Nov 4, 2021
Motherhood & Fitness
Motherhood has taught me so much over the years. It’s funny because I use to say to myself, “When my girls get older, I’ll be able to simply relax, life will be so much easier” Welp, I lied to myself lol. It wasn’t that life got easier or harder; it was that I would have to face things different with each stage of motherhood. What I realized is that taking care of myself became even more important not just because of them but also because I was their example. I was showing them what it meant to truly take care of SELF.
In society, Motherhood is thought of as the all or nothing mentality. You should stop everything you’re doing and only take care of your kids. Yes, you do need to take care of your kids and it’s also important to take care of SELF first.
Society has created this concept that when you step into motherhood you put your goals, dreams and aspirations to the side once you have kids. Don’t get me wrong, kids are a priority, but YOU are also a priority.
As a mother you must take care of SELF so that you can be there for your kids. You must fill your cup up first so that you can pour into them and others. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Why is this so important?
Because when you’re trying to pour from an empty cup then your stress, anger is transferring into your kids.
That can’t be good, right?
So, realize you can do both. You can make your kids a priority and make sure you take care of self as well. You can fill your cup up so that you can pour into them.
Is it easy? No.
Does it require you to be creative? YES.
Know that your fitness will look differently, and it is okay that your health and wellness journey doesn’t look like others. It’s okay to only workout for 15 minutes if that is all the time that you have. It’s okay if you can’t get a gym membership because you don’t have the time to go to the gym. Know that you have to step outside of your comfort box and that being creative is okay.
So how do you make it work?
- Plan
Life looks different now. Take time out to plan. What does a workout look like? - Ask for assistance/help
It’s okay to ask for help. You are not less than if you ask for some time to yourself to take care of SELF. Seek out loved ones, family members, friends to come and give you some time to yourself to have “ME TIME” - Think outside the box
Exercise may look differently right now than what it was before motherhood. Know that it is okay. It’s okay to be creative. It’s okay to start off with 15 minutes. Realize that 15 minutes is better than 0 minutes. It’s okay to incorporate exercise with your kids. Be creative. - Take your time
Know that life looks a little different than what it was once before and that is okay. Take your time in trying to reach that fitness goal. Know that it takes time. Be gentle and kind with yourself as you are going through the process of Motherhood and Fitness.
So, motherhood & fitness, heck yeah it’s possible. Why is it important? Because you ARE IMPORTANT. You matter, Your health matters, Your well-being matters.
By: Felicia. R. Hall @feliciarhall
Felicia is an educator and motivator at heart. Felicia is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Run & Fitness Coach, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Educator and a doctoral candidate. She is a small-town girl who loves running, nature and helping others become the best version of themselves.