Every once in awhile, you have an experience that changes you.
In this case, it was a weekend visit with Mandy Berg–a mom of six who totally motivated me to exercise.
While our husbands watched over our children, Mandy and I sat cross-legged in her guest room and talked about some of the real problems moms face when it comes to making exercise a daily habit.
And we recorded our conversation for you!
This wasn’t just “any” podcast for me. This was a chance for me to share some of my most personal challenges with a dear friend.
- Why is it that I’m always willing to put quality exercise on the back burner?
- How can I involve my children in the process of getting fit?
- What can I do to finally get over all those mental blocks that stop me from really working out?
- What are the best ideas that Mandy–a mom who has always made time for exercise and has motivated dozens and dozens of women in her community–would want to tell moms like me (who desperately want to do the same?).
This podcast is one of my favorites. (I know I always say that, but it’s true.)
As a little side note, when I got home from our trip to the Berg home and opened my computer, the audio file I’d recorded had completely disappeared. I almost cried. But after some encouragement from my husband and some google searches for solutions, I was able to get it back. (I was so excited.)
If making time for exercise as a busy mom has ever felt impossible to you, you need to listen to this podcast. Maybe you can even listen while you’re out on a run!
Show Notes:
YouTube Channel recommended by Mandy: Nike Livestrong
Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.
Audio Editing by Christy Elder
Thank you for the podcast. I have been thinking quite a lot about how this topic affects my life. I always put what I need at the bottom of my list. A great point is made that if we exercise we actually have more to offer our loved ones. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this podcast; I appreciated the opportunity to focus on this topic (and was glad I had the time to listen!). One topic I wish were addressed is that exercise never takes just the 30 or 40 minutes I plan to exercise. There is prep time, and especially afterward I need to shower and get myself presentable. I feel like that takes a chunk out of my day and slows down my momentum. It doesn’t usually work for me to just fit it in while my kids are playing in the park unless I plan to look like a scrub through most of the day. How can I be more flexible, or care less, or maybe just get cuter workout clothes??
One way I get great workouts with my children is going to Stroller Strides Classes. Great workouts, children in the stroller and a great way to meet other moms too. http://www.fit4mom.com Thanks for the podcast, it was awesome.
I agree with Mandy. I have found that if I make it a priority then exercise becomes a part of my day. I have found having variety of exercise helps. Last year I checked out a jump rope fitness book and it kicked my tail! I loved having the variety. In the winter, I like to walk in my home with Leslie Sansone DVD’s, even my kids will pop her DVD in when they want to get moving! My kids have got me playing “Just Dance” on the Wii and it is really fun to be with them. I also like to alternate with yoga (Rodney Yee) and weight lifting with a stability ball. I usually pick one day a week to walk or hike with a friend. I sleep better and feel better about myself as I consistently exercise! Thank you for almost always ending with mom’s are just trying to do the best they can, but need to take time to recharge our own batteries! I think we need to be reminded often!
Thanks for the great podcast! A year ago, I went to counseling for an eating disorder. When my mom was dying of cancer ten years ago, I was essentially anorexic, and then when my husband and I were going through infertility, I struggled with binge eating. I’m so glad I finally went to counseling! I learned lots of great things about eating and exercise and just overall LIVING.
I am a perfectionist, and so I always thought that I had to exercise EVERY DAY or six days a week for it to be worthwhile. I am very “all or nothing.” If I don’t have time to train for a half marathon right now, well then what’s the point of running at all? My counselor helped me to see that running three days a week is enough. I gave myself permission not to run more than that. So April, on that really busy Thursday when you go to visit your mom, DON’T EXERCISE. It’s okay! 🙂
My counselor also helped me see that I often wanted a perfect plan for my exercise and eating habits before I started. I wanted to figure out how the “perfect” amount of exercise would fit into my daily schedule, and I felt frustrated that I couldn’t figure out a way for all of it to fit just right. She told me not to become paralyzed by figuring out a perfect plan. She said to just start. Try things. Take the pressure off of myself to have it all figured out before I even start.
Finally, I’ve realized that it’s okay if exercise doesn’t refuel me. It’s something good to do, but it’s not my passion, and it doesn’t have to be. People say they need to start “making time for themselves” and exercising, but the truth is, if I am going to make time for myself, I’d much rather read a book. And that’s okay. I do believe we need to devote time to taking care of our bodies, but if exercise isn’t my passion that I want to devote all of my free time to, that doesn’t make me bad or lazy. I’ve learned to fit in a quick jog, and then spend the remainder of “my time” doing something that I really love and that fills me up.
I know this is a super long comment, and I have lots more to say on this topic, so if you ever wanted to record a podcast about what I learned from counseling (I think it is applicable to mothers in so many different areas), let me know. It would take me some time to figure out how to capture in words all that I learned, but I would love to share it with other moms!
Rachel, I love all these beautiful thoughts you’ve shared. And yes, I’d love to record a podcast with you? (Will you email an outline to me and Koni and we’ll set it up?)
It’s been four weeks since that podcast, and while I have been able to make time just about every day to exercise–that’s mainly because my kids are ALL in school now, and I finally DO have time to do it. Where it didn’t used to refuel me, now it does. I think it goes back to that “time and season” thing. I love the idea that we can be gentle with ourselves if exercise isn’t “our thing” or if we don’t do it “perfectly” every single day. Those are important reassurances that we all need to have, I think.
Such great thoughts . . .
Love you!!!
Thank you April and Mandy for this podcast. I know I need to make some serious changes for my health and for my family and I am in the process of doing that. This was so positive and helpful and inspiring! A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to be a runner, I was running pretty consistently and got up to running 2 miles, but I have really bad feet and knees and I couldn’t do it anymore. It really made me sad because I LOVED the runner’s high I got and I loved saying I was a runner. SO then I just quit doing anything because I was so sad I couldn’t do that. But now I am back to walking and incorporating some other things in my life that are helping so much. So thank you, this has helped inspire me even further!
So glad you liked it Cheryl! Keep up the great work! xo
I really really LOVE this so very much! I feel the same way as Mandy about food, choices, and just making it work for finding something that works. Thank you for re-emphasizing for me why I am on the journey I am on for my personal change and for trying to help others reach this same attitude as well and feel the sense of empowerment that comes from it.
April, thank you for remembering us women who feel ourselves saying, “Exercise is for other women. I just can’t do it.” Right now I have a very challenging time finding time for myself, or even the energy left to do something when I do have time. I have one child with autism, one in psychiatric care, and one recovering from cancer. In addition, I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since before I was a mom. The treatment for that? Exercise. But I haven’t exercised well in a long, long time. I don’t expect anyone to have an answer for me, but I do appreciate you acknowledging those of us in less than ideal circumstances.
Hugs coming your way, Heather! You obviously have a LOT on your plate–particularly as you’re caring for so many others in challenging circumstances (and going through challenges of your own). Hats off to you. I hope you’ll be able to carve out even just a little bit of time for yourself so you can become rejuvenated and replenished. Wish I could be your neighbor and lend you a hand. xo
I’ve recently discovered Leslie Sansome’s workouts. Walk off the pounds is the one I have been doing. You do them at home and they are on YouTube so they are free. They range from 20-45 minutes. It works great for my life right now!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
This is very inspiring. Thanks! If you ever get back together, I would LOVE to hear more on nutrition and recipes. Thanks for helping us kick it into gear physically and be kind to ourselves emotionally at the same time.