As a kid, I never thought of bike riding as exercise. I grew up in the 1980s, when kids went outside to play and barely stayed indoors for much. Mind you this is way before the internet, technology, video games or social media ruled.
I was always on the slender and petite side and when puberty hit I remember for the first time actually having some meat on my bones and actual curves, too. I was not a fan though of feeling overweight and quickly found exercise, mainly cardio in the form of Cindy Crawford’s Workout VHS. Yes, society does put this pressure on women, especially teens to look a certain way and I definitely felt this pressure (real or imagined).
This was before I had suffered from sciatica and way before I even met Kevin or had my girls. I did get into shape and was proud to wear belly tee-shirts back when they were in style with my flat tummy. Those were the days!!
Flash forward to getting pregnant with Emma and the first few months after having her was the first time in my life that I actually was overweight. I started to wonder what I could do to lose the weight, but very quickly got a nice surprise in the form of my second pregnancy with Lily.
About 10 minutes after I gave birth to Lily, I remember sitting in the hospital bed and my delivery nurse marveling that other than a little pouch you would never know I had just given birth or had been 9 months pregnant a few short minutes ago and how other women would envy me. Yes, she actually said this to me and I am not going to lie, but tell you I loved hearing that. I mean who wouldn’t love to hear that they looked great after just delivering a 7 pound and change baby!
Only a few short days after giving birth to her, I was back in my larger pre-pregnancy clothes. And at my 6 week checkup, I had lost all the baby weight, but was still technically overweight, because I had been a few pounds overweight when I first got pregnant with Emma and then Lily, as well.
My first thought was exercise and I wanted to start immediately after that appointment. Anyone who has had a vaginal delivery knows, the six week checkup is where you get the Ok to begin exercise again.
My Friend The Exercise BikeSo, my parents had gotten a stationary bike at some point previous to this. Most who know me and follow me, do know that we share a house with them. So, the bike just happens to be upstairs in their part of the house. Might be a bit boring, but it was truly convenient for me!!
See my kids love being around my parents during the day on any given day (Nannie and Poppy can do no wrong). So, when I want to use the bike they usually come up with me and play while I get to do a bit of exercise. Back then it was just Emma, who was mobile at around 18 months old. She would sit and play in the room while I did the bike or hang out my Nannie and Poppy. Lily was a baby and I would put her in her bouncy seat in the room with me.
It actually worked and I was back to what I weighed when we got married that summer and actually had maintained that weight continuing to workout through the following year.
But then last summer came and we started walking in the neighborhood in the evenings with the kids in the wagon, which was also a great workout. But I started getting lax with the bike, because of that. It was fine, because our walks were still enough.
And then the fall hit, Hurricane Sandy and the holidays, too. And as you already know, i gained over 10 pounds in only 2 short months. Not that I look awful, but need to tone up again, so what did I do?
I turned to my trusted friend the exercise bike (yes bike riding really does work) and now have been doing this for a little less than 2 months. I get to do anywhere from 30 minutes to 50 minutes depending on my kids attention span, but every little bit does help. And I have lost about 3 pounds in total and feel a bit more firm already. It is only March, but with the help of the bike and possibly walks too as the weather improves, I hope to be in back in shape real soon now!!
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Janine Huldie says
Lol, Richard. I forgot about the bike for a bit and there could have been dust growing on it, but I am trying to mend my ways and fingers crossed now. Thanks!! π
Stephanie Jankowski says
I bought a spinner and loved it. For a little while. Now we hang our pool towels on it to dry in the summer. HA! I do need to slim down, though, so thanks for the resource π
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure Stephanie and trust me other places have found a home for stuff like that!! And isn't pool weather here unfortunately, so that is a non-issue right now!!
The Next Step says
okay, I admit it – I actually exercised on purpose last week. I took my girls to a "jumpy place" that had recently done a renovation and had added 3 exercise bikes for the parents. 30 minutes a week is enough, right? (we are going back today)
Janine Huldie says
That is awesome Lori and so wish we lived closer. Would so go with you on that one!! π
Pete says
Great post Janine, Now if only you could find one with a keyboard on the handlebars so you could write while you were on it!
