[nancynic]

Hi,

Part of getting the support we need as parents includes being able to care for ourselves while caring for our children. It is easy to forget our own needs when we are caring for our families ... and there usually seems like there is more to do than hours in the day.

Exercising is such an important way to care for ourselves - we all know what the benefits of exercising are. So the questions are - do we exercise? how do we fit it into our days? if we don't exercise what holds us back?

Let us know your tips for exercising and we'll be inspired to try them ourselves.

NancyNic

[Judilyn]

I exercise because I feel better when I do and I am much more able to cope with motherhood and deal wiht crisis. I am much nicer when I do it faithfully.

Also it's a good example to my kids about keeping fit. I just recently lost 50 pounds and could not have done it wth out exercise. My oldest daughter struggles with being over weight so I try to be a good example.

Exercise gives me my needed time alone to think my thoughts and pray. I've had friends offer to come along but I politely decline their offer.

Most times I do a walk/ jog routine but sometimes I go hiking. At times it means that I have to give other things up or let a little cleaning go. But as I said I feel better and I parent better when I exercise. I also have the support of a wonderful hubby who does alot to make sure I get out the door.


Judilyn

[nancynic]

Hi,

Thanks for your post ... what you wrote is so important!
And congratulations for your weight loss ! You must
feel terrific!

Nancy

[Talia]

Most people find it hard to exercise - lack of time, opportunity, etc.

These were my excuses up until eight months ago when I decided enough was enough - After three kids I was huge- uncomfortable in my own body and skin. I had gained over 100# total - and I did not like what I saw.

I gave up fast food, bread and pasta. exercise when ever I can - That means if I blowing my hair dry - I do squats or leg lifts.
When driving my car - I do butt squeezes- when playng with my 20 month son I do sit-up with him - he thinks its a game. When ever my children see me exercising - especially my daughter she wants to join me. Sometimes a little here and there will add up to be alot.... I say I exercise at least an hour a day- sometimes more - it just depends on what I am doing and if whether or I have one hand or two hands free.

As a result, I have lost and lost and I am continuing to lose. I went from a size 18/20 to a 10 or 12... I havent been this size since before High School- I look great and feel great - I have more energy and will- I just feel good inside and that matters to me.

I am still working on it daily and plan to lose 10 - 20 lbs. more - I'm going on vacation in December - it will require me to wear a bathing suit- and I want to wear a bikini "Ha Ha - Never"

I think if I could do it- so can anyone. We all know our weaknesses and faults when it comes to our eating habits - A little to start wont hurt anyone....

Good Luck To All -
Talia's Mom

[Sharon]

In my teens, I was very active in skateboarding. After several serious accidents, I realized it was too dangerous and had to give it up.
In my early twenties, I took up rollerblading (in-line skating) and have kept it up ever since. My husband, son, and I skate just about every night, except in bad weather (you can't skate when the ground is wet).
We skate for about an hour each evening after work, either in our neighborhood or in various parks/ empty parking lots/ vacant parking garages around town.
It's great fun and very relaxing, at least for me... it's a good way to spend time with my family but WITHOUT everyone pulling on me, demanding attention. We are together, but each doing our own thing... you know? It's a great stress reliever; I just LOVE going FAST and feeling the wind on my face. I become very tense at home and at work if I have to miss a few days of skating.
This is the only exercise I do... I find all other exercise regimes boring and don't think I'd have the discipline to keep them up.
I think you have to find exercise that is fun for you.
I'm afraid that as I get older, I won't be able to keep on skating, but I hope I will. It keeps me in shape and feeling young. When I take a break from it, I feel stiff and have less energy. Also, as I said, the psychological/ spiritual benefits are amazing.
~Sharon

[nancynic]

Talia's Mom and Sharon,

Thanks for writing!
You are inspirations to all of us!

Taking care of ourselves makes us better moms!

nancynic