I work in IT and spend my day at a desk. Like many people, I have to exercise for both physical and mental health. I’m not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. Without an effort to get myself moving, I wouldn’t get any exercise beyond that provided by housework and playing with the kids.
Structured exercise classes are what work best for me. When my kids were younger, I was reasonably good at using exercise DVDs to keep myself moving, but I’ve since become a member at a local gym. At a bare minimum, I make it to Saturday morning full-body weight class. In a great week, I might attend 4 workout classes spread over 3 days.
When I had infants and toddlers, it didn’t even occur to me that going to a gym was an option. The gym at work didn’t provide childcare and it never occurred to me that other gyms might. I was pleasantly surprised that the local gym had dropoff childcare for children of all ages, included in the base membership price. I haven’t seen the infant room, but I’ve really liked the indoor playscape made available to younger children and the video games, air hockey, and craft centres in the room for older kids.
In addition to having plenty to do while I’m exercising, my daughters are also learning that it’s important for adult women to take care of our bodies and health. I’m sure they see how much my energy suffers on the rare week that we have to skip a gym visit. They’re such active children now, but I hope the example of mommy’s workout will stay with them if they pursue more sedentary careers in the future.
From August 31 to September 4, 2015, How Do You Do It? is running a series on “me time” for mothers: why we need it, how we make it, what we do with it. Find the full list of posts on the theme week page.
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Sadia, I love your point about being an example to your girls. I try so hard to stay active and healthy so that I may be the best mom (and me) I can, but I forget that my children are watching me. This is very encouraging to me as I embark on a new workout routine!
Sara Correll recently posted Connections
Yes, in addition to the commitment we’re making to ourselves, I think our children seeing that commitment is a great lesson, too.
MandyE recently posted “We Decided Together to Help You”