Janine Huldie says
Oh my god that would so be my dream, lol! How did you know!! I actually read blogs on my iPhone sometimes while I am on there, does that count Pete?? π
erintheirishmama says
I give you credit, I could never do the bike. That and the eliptical are my enemies! You are doing great!!!!!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Erin and seriously do love it and as Pete said I can still surf the web via my trusty iPhone while doing it!! π
Meredith says
Go you, Janine, for sticking to it like this! And I love you a little more now that I know you owned that workout video–I remember it!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Meredith and so glad someone actually does remember that VHS, because when I was writing this i thought know would. I was also shocked that I found a picture of it on Google, lol!! π
Dani Ryan says
3 lbs! Nicely done! After 6+ weeks of going to the gym religiously, I've gained 4+ lbs, and I'm not happy about it!
Funny, after my daughter was born and we got home from the hospital, I stepped on the scale thinking I would've lost AT LEAST 10 lbs of my baby weight. She weighed 6 lbs, and there was all the fluid and blood, right? WRONG! I had only lost 4 lbs after 2 days. Imagine how mortified I was?! But breastfeeding cut that down really, really fast. Sometimes I wish I never weaned her! π
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dani, but I have been fluctuating a pound or two either direction every week. I feel like it is definitely water weight and I get a few good weeks and then I am PMSing again. So I sometimes feel I can't win for trying. But I am at least trying. So as a teacher, I would give myself A for effort at least, lol!! As for breast feeding, I was so jealous of all those who could, because I seriously could not lose weight quick enough after having Emma and was like you lost like 5 lbs and she was barely six right after delivery. So, can totally relate!
Michelle Liew says
Wow, I wish I could have one of these at home, but have no space for it! But whatever it is, you are an attractive mum, Janine.
Janine Huldie says
Michelle, I love it and really is very convenient. Thanks as always!! π
Katherines Corner says
I use an elliptical, Oh and according to our five grandchildren we can do no wrong either, giggle. They always ask if they can live with us LOL xo P.S. did you get your entry in for my new giveaway?
Janine Huldie says
Aww, too cute and even last night my little one was crying she wanted to go up to see Nannie before she went to bed. So, we can totally relate!! I did enter and seriously thank you Katherine!! π
Nicky Hudelson says
Staying in shape has gotten MUCH easier since my children have gotten older cause I take them with me…the park, walks, bike rides and yard work. Love it when the weather warms up cause we stay busy. Great post. Just visiting from http://www.feelingtheemptynest.blogspot.com and I hope you have a great day!
Janine Huldie says
I can totally see that and makes sense Nicky. I too can not wait for warmer weather now and thank you as always!! π
The Dose of Reality says
A big of the bike here, too. I have always found it to be enjoyable, but still feel like I get a good workout on it! :)-Ashley
Janine Huldie says
Same here Ashley and love that I am in good company on this one. Thanks for sharing!! π
Bill says
I have never been on one. How's that for weird? We walk a lot…hike in the summer…do yoga….but no exercise bike. π
Janine Huldie says
Really, wow I am kind of shocked, but sounds like you do just as far as exercise and now truly just longing for a bit warmer weather to get outdoors more again here!! π
Cyndi says
Awesome! I love how you're taking some time to take care of yourself. I love to get on the bike. π
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Cyndi and good to know it isn't just me with the bike. I do love it and makes me feel so much better when I do get to do it!! π
Janine Huldie says
Oh I know all about Flabby arms, because I haven't been carrying around my kids much lately either as they really aren't babies any more either. That said I heard good things about the elliptical too and good for you, too Amy!! π π
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
Every once in a while I will get on one but I can't find the time now between the cardio classes I go to. After that I am too tired to bike it! I definitely want to get Brian and I new bikes for the summer though so we can ride with Reagan!
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Oh we are so getting the girls bikes for the summer and that is Emma keeps talking about. (The Easter Bunny is brining this one!). So I am so with you on that one!! If I did cardio, I so wouldn't do the bike either though mama!! xoxo π
April says
I would love to have a stationary bike, but my daughter is too young and I don't have anyone to watch her during the day. I can't even walk into the kitchen without a little follower, so I can't imagine that she'd let me sit on a bike.
