Embracing Change
One hour equals one workout.
This was my mindset for so many years. Spin, Pilates, weight lifting classes were the weekly routine for me. That was before I had kids. As any parent and mother knows, an hour is an eternity of “me time” and rare to find. And, of course, there is the mom guilt for choosing time away from the kids to spend time for you, even if it’s just an hour. Does it always have to be one or the other?
With three young children, I have learned that all or nothing doesn’t have to be the rule. Some days it’s just 15 minutes and that’s totally okay! Life gets in the way—and that’s life. Work meetings that run late, unexpected sick kids, or maybe it’s just one of those days that you are just too darn worn out. It’s all okay. It’s great to have a plan to follow or a goal for fitness, but I have learned to give myself a break too. We are all just doing the best we can to juggle it all.
Although I may not visit the gym as often, I have learned to embrace the change. Great moments happen each day (in between a few tantrums), and I feel lucky enough to see them now. Don’t get me wrong; it’s certainly challenging juggling kids while working out at home. Some days it works and some days it doesn’t. The secret is in the snacks (to keep my kids busy) and trying to engage my kids to follow along with me. My littlest lady loves balls, so while mommy does ab crunches, she tries to follow along now too. One of the best cardio workouts in town is pushing a double stroller with more than 50 lbs. of kiddos on board. One trip around the neighborhood helps to clear my mind and also helps to soothe my kids to a brief nap if I am lucky—double victory!
As women and moms, sometimes we’re just so hard on ourselves. We are our worst critics and I think there’s an easy connection with this and our health. We just need to listen to our bodies and do the best we can; let the stress of working out go. Having a health plan is wonderful, and if I make it to the gym now it’s a real treat. For all the other days, I think we just need to see ourselves through our kid’s eyes, like the amazing women we are! ■
Written by: Erin Little
Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.
