Just recently, I was at the community center in Harlem, leaving the women’s locker room with my baby in tow. A cheerful woman approached me, exclaiming, “What a cute baby! You look wonderful. With free childcare at the gym, there are no excuses not to work out, right?” I walked away, puzzled and irritated by her well-meaning comment. No excuses? Absolutely not! Yes, there are excuses—plenty of them!
The notion that free childcare at the gym eradicates all barriers for a mother to exercise is simply misguided. For starters, I was there for my baby’s swimming lessons, not to squeeze in a workout. And believe me, I have a multitude of valid reasons for not hitting the gym.
For example, laundry? Forget it! I’m lucky if I manage to wash my child’s clothes, let alone my own. Transporting my 16-pound baby down 14 floors along with bags full of supplies makes laundry day a daunting task. Then there’s the fleeting moment when the baby finally falls asleep for his nap. I can’t risk the ire of my neighbors by monopolizing the washer when I could have just a few minutes to myself. The thought of leaving my child unattended, even for a moment to change a load, sends my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
And let’s discuss the balancing act of working full-time while parenting. It feels like a never-ending juggle of responsibilities. I often have to ask the babysitter to drop my baby off at work because I have events to run. Between managing workshops and caring for an infant, finding time for workouts becomes nearly impossible.
Then there’s the whole pumping situation. Is that an excuse? It sure feels like it! Pumping has turned into a game of constant interruptions as my crawling baby tries to explore everything in sight. Just imagine trying to pump in a cramped public bathroom—definitely not ideal!
When it comes to personal hygiene, showers are a luxury. Living alone with a baby, I’ve had to get creative, sometimes showering while my child plays beside me. And let’s not even begin to discuss baby-proofing my apartment. It feels like a Herculean task just to ensure my child can roam safely without getting into trouble.
On top of that, my dog seems to have an uncanny ability to create chaos at the most inconvenient times, adding another layer of distraction. Cooking dinner? A challenge in itself. Even with meal kits like Blue Apron, I find myself wasting food because I can’t manage the process without help.
Reading? That’s another item that has fallen off my to-do list. I used to enjoy diving into a good book, but now I’m more focused on keeping my little one entertained.
And honestly, some days, I just want to chill in bed with a pint of cookie dough ice cream while watching my favorite show. Who can blame a mom for wanting to indulge a little?
The reality is that we need to stop judging one another. I respect all mothers—those who find time to work out and those who don’t. We all have different paths and challenges. So, to the woman who said “No excuses,” I say yes—there are plenty of valid reasons to prioritize my child’s well-being over a flat stomach.
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Summary:
It’s time to rethink the simplistic “No Excuses” mantra regarding fitness and exercise, particularly for mothers. The reality of parenting brings a multitude of challenges that can hinder the ability to work out, from childcare logistics to personal time constraints. It’s essential to recognize and respect the diverse circumstances that shape each individual’s journey.