Janine Huldie says
April, I just trained my kids from the time when they were really little, but don't get me wrong I still have moments where they need me no matter what and have to stop what I am doing. And both truly would love to ride the bike with me, too!!
Kat Biggie says
I think it's awesome that you have been so diligent! I have sucked at exercising lately! I need to get back on it!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Alexa and I am truly trying, but believe me I have had my moments where I have just had to have something that looked or smelled delicious, too!! So this is truly a work in progress for me as of now!!
Britton says
I love the stationary bikes! I don't have one at home, but SPIN at my gym is my absolute favorite workout to do! Stopping in from SITS!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Britton and I know I just can't help, but love it and happy to know it isn't just me!! π
Stacy Harris says
I wish that I had a bike or a treadmill at my disposal. If I had one, I am sure that I would probably get more use out of it. So, I continue with my videos for working out. Yet I find sometimes it is hard to get motivated and push play. Sometimes I wish I just had something like that so I could watch TV and zone while working out.
Janine Huldie says
Oh I know that feeling Stacy and this is the one thing that has kept me motivated, because I too have trouble keeping myself wanting to do videos and such at this point in my life. I think Walmart recently had them on sale and Kevin mentioned this to me when he was looking at their weekly ad.
Emily Cappo says
Good for you…I don't know where you get all your energy from Janine! When I had two young kids, I was counting on chasing after them as my exercise. But seriously, having a bike at home is great. We had one too for a while, then it broke and became a coat rack. π For Christmas, my husband decided to treat my son and himself to an arc trainer (like a stairmaster) so that my son could work out for basketball and my husband could work out at home. I can use it too of course, but I still prefer going to the gym after I drop off the boys at school. I like to people watch while I work out. π
Janine Huldie says
See I cannot motivate myself to go the actual gym and for some reason have never really been into going to the gym. So I rely on being able to do this at home. I just try my best and probably just can't help, but be my hardest critic at times, so that helps keep me motivated I suppose!! Thanks Emily and wish I could be more of the gym type person though, but again just so not!
Amy says
Girl, we are in the boat of all that PRE baby, marriage, sciatica etc. : ) I actually HAD abs back in the day. I know about the playing outside pre game days. I grew up in the 80's/90's…..more 90's but I am not counting. I really like my stationary bike. It does work. I don't know how well I would do with all the hills and not wrecking around here on a regular bike. : )
Janine Huldie says
Amy, I love that I am in such wonderful company with you and as you know I am sorry you know all about sciatica though, because then you to know how painful and awful that it can truly be. That said, I love that I am not the only one who loves using the stationary bike and that you, too have seen results with it. And having had abs back in the day, I thin (at least for me) only makes it that much harder as I struggle right now. hanks for sharing and again just happy to know that I am not alone π
Sarah @The Momisodes says
I've always been overweight and it SUCKS! When I got pregnant with my twins, I weighed 210 and I was happy about that. I gained 70 pounds with them! And I lost only 40 or so of it. After I married my husband and had my youngest, I ballooned up to 300 pounds and stayed there until recently. I got sick of it. I'd LOVE to get a stationary or even take a spin class.
And let me just tell you…I miss the 80's some times…..
Janine Huldie says
Oh I totally miss the 80s many days. And I do love the bike and am actually using it right now while catching up a bit. Only a mother would be able to do this as far as multi-tasking goes!! Thanks again Sarah and good luck to you, too!! π
lablover22 says
I think this is a great idea! Any form of exercise is good for you. It's all about doing what works for you IN THE CONTEXT of your life. So many people try to set goals that just dont' work for their lives. It's sad because they are destined to fail and that makes things that much worse. So you go for it! Ride away!! And be proud of the awesome example you are setting for your girls!
Vicky http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Vicki and I agree that this does work for my life. So for now I will definitely being riding my heart out!! π
Angela says
I bought a spin bike and loved it. Spinning is my absolute favorite workout to do! I do need to slim down, though, so thanks for your post.
Janine says
Aww, you are so welcome and glad to give a bit of inspiration on this π