Excuses live in every nook and cranny...actually you don't even have to look that hard. Excuses live in the mind--readily available. "I am tired. I don't have the time. There is always tomorrow."
In my life I have run into weeks and weeks on end of "why I can't work out" excuses. The weeks quickly blur together. And before you know it you are months out from your last work out. It has been a long time since that happened for me. Many years in fact (No, Erin. I don't want a medal.). Well, I guess I can't ignore that from 7 mos preggers to 3 mos post-partum I didn't work out. But I don't see pregnancy and newborn baby as excuses.
I know everyone's situation is different. But I also know that there is always a way to fit exercise in. I realize that I have a lot "going" for me...I have a job that I can essentially be out the door at 2:30pm (ok--I guess that is a big one in my favor)...but on the flip side, I also am out the door at home in the morning at 6am. I have a toddler. But it is just one toddler. And I have daycare. So working out between work and picking up the babe is often times a pretty easy option. But alas, the Guilt can creep in....But I counter that with the fact that an exercised Amy is a much better Mommy. So while I do have a lot in my favor--it is not as easy as it was pre-Greta. It was a lot easier back then. Though I do have to say that when there is a lot of time available, sometimes it is harder for me to actually make myself work out. When I have limited time, I know I have no choice but to do it at a certain time.
When I am home with the babe and no daycare is available...I get creative. Our basement (aka work out studio: elliptical, bike with trainer, free weights, mat, DVDs) is currently an explosion of foam stickies. Toys tossed all over. Because I will do whatever it takes to occupy that kid so I can get a work out in. Even if it means doing the elliptical. With Greta sitting on a twirly office chair next to me. While my left arm spins her around. And I am belting out "Here comes Greta Claus...here comes Greta Claus..." because apparently she is Greta Claus in her sleigh and I am a reindeer (I am so ready for this game to be over because literally anytime I have done the elliptical the past month, this is what happens.). I do believe that doing cardio while singing at the same time increases one's lung capacity at an alarming fast rate. Try it.
I guess my motive here is two fold. One, I am proud that I will do whatever it takes to work out (and I realize that there may come a point in time when the best option is 4:30am work outs....ahh, not there yet). Yes, Erin. NOW I want a medal. Two, just consider where/how you can find the time to exercise if you don't already (I will duck..who am I to ask you to do that? Try not to get to angry at me. I sincerely just know that life is so much better when you work out regularly.).
The best reward? Greta is seeing that exercise is important. That it is something that we do. To her it is simply part of normal life...Sometimes she hops in and joins me with her mock weights...she'll do a push up or two...And other times, she reminds me to laugh and not take it so seriously when she stands behind me slapping my bum during squats, latches onto my legs during lunges, or plops on my belly while I am crunching...
Before Greta I heard people talk about that the reason they like to have their kids see them exercise is because it teaches them that fitness is something to be valued. I didn't "get" that at the time. Now I do.
I learned the importance of exercise from my parents. They may be questioning that as they read this (THEY BETTER BE READING THIS) because they aren't what you may call stellar athletes (sorry guys)...BUT--my dad ran, rode the exercise bike and NordicTracked with the best of them when I was young....My mom went for regular walks and I remember doing some sort of aerobics record with her and our neighbors. My sisters and I were encouraged to participate in athletic opportunities and my parents took our interest in athletics seriously. And I think all of that combined made an impact.
I hope to teach Greta the same thing...Because that kid can run. Fast. And I am sure if we can get her some sponsors...well, let's just say our retirement is looking a lot more cushy...
No comments:
Post a Comment