Shaping up—Just another part of your awesome parenting job

Shorts. T-shirts. Bathing suits.  They’re coming. Cue the Jaws music.

At first, the idea of warm weather (especially after that unfortunate arctic blast we experienced earlier this week) is a pretty happy one. And then, something hits me.

In a few weeks, people are going to be seeing a lot more of me.  I don’t mean I’ll be busier. I mean they’ll be seeing more of me. As in, legs, arms, and maybe even (don’t say it!) a midriff. That’s because summer clothes are on the horizon. And I know I’ve got to get serious about getting in shape.

It’s not that I don’t want to work out. It’s just that with preschool, gymnastics, getting Easter baskets together, potty training, changing diapers, making and washing bottles, (deep breath) feeding the family, grocery shopping, playing dress-up and Disney princess Little People, and getting some work done, there’s not much time…

But then I get a hold of myself. Excuses get me nowhere, and besides, working out isn’t really about looking a certain way. It’s so I can be healthy and feel good about myself, two things parents need in spades.

Edmond has a variety of workout options, many of which provide childcare (see a list here), so my excuses continue to dry up. Take, for example, Edmond’s YMCA. Fitness equipment, a pool, and an awesome lineup of classes satisfy all kinds of workout needs. Then there’s something more unique, like the Barre3 workout, a combination of Pilates, yoga, and ballet (and the studio also provides childcare), or a variety of other gyms that cater to your personal fitness goals.

The list goes on and on. We’ve got parks, running clubs and trails, twenty-four hour gyms, golf courses and aquatic centers. Even just strolling through the aisles of Academy or Dicks can give you an idea of what might inspire you to get moving.

If you’re still lacking motivation or feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, take a tip from Edmond mom, Misty Kennedy, and her facebook page, Foxy Moms 4 Fitness, which encourages and supports moms working out.  

“If I am having a bad day, I work out, and if I am having a good day, I work out. I need that time to recharge to be a better mom.”

Because, when it comes down to it, just a little activity goes a long way toward having a longer, healthier life. And that’s one of the biggest gifts we can give our children.

So bring on the treadmill…