Overwhelmed but Want to Work Out? This Is for You

This one is for anyone who wants to start a fitness routine.

OK, I have too much to say about this, but first, I have an example of what working out looks like some days with kids.

You rally the energy to go into your garage or designated living room space to work out, you get your video of choice set up and ready to keep you motivated, you take a deep breath, and one of your kids yells for you from the other room.

They want a snack.

They are thirsty.

Or they have poured yogurt all over themselves, the couch, the pillows, and now you get to clean it all up.

In the past, these moments would have made me so angry I would have given up on my workout. The last thing I’d want to do after changing my child who was just dressed from her bath, scrubbing yogurt out of the couch, pillowcases, and carpet, is work out.

So what changed from past me to present me?

Past me looked for every excuse not to work out.

The amount of work it takes being a mom, keeping up with my home, and working, there are endless valid excuses that would give me an out.

Now, though, now I know too well how much better my body feels when I lift weights and move my body.

Do I want to do it? No, most days I don’t.

Five to ten minutes in, though, it changes. The endorphins kick in, I start to feel the strength in my body I have worked hard for, and dare I say I enjoy the workout! It’s crazy!!!

So if you relate and you have valid excuses, I want you to know I get it, they are valid.

What’s more important than the excuses though is how you want to feel in your body. If that’s stronger, more mobile, and more flexible, you need to intentionally move your body.

If you’re someone who works a labor-intensive job, it might be better to start with yoga, gentle stretching, or Pilates. For someone who has a lot of flexibility, you need to build strength.

Give your body what it needs because your needs matter!!!!

Also, start slow. Aim for a few minutes of movement every day and work up to more. That is a manageable program you can doin the beginning.

One day at a time, give yourself a little you time and don’t let the endless excuses trick you into giving up on you. The dishes, laundry, and cleaning can wait, it will still be there.

Love always,

Danielle Mallett