The Great Escape: Just Move Your Body, Mama

The last few weeks of winter can be really hard.  The kids are tired of cold and dreary; they want to play outside more, and who knows when spring will arrive?  Tempers can flare and the noise level can shoot through the roof as they try to find ways to expend their excess energy.  By the time the end of the day rolls around, moms can be really stressed.  Exercise is a great way to have time for yourself without consuming excess calories or even spending any money.

People are always talking about the benefits of exercise, and I learned long ago that they are right.  Exercise can lower stress and raise self-esteem, build muscles and reduce body fat, lower blood pressure and strengthen your bones.  There is no reason not to do it, and every reason you should.  Yet too many moms, used to putting their kids, husband and home first, don't realize how wonderful exercise can be.

My favorite time of day for exercise is evening.  This has always been my husband's time with the kids, since when they were little I was frazzled by then.  The habit has stayed with us, but research shows it doesn't matter what time of day you work out as long as you're moving your body.  If you prefer the morning or the afternoon--go for it!  When I am tired and just want to think or listen to music, I go for a walk or run in my neighborhood.  Familiar ground means I can lose myself in my thoughts, and my pedometer ensures I know how far I'm going and even allows me to try and go a bit further next time.  There is something so lovely about running under the moon and stars, whether the leaves are crunching under my feet, the frogs are peeping in the trees, the cicadas are humming on a warm, still summer night, or the light is reflecting off the snow.

When my workout needs to be inside, I have a library of workout videos--everything from step aerobics to yoga, Pilates to seven minute abdominal workouts, kickboxing to hip hop dance.  Plus, our cable features an on-demand option so I can access dozens more workouts.  We have a Wii gaming system, and I recently got the "Biggest Loser Challenge" game.  This allows me into the virtual gym of Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, where I can participate in Biggest Loser style workouts and contests.  (I am unreasonably happy that this game has no scale unless you buy the balance board; your weight is on the honors system!)  All of these options take lack of child care, inclement weather, or not wanting to change clothes off of your excuses list.

Two years ago, I joined a gym.  I correctly surmised that I wouldn't pay for something I didn't use!  This gives me all those weight machines and free weights for the all-important strength training aspect of exercise.  In addition, it gives me numerous cardio options and equipment like yoga balls, kettle bells, medicine balls, massage chairs and Bosu balls-- which are great but would cost a fortune to buy and be a hassle to store.  I try to head to the gym three days a week and exercise at home another two or three.

If a gym membership isn't in your budget, remember that there are many  ways to exercise.  Other activities I include as workouts are biking, ice skating, swimming, heavy gardening or house cleaning, and even dancing to loud music in my own living room.  A variety of exercise options ensures I never get bored, and any of these will burn calories and give an energy boost. 

Exercise is beneficial to everyone, but especially for moms.  If you need time just for yourself, a good workout will