Writer's Butt vs Swimsuit Season

The battle is on!

So, it wasn't until writer friends started a crusade to stop the dreaded writer's butt that the light bulb went off over my head. This is precisely what has happened to me over the past year or so. I've spent more time sitting while writing. That might be why I had to buy new jeans this winter. Hmmm.

So, what to do?

I already eat pretty sensibly. I mean I do love my chocolate and all, but one square after lunch and dinner usually does it for my craving. Although I don't turn down a good cookie or brownie!

But seriously, what else to do?

I already read on my stationary bike in the mornings. Again this is a sitting activity, but I'm still burning calories!

I discovered one minute abs last summer and do them everyday. This means a reclined position on the floor with knees pointed at the ceiling, belly button pulled back to spine and torso rotating from left to right while holding an 8 pound weight with my hands vertical over my belly button. Seriously works! I have indents and the spot where the hourglass figure should be is still there. But the body is not what is was 10 years ago despite having active kids. Is this what just happens when you're 35?

I admit, I got lazy over the winter. I didn't want to exercise, so I didn't. I went into bear mode and stuffed myself for hibernation. You can see the problem there.

By March the reflection in the mirror wasn't pretty and I began thinking about the dreaded swimsuit season. Yes, I start thinking early. January when I've got my head on straight. Usually a look in the mirror is all the motivation I need. Not so this year.

So the crusade began.

I want to thank Authors Incognito and esp. the Queen of the Clan for getting me motivated again. My writing sessions now begin with a mandatory 15 minute walk. This is a good time to ponder, not think or lay out my writing for the day. And I'm not sitting!

Now, when my kids ask to go out and play I don't say no. I get out and go. And those T-ball practices aren't spent solely in the chair. I attempt to teach K how to throw and catch. This means I chase a lot of balls for half the time.

Also, I've attacked the yard. Dandelions, weeds, sawing down the wretched honeysuckle, etc. They say it burns calories and builds muscle. We'll see. At least the yard looks better!

Lastly, I got back to making the work outs fun. This means going to Zumba once a week every week and partying it up with C in the mornings doing Just Dance 3.

I sighed when the budget caused me to pass up the great pole dancing deal for May and June. Plus with the kids activities I knew I'd be just too busy to make it as often as I wanted. So, that's on the back burner for now.

I've added my long wanted Pilates videos to my wish list. Soon, soon, they will be in my hands, I hope.

One more thing I hope will help is being part of Oliver! The Musical portraying Nancy. This means more time on my feet and dancing. Not to mention stretching my vocal chords, acting skills and fighting off the Mommy brain! Thanks to my hubby and kids for sacrificing time with me so I can be back doing something I love to do!

Oh and I finished writing romance novel #3 this week so I won't be writing over the summer. Can't get writer's butt if you're not writing! Although, I will be editing and prepping to query.

I'm looking forward to getting back in the pool this summer for the exercise. Maybe I'll work up to 300 M. But, even with the extra effort, I know I won't be rockin' the suit this summer even though I'll be wearing it. Oh well, there's always next year!

Maybe I just need to live somewhere where it's warm all year round so I feel motivated to be active. Hmmm.

SO, that's what I'm doing. What do you do to stay motivated and fit?