I’ve just barely completed my second week of exercising almost daily. Honestly, I haven’t talked about it as much as I have wanted to. Mostly because I knew that it would be assumed that I started exercising to lose weight.
I can see how that assumption could be made. Two very close pregnancies, pregnancy and postpartum cravings, depression, and emotional eating have taken their toll. My body is about as firm as a glazed donut and as fit as a muumuu.
Isn’t exercising what moms do when they are ready to fix their bodies?
Except, actually, no, that wasn’t my reason for prioritizing exercise. That was so not my reason, that I actually avoided exercise for the majority of my young adulthood because I really didn’t want that to be the reason.
I wanted to do it because I loved my body.
I wanted it to come from a place of gratitude and respect. I wanted to be able to listen to my body and work with her, not against her. I wanted to believe that she wasn’t broken and didn’t need to be fixed. (And yes, I do refer to my body as “her” here, because isn’t it so much more personal than “it” in this context?)
And so I waited for the day to come that I could do that. And, with emotional, mental, and soulful work, it did. And so I started to exercise.
This is what I have discovered when I began exercising:
- Moving my body makes me feel SO strong and capable. It makes me appreciate my body. It reminds me how blessed I am to be able to do what I can physically. I feel a huge amount of pride in my body, which actually really surprises me…because it isn’t based on my looks at all.
- My mood is much more level and generally more positive on days when I work out. After years of struggling with my mood, this has been a welcome respite.
- Exercising at the same time daily has helped me establish a routine, which is something I have struggled with as soon as my first was born. Every day still ends up being different, but my workout has become the foundation I needed to build my days and weeks.
When I go to the gym, my kids are watched in the gym’s daycare. I still feel that useless guilt about it sometimes. But I know that our time apart compared to the time we have together is minuscule.
This time apart has actually made me appreciate my time with them SO much more. Because when my needs have been met, when my cup has been filled, I am able to give to them so much more joyfully and patiently. I mean, I knew this to be true, but living it has blown me away.
Because when my needs have been met, when my cup has been filled, I am able to give to them so much more joyfully and patiently. I mean, I knew this to be true, but living it has blown me away.
Going to an exercise class is intimidating. Every time I do it, I take pride in the fact that I had the guts. I showed up for myself. I laugh at myself when I mess up the moves because hey, at least I’m here and I’m trying. I’m also getting more comfortable adding a little of my own flair (my hips don’t lie) or introducing myself to others in the class. (Granted, I might have it a little easy because the classes tend to be full of older people.)
After only two weeks, I see no physical change (which is to be expected). Maybe in a few months I could add “changes to my looks” on this list, because I can’t say I won’t appreciate the moment I realize my “tight jeans” are suddenly loose. But I honestly think I would be able to be content with *just* all these changes, even if the physical changes never came.
I want to be clear, I don’t blame or shame anyone for wanting to change their physical appearance or it being their motivation to exercise. The issue lies in the fact that people automatically assume that this is the reason women (specifically, mothers) exercise, over any other of the many valid reasons. This is only my own experience. PLEASE share yours in the comments: what is your favorite benefit of exercise?
Check out our Guide to Idaho Falls Gyms & Fitness Classes to find something that works for you!
