After I had my first daughter I was asked how the heck I stay fit when I am a mom? The person asking the question was a mother who was not finding the time to regain her pre-motherhood fitness. She had gained weight, her whole world had changed (wild how we go from working 8 hours a day and a paycheck to 24 hours a day and no check) and she was frustrated with losing the opportunity to keep her body(and mind) in shape.
“My child keeps me fit” I responded. Through both of my girls first two years we lived in the mountains. We had a 20-30 minute drive to wherever we were going. I came to town and stayed for a big portion of the day. From all the driving and the fact that many of the naps were in town, we trained both of our girls to be motion sleepers. Great, for the days when I was feeling like a long walk or run, exhausting for the days when the thing I wanted most in the world was to sit still. I did not get a ton of rest time but I did regain Mommy fitness really fast. I walked/hiked/ran for one or two naps each day. The gift of the motion sleepers was the time in the fresh air, the time with friends and the fitness.
It's all a give and take. For me, exercise is to strengthen the capacity of my heart, physically and emotionally. Exercise clears my mind and I am a better mom when I am clear headed and happy. Have you ever seen the bumper sticker “if momma ain't happy, nobody happy”?! :
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