A Mommy Story

Thank you to Best Buy for sponsoring today’s post.

This is usually the time of year where I decide I’ve had my fill of the holiday desserts and slacking off on exercise and rededicate myself to healthy living again. I do this every year. Some people have New Year’s Resolutions. For me, I call the period between Halloween and early January my “hibernation” period, when I stop calorie counting and just enjoy the holiday treats, and then get back on track in January.

I usually gain a few pounds over the holidays, but it’s rarely more than five, and I consider that time off a sanity check for myself. I want to take care of myself, but a free period where I can loosen the rules makes keeping on track the rest of the year much easier.

But this year, it’s a little harder for me. First, it’s been cold. I haven’t wanted to switch into workout clothing when it’s chilly downstairs each morning. Staying in warm, fuzzy layers is far more comfortable. And when it’s this cold, I have the urge to eat, especially warm foods.

It’s also been hard due to my shoulder injury. Normally I’d pull out a Jillian Michaels workout or Bar Method DVD, but the limited motion and pain in my left shoulder means no full-body workouts for now.

I’m not giving up, though. There’s still one thing I can fall back on: walking. Well, walking indoors at least. The snow and cold outside make it hard to go walking outdoors, so I’m grateful for our treadmill. Even if it takes up far too much space in our living room, it makes it possible to get my body moving no matter the weather.

hello, old friend

So I started last week, walking for 15 minutes in the morning, my Fitbit One clipped to my shirt. I quickly discovered how out of shape I was. Just 15 minutes at 3.5mph left me sweating and out of breath. I had to back the speed down to 2.8mph at one point. Ugh…this is going to be more difficult than usual.

The first day, I was truly disappointed at how few steps I got in, and yet how tired I felt. But I did it again the next day, this time adding in a little motivation: music.

I love listening to music when I walk or run. Every 5K I’ve done required my earbuds and music to get through it. The music takes my mind off of the chore of a workout, off the monotony of my feet plodding along, and the right tune can lift my spirit and give me the energy and confidence to push myself further. Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity and duration of a workout by as much as 15%, and I’m proof of that.

The second day, I continued to just walk, but I was able to stay over 3mph. My overall step count for the day was a little higher, according to my Fitbit One. As long as I don’t swing my arms too much, I can walk comfortably with minimal pain in my shoulder.

After a week, I’m back up to my normal walking speed and can go 30 minutes without any trouble. Next week, I’m hoping to start couch-to-5k again, with the goal of eventually running a 5K again this summer. Before I start running again, though, I’m going to need some new earbuds. Mine are fine for walking, but they always fall out of my ears when running, and it drives me nuts. I jam them in their tighter, but it only makes my ears hurt.

I’m eying pair of yurbuds for my next earbuds – the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless Sport Earphones are my dream choice. They’re ergonomically designed for comfort and exceptional fit, while boasting superior audio quality and durability. With Bluetooth, I don’t have to worry about cords, and the battery has a 6 hour life before needing to be recharged. I’m curious as to how their TwistLock™ Technology keeps the earbuds from falling out – I apparently have weird ears, and would love earbuds that stay in place without hurting.

Anything that would make my workouts easier, less painful, and would keep my music going is a winner to me. I really can’t wait to buy them and see how well they live up to their promise. Best Buy is currently offering 20% off of any yurbuds purchase, in-store or online. They’re also giving you $5 Best Buy gift card for any qualifying Health & Fitness product purchase at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty store. If you’re in the market for a new Fitbit or Jawbone Up, Best Buy has a great selection.

My next fitness update should be amusing, if the running goes poorly. As I mentioned, I’m more out of shape than usual, so even the first day of couch-to-5K may be tough for me. Let’s hope that I can turn up the music a little louder and boost my run a little more than 15%.

Oh, and the music I’m using to get me through a workout now? Here’s a sampling of my favorite songs to walk/run to:

“Roar” – Katy Perry
“Alone Together” – Fall Out Boy
“Feel This Moment” – Pitbull (& Christina Aguilera)
“Some Nights” – Fun.
“Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
“I Love It” – Icona Pop
“Let it Go” – from Frozen
“The Monster” – Eminem (& Rihanna)
“Princess of China” – Coldplay & Rihanna
“Raise Your Glass” – P!nk

What are your favorite songs to listen to while working out? I’m always looking for new songs to add to my list!

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Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. And while I appreciate compensation for talking about getting back in shape, I was already back on the treadmill and using my Fitbit for my health, not for a gift card.