Fitness Regime: Workouts

I know nothing about workouts.  NOTHING.  I have always been of the mind that if it hurts, it's good.  And since everything hurt, it didn't really matter what I did.  In college I went to the gym every morning for a good stretch.  I would do the treadmill for 20 minutes (fast walking - I don't run), do random weights for ten, and then go home feeling very good about myself...but not like I was making much difference.  So this time around, I need a more directed, specialized approach.

I am not a gym member for several reasons, but the primary one is that it doesn't matter where you go - IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE!  I know I am the cheapest person alive, but I can't bring myself to fork over $39.99 a month to have strangers watching me attempt to exercise.  I'm self-conscious enough by merely exercising.  Let's get real.

So here are some of the ideas I've been tossing around:

1. Planking.  Planking is something I read about over at the Domestic Wannabe.  Basically, you spend a starting amount of time in a plank on Day 1 and build from there.  I've been doing it (off and on) for about two weeks now, though it's more like an if-I-happen-to-remember kind of thing.  I like this because it's quick and it's supposed to work your core without killing your back, though so far it's my arms that are killing me.  I'm only up to a minute, but I can feel myself getting better!
2. Walking.  We live in a beautiful park and I have a lovely (and extremely expensive - though of course I got it used) double-jogger.  I plan to be out walking at least 3-4 days a week.  My children enjoy it and it's quality time with them outdoors AND it's a work out.  Win win.
3. Hot Yoga-ing.  I loved hot yoga when I did it a few months back.  I was really apprehensive but it was SO great and a real work out.  There are multiple classes every day and sign-up is online.  I am really excited about this possibility!
4. 30 Day Shred.  If you haven't heard of the 30 Day Shred, this link is the journal of a woman (who is clearly way fitter than me) who attempted the 30 days, 10 days at each level.  I did this regularly for awhile a few years ago, and I got pretty good at level 1.  I did level 2 a few times, but I never attempted level 3.

The hangups are in the logistics of #s 3 & 4:

1.  Time.  I am thinking the Shred will be perfect for nap time.  The kids will be down for at least an hour and a half (but mine usually sleep about three), and that will be plenty of time to work out and clean up.  As for yoga, my husband just got a new job (YAAAAAAY! More on that later) which effectively nixes my plan to do yoga 3 mornings a week at 6 AM.  He's going to be leaving the house before I can get back home, and since we have two slumbering little ones, we will have to come up with another plan.  I could always go in the evenings, but that has always been our family time together.  My other option is to try to find someone to watch the kids during the day, but that hikes up the
2. Price.  The Shred is free - I bought it used on Amazon for super cheap.  Yoga is pricy - WAY more expensive than a gym membership.  But I like it and will do it.  My husband said we would figure out a way to pay for it, and lo and behold, he got a job!  Price is less of an issue now, and honestly, I'm investing in something with a very valuable return, so I think we are both willing to spend the extra money.
3. My back.  Ever since the birth of my last child, my lower back has been in moderate pain.  I have seen doctors and even received a cortezone (sp? spell check didn't recognize it) shot, but it still hurts.  I am hopeful that exercise will help, not harm.
4. My hatred of exercise.  I seriously hate to work out.  HATE it.
5. My obsession with time management.  I think it's safe to call this an obsession.  I am constantly thinking about how I can save time.  Exercise takes time.  In the summer, I have it, though it seems to fill up pretty quickly.

Right now, my work-in-progress schedule looks like this:

1. Take the Plank-A-Day Challenge.  Roll out of bed first thing in the morning and up my time by 5 seconds a day or so.
2. Do the Shred for all the 30 days of June, even when we go out of town.
3. Try to do yoga 4 times a week in the evenings.
4. Walk with the kids at least 3 days a week.

This will make for a pretty active lifestyle compared to the one I am currently living, but I've started easing into the above schedule, with the goal that it will be in full swing by June 1.

Next up: my diet.