For most of my life, I’ve been a sporadic exerciser. Athleticism never came naturally to me, and the idea of sweating has never been appealing. Yet, I’m aware of the benefits of regular physical activity, which has prompted me to attempt to become one of those dedicated fitness enthusiasts. Unfortunately, those attempts rarely lasted. Life, or rather my own choices, often interfered.
When I take a step back and reflect, I recognize that I typically had an extra half-hour each day to fit in some exercise. Though I often felt drained or lacked motivation, I usually had the time. Still, I found myself crafting a myriad of excuses to justify skipping workouts.
Recently, I’ve come to terms with the fact that many of those excuses no longer hold water. As my children grow older, they’ve become more independent, eliminating that particular excuse. Working from home has given me the flexibility to create my own schedule, so I can no longer use that as a reason. Plus, I’m finally enjoying uninterrupted sleep most nights, making the “I’m too tired” excuse obsolete.
With my excuses out of the way, I made the decision to get my 40-something body into shape and truly embrace a fitness routine. I wanted to reclaim my body from the demands of motherhood and discover what I was capable of. If I didn’t act now, when would I?
I dug out my old workout DVD—Jillian Michaels’s 30-Day Shred—and committed myself to complete the full program, something I had never managed to do before. After that, I subscribed to Beachbody On Demand, which was a more budget-friendly option than joining a gym. I’ve been consistently working out for a couple of months now, and the transformation has been remarkable.
Not only have I noticed physical changes and improved strength, but the most significant shift has been in my mental well-being, particularly in how I interact with my children. I’ve realized the extent to which I was shortchanging myself—and my family—by neglecting exercise.
Much of the fitness industry focuses on weight loss, body sculpting, or achieving that elusive “beach body.” While those goals can be motivating for some, they don’t resonate with everyone. For me, the boost in energy and strength from regular workouts has been a driving force, but the most profound motivation has been the positive impact on my mood.
I find myself exhibiting more patience and less irritability with my kids. My overall happiness and emotional stability have improved. Exercise serves as a physical outlet for the stresses of motherhood—a necessity I hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. By prioritizing self-care and taking time for myself, I feel a greater sense of balance.
Of course, my kids often join me during workouts, and sometimes they even participate. This not only sets a healthy example for them but also reinforces the importance of maintaining healthy habits.
Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had recognized earlier how transformative regular exercise could be for my parenting. If I had developed this habit during the early years of motherhood, I’m convinced it would have helped me navigate some of those challenging moments. I always knew exercise was essential for physical health, but its critical role in my mental health was a revelation. A happier mom leads to a happier family.
If you’re a mom like me who isn’t swayed by the allure of a bikini body, or if you struggle to motivate yourself to exercise regularly, it may be time to reconsider your perspective. If doing it for yourself doesn’t resonate, think about doing it for your children. What greater motivation could there be? For additional insights on parenting and well-being, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, embracing regular exercise has not only enhanced my physical health but has also significantly improved my emotional well-being, positively influencing my family life.