Context: Stay at home mom with 3 children under 6 years old. Needless to say I've got my hands full from the moment they wake up until bedtime. I used to try to fit in a quick workout mid-day (just to get that damned exercise ring closed!) but it always came with interruptions from the kiddos either trying to get on the treadmill or me stressing that they're too close to the weights. If you're a parent, then you know the feeling of absolute bliss and the incessant need to fit in every-quick-dopamine-fix you can once the children are asleep. For me, it involved a lot of screen time--- scrolling Reddit, reading, binge-watching, which then lead to snacking (sometimes even a whole meal). Eating so late at night was never comfortable but when food is comfort/pleasure, future-me was not considered. This would also lead me to sleeping very late, way past midnight and then waking up exhausted and having more intense cravings from the lack of sleep. It just wasn't working!
Now: I spend the day as per usual with the children, still getting my steps in but not stressed about having to split my attention to workout and spend time with them. As soon as all three are asleep, I put on my workout clothes and grab my headphones (something I couldn't do in the daytime just in case anyone needed me) and just tune out. I get on the treadmill and still binge-watch my shows but now I'm sweating and getting my heart rate up. I lift heavy weights, go for more reps, being able to push myself and progress without any interruptions. With the workout, I'm chugging from a water gallon and by the time I'm done, I'm so drained and hydrated that the idea of food doesn't even sound appealing (!!!). But one of my favorite parts of working out at night is that I get to really treat myself after. A nice long shower, taking my time to put on skincare after, even all the endorphins giving me enough motivation to prep for tomorrow and journal. After all that's done, I'm so tired that I knock right out and my sleep has never been better. It's become a ritual for me that has been so rewarding and I end up looking forward to doing it each day.
I totally understand that this is the same concept as waking up earlier to workout but this is just what works for me! My clothes are fitting better, my mood is more positive and getting healthier has become less stressful and more enjoyable. I've still got a long way to go but at least now I'm loving the process and the journey.
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/i7kyk2/nsv_working_out_at_night_became_a_game_changer/
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