My New Exercise Program: Running and Kettlebells

Today is my second day of running... again. I stopped running during both my pregnancies because I couldn't do ANYTHING during those first three months, and by the time I felt better I decided to walk for the rest of the pregnancies. My most recent baby, Cedar, turned a year old this month, and I finally feel like I want to run again. I'll bet it has to do with warmer weather. I enjoy getting outside, quieting my mind, and moving my body. I like the feeling of my body having worked itself. And I like the idea that it might help me get my pre-pregnancy body back.

For the last six or eight months I've been working out in my home with kettlebells. Kettlebelling has been an great way of exercising for me because I get the benefits of a workout that builds strength, improves flexibility and balance, and gets my heart rate moving, all in the comfort and warmth of my home. With a new baby this past year, I never knew when I would be able to find a free chunk of time to exercise, I didn't want to bring a small baby outside if the weather was bad, and with two kids it was even more challenging to figure out how to go for a run. During that time of new baby balance, kettlebelling was quite a fit-- it only takes 20 minutes to get a great workout, it is quiet, it requires one or two small pieces of equipment, and I can do it while the kids are asleep.

For now my choice is to get the benefit of both of these workouts by alternating days of kettlebelling and running. Matt does kettlebelling and running in the same workout, but I know I only have so many minutes to exercise before my kids are needing things, so I'll stick with a smaller, more realistic time committment. I know I'll learn many things about myself, my ability to stay motivated and disciplined, my tendency to turn everything I do into a "have to" rather than a "want to", and the way in which I come back to purpose and choice. I'll also learn some new techniques and successes with running that I'll share over time.

Here is an idea of what it looks like to kettlebell:



What is your favorite way to exercise? How is it for you if you have time constraints or children?


Related posts/links:
The Russian Kettlebell Challenge- this guy is totally macho, but he is the premier source of information and instruction on kettlebells.
Running Barefoot- I haven't tried it yet but Matt is into it.
Chi Running- I also haven't tried this yet but I am wanting to learn how.
Confessions of a Mother
Health Checklist