Updated: April 14, 2020
Originally Published: July 14, 2017
Throughout my life, I’ve danced around the idea of regular exercise. I’ve never been an athlete and have never particularly relished the thought of working out—especially the sweating part. Yet, I’ve always known that exercise is essential for my well-being, which led me to sporadically flirt with fitness routines.
Sadly, each attempt never seemed to stick. Life—specifically my own set of excuses—always took precedence. If I’m being honest, I could have carved out a half-hour most days for exercise. I often convinced myself that I lacked the energy or motivation, but in reality, I usually had the time. So, I’d find excuses aplenty to skip my workouts.
Recently, however, I’ve come to realize that many of those excuses no longer hold water. As my children grow more independent, I find myself with fewer barriers. Working from home allows me to set my own schedule, and with the kids sleeping through the night more often, my reasons for neglecting exercise have dwindled.
With my excuses evaporating, I decided it was time to reclaim my body from the demands of motherhood and truly commit to a fitness routine. I dusted off an old workout video and pushed myself to complete the entire program for the first time. I even subscribed to a streaming fitness service, which was far more budget-friendly than a gym membership, and have been working out nearly every day for the last couple of months.
The physical changes have been rewarding—my clothes fit better, and I feel stronger. But the most significant transformation has been in my mental health. I find myself feeling less stressed and more patient, particularly with my children. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: I had been depriving both myself and my kids of the benefits of my own well-being.
Much of the exercise industry promotes ideals centered around weight loss or achieving the perfect body. While those goals are valid, they don’t resonate with everyone. For me, the motivation to continue came from the emotional shifts I experienced as my fitness journey progressed. I’ve become a happier, more balanced mom, and this newfound balance is something I wish I had discovered earlier in my parenting journey.
For any moms out there who, like me, find little inspiration in promises of beach bodies, or feel guilty about taking time for themselves, it may be time to rethink your perspective. If you can’t find the motivation for yourself, do it for your kids. What better reason could there be than to set a positive example for them?
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Summary
Regular exercise has not only improved my physical health but has also significantly enhanced my patience and happiness as a mom. By prioritizing self-care, I’ve set a positive example for my children and transformed my mental well-being. It’s time for fellow moms to see exercise not just as a chore, but as a critical part of motherhood.