Three days a week, I wake up at 5:30am. My entire family is sleeping as I creep around in the dark, throwing on some clothes, grabbing bottles of water, and sneaking out the back door as quietly as I can. Then I head to the gym. I workout as hard as I can for 40 minutes before leaving the class early so I can help my oldest get ready for school before his carpool arrives at 7:15am. You are probably thinking that I am crazy. Most of my friends also think this. To me, the sacrifice of losing an extra hour of sleep in order to exercise is totally worth it. I live my best life when I make working out a priority.
I have been exercising off and on since high school. As with anything, life happens and I will get out of it for short periods of time. Being a mom of two, it is more important than ever for me to be consistent with my exercise. It is 100% the best form of self care I can provide myself. Pushing heavy weights is therapeutic for me. It is like pushing the stress and frustration of life away.
After a good hard workout, I feel mentally lighter. The endorphins kick in and I feel energized and ready to take on the day. I feel calmer and have more patience with my kids. Let’s be real, exercise does not transform me into the perfect mother. However, the feeling I get overall in my mind and body allows me to better serve my family. Aside from the stress relief, I also sleep better, have more energy and experience better digestion when I am consistent with my exercise routine. When I get home from the gym, at least one of my kids is awake. They know that I was at the gym, and I am proud of the example that I am setting for them. It is important to me that they see me taking care of myself and staying healthy.
Everyone has a different fitness journey. Not everyone can or is willing to get up before dawn to fit in exercise. This is what I am doing right now. My fitness routine has changed over the years as my life changed. I have belonged to 3 different gyms, run in my neighborhood, done workout videos at home, and even used cardio machines in my garage.
All I am saying is that if you want to start a routine, do it. You won’t regret it!