Making time to workout is not always easy. After Ryan was born I got into a slump and found every excuse not to workout. I'm too busy. I'm too tired. I'm too lazy!
For almost a year now I've gotten into a good routine and I feel great. One of my good friends starting teaching barre classes and as soon as I tried it, I was hooked. In addition to barre, I do their TRX and cardio kickboxing classes so I never get bored with the same class over and over. The best part is they offer free babysitting so the boys can come with me. We go three times a week and I think all three of us look forward to it.
But things come up and I can't always make it to the gym so I try to find other ways to workout. I walk as much as I can with the boys in the stroller. We walk to the Y for swim class. We walk downtown on the weekends for coffee and bagels. We walk the lake. I know some women out there are running with the double stroller and more power to them! Pushing 70 pounds is enough for me while walking, I can't even imagine running.
I do like running, I just leave the kids at home! I'm definitely more of a jogger than a runner but I find it very peaceful. I love being outside in the sunshine and fresh air. I don't use headphones, I enjoy the rare peace and quiet. In the last few weeks I've even convinced Will to come with me on weekend runs and now we reay look forward to that time together.
The kids definitely notice that exercise is a big part of mine and Will's life and I think that's important. They pretend to go to the gym, they imitate me and do planks and leg lifts and they love playing with our resistance bands. I want them to grow up being active. Going for walks and bike rides, swimming and hiking. I want them to know exercise can be fun and make you feel good. It doesn't have to be in a gym, it can be anywhere. This morning my mother in law was blowing bubbles and the boys were chasing them around the yard. After ten minutes, they were out of breath. In the yard, we race each other to the tree and back. And now that Nathan is older, he and I go for walks together.
For me, exercise is a huge stress reliever. It gives me time to think things through and clear my head. It makes me feel good about myself and motivates me to push myself harder the next time.
I hope Will and I are setting a good example for our kids. Showing them that it's important to find time for yourself and make your health a priority. In the meantime, at least we have very cute workout partners.
