Exercising Anyway

All-child play and no workouts make Dad an unfit boy? 

According to a new study released by the University of Pittsburgh, adults ditch their workouts when children arrive.  Sounds a little suspicious to this life coach.  I can't help but dig deeper. 

What is really going on here? 

Is it that most people secretly despise exercising?

Perhaps the perceived overwhelm of parenthood offers a clean way out? 

What other self-limiting beliefs have been given full power here? 

Let's get real.  The truth will set us all free.  The years I spent as a health educator have taught me one important thing:  People don't do anything they aren't compelled to do.  In other words, something like sticking to an exercise program is impossible unless there is a deeper, soulful and purposeful commitment.  Maybe it's time we all re-connected with the real reasons we choose or choose not to stay physically active.  There's a few things we can't ignore: 

• Good health is a key contributor to being able to care for and give fully to children.  Try walking around an amusement park all day in the middle of July (like I did last week) and you'll see what I mean.
• Nine million children in our nation are obese and parental influence can play a pivotal role in changing this.  Walking your talk is important.
• Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and perhaps help parents cope with the demands of raising children, except on those really bad days when an emotional breakdown, a few cookies and a kid-free movie are mandatory. (smile)

My hat goes off to those who play the big game of overcoming circumstances, including the challenges of parenthood, and stay active anyway.  To honor this great feat, here are a few sources of inspiration:      

• Jenny Lauck, a mom blogger, who has vowed to exercise regularly with three kids.  Keep it up, Jenny!
• Penelope Trunk who blogged on not exercising not being an option and regular exercise being an integral part of a successful career and good life.  She has two kids.  Good for you! 
• Miriam Schwab at Illuminea blog who reminds entrepreneurs that our health is our greatest asset.  She also walks the talk with a few kids in tow. Thanks for the inspiration, Miriam!
• Tricia Morgan at RestonBaby.com who gets her workouts in via domestic responsibilities.  Love your creativity, Tricia! 
• The Mocha Walking Club composed of stay-at-home-moms in Kansas and Missouri.
• Alison Korn, a Toronto journalist and guest blogger at On Balance at The Washington Post, who has twins and rises at 6:00 AM to swim.  You go, Alison!
• Justice Fergie at MamaLaw who juggles justice, two kids and regular workouts. 
• All the thousands of moms who juggle changing diapers, mixing bottles and chasing toddlers and still manage to get to strollerstrides, gymboree and mommy and me exercise classes.  I applaud your efforts!
• Yours truly who made exercising a non-negotiable as soon as my daughter was born.  My  Baby Bjorn, bike toddler seat and super stroller have retired, but they are well worn out! 

How do you fit in workouts with children?

I would love to hear from you!

Comments

[Nick IRons]

Congratulations on being included in the 1st Edition of Fitness for Moms Blog Carnival. I have a similar post called “Top 10 Reasons to Exercise” that can be found at http://marylandpersonaltrainer.com/wordpress/weight-loss/top-10-reasons-to-exercise.

[Cindy]

It's true we do have to just buck up and make fitness a priority. But--It's not easy!!! Children have a way with Parents!

[Miriam]

Terri, this is such a nice and important blog! Thanks for mentioning my post on exercising. Unfortunately, I still haven't had luck fitting exercise into my ridiculous schedule. I know exercise would make me feel great, but so far it hasn't happened. Oh well.

[tricia morgan]

Thanks for including me in your post....motherhood in general is so energy-consuming that it is difficult to even think about adding extra exertion in the way of an exercise program...but absolutely necessary for the same reason! I'd like to add my own applause to yours for moms who manage to juggle everything that is required of them while taking care of their own bodies and those of their family. Also, just wanted to say I love your blog!

[Justice Fergie]

Hi Terri!

[I wrote a long and brilliant comment and typepad "encountered an error" and erased it so here is the abridged version:]

Truer words have never been spoken. I know that everything you said is right, but with 2 kids under 3years old, I was (am) just exhausted! I only recently decided to make time for me. And I do look better and feel better - it just took me a little while to get to this point.

And for some comic relief on this very subject, please read MamaLaw #5:
http://mamalaw.blogspot.com/2006/12/mamalaw-5.html

Glad to have found your blog!

[Corina DuBois]

Terri, you perfectly articulated some of the most pressing challenges our society faces --- putting exercise and health on the backburner!

I have found the best way for me to be fit, teach my children about health and wellness, and enjoy socialization is to bring my boys with me to Stroller Strides. I teach classes throughout the county 5 days a week and my 3-year-old and 22-month-old are both with me each day (they look forward to the playgroups after class).

Thanks for bringing this up and encouraging people to move beyond the initial barriers to exercise once kids are part of the equation!

You ROCK!

In health,
Corina DuBois
corina@strollerstrides.net
http://www.strollerstrides.net/montgomerycounty
888.232.2496