Getting Past The Guilt And Into The Gym

I turned over a new leaf this week. I’m doing a lot of that lately – must be spring fever. I’ve got a whole stack of leaves. It’s time to make some changes, and I’m seeing what sticks.

Where, in particular, is my focus this week? Well, I miss the gym.

I’ve been pretty active in my 30s. I love to run and I love the stress relief that a good workout provides. Plus, there’s that whole “body after two babies” thing. In 3+ years of having kids, I have yet to figure out how to get my fitness time accomplished.

My workouts never come together as I plan. I’ve tried two time windows:

(1) Working out or running before the kids get up: My son can generally sense any sort of exercise motivation and will make sure to get up at least three times the night before – or demand to come in for early morning snuggles and an extra doze right before my alarm would have gone off.

(2) Attending workout classes in the evening: I have to limit this since sitters are expensive, but I’ve set up a weekly sitter so I can go sweat it off at least one evening. Inevitably, I’m tired and cranky and find a writing deadline or errands I’d rather do without the kids in tow.

Workout fail. And I feel it.

What I’ve never done: Taken my kids to the gym during our “good window,” which is in the mornings. I’ve always felt mom guilt about doing something for myself during that slot of time when I could take the kids to a class, to a playgroup or out to explore the city.

And you know what? I’m burnt out on music and soccer and the kids’ zones. So, we suddenly find ourselves with three whole days each week with nothing scheduled.

So today, I took a risk. I brought them to a nearby gym. I popped them into the daycare.

The whole ride home, Abby told me how much fun she had. She told me after lunch how she wants to go back again.

Maybe it’s time Mom takes a little something for herself – and hopefully, I’ll have more to give them by doing so.