so energizing.
Glad to hear that you’re not drowning any more either. That made my day!
‘m right there with you! Starting walking again and what took me forever to do a mile I can finally do 3 miles in under an hour. Yeah for me. Yeah for YOU. and Yeah for your mom!
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have even better news. I had to buy a new bathing suit and I went from a size 22 to a size 18! Now my mom and I are having a competition to see who can get into a size 14 first!
And I’m still getting more work done in my business.
I don’t go to the gym but have retained the practice of taking time out for an hours walk each day.
Having a dog and knowing that I get time out to listen to an audio book for an hour have been added incentives to get out there.
And yes I have read studies that ‘exercise’ and ‘time out’ really get those creative juices flowing again.