Moms, It’s Time To Make Time For You.

If you’re like me, every day is filled with doing things for your family. Whether it’s keeping your house (somewhat) clean; doing laundry; driving your kids to school and practice; trips to the doctor, dentist, grocery store, and post office; arranging play dates; picking up that last minute birthday gift; helping with homework; the list goes on and on.  Oh, and maybe if you’re like me, you do this while working another full-time job.

The second you hold your newborn in your arms, your whole identity changes.  You are now a mom.  With that, your whole world truly becomes 100% better.  Why, though, does becoming a mom mean that we forget about taking care of ourselves?  I know I’m guilty of it. Sure, I would try and fit in time for exercise, but if my son begged me to make a new train track with him instead of running, I usually caved. I joined the local YMCA, but was never able to fit it into my crazy schedule. 

Two kids and 3 ½ years later, I’ve finally realized that exercising consistently makes me a better mom and wife.  I’ve set up some pretty challenging goals for myself, like running the Marine Corps Marathon in October and going for my Russian Kettlebell Certification in 2010.  In order to reach these goals, I know that I need to schedule time for exercise 5 days a week on my “to do” list. Do I sometimes feel a little guilty when I’m heading out the door Sunday morning for a long run and my son wants me to watch “Thomas” with him or my daughter wants me to pick her up?  Sure, I do, but I’m lucky to have an incredible husband who supports me and is quick to step in.

I know that exercise gives me more energy to keep up with my little ones, helps me process my thoughts better, makes me less moody (yes, I get moody) and makes me feel better about myself.

Here are some tips for fitting exercise into your hectic schedule:

1. Schedule time for it.  Put it on your to-do list like everything else. You’ll feel great when you check it off too!

2. Try and arrange for a babysitter for 30-60 minutes a couple of times a week, so you can exercise.  If you can’t find someone to do it for free or can’t afford to pay someone, see if you and a friend can swap time babysitting.  Maybe she can watch your kids for an hour 3 nights a week and you watch hers three nights a week.

3. Invest in a kettlebell. You can get amazing results with 30 minute sessions of kettlebells a few days a week. You can also use kettlebells anywhere.  I’ve been known to do some swings and get-ups while my kids are playing with their toys or we’re outside playing in the yard.  Before starting to train with kettlebells, set up an appointment with an RKC instructor.  Make sure the instructor is certified so that you are using them safely.  (Note, if your trainer has you use a kettlebell to do a bicep curl, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.)  See our website www.rethinkfitness.net or give my husband, Joe, a call for more information.

4. Join a boot camp class.  You will get incredible results in less than three hours per week.  Don’t be intimidated by the name “boot camp.”  We have women in our class who have never even exercised before swinging 35 pound kettlebells, slamming 50 pound ropes, and doing full push-ups, and having fun doing it!  What’s also great about joining our class is you become part of a family that supports each other in achieving fitness goals. You not only get the support of Joe and me, you get support from each other.  Try out a class; we’re positive that you’ll like it.  The class schedule is on our website www.rethinkfitness.net

Yes, your identity changed when you became a mom, but don’t lose yourself in the process. From one mom to another, it’s time to start taking care of yourself and start exercising!

Melissa Walker, PNP

mail@rethinkfitness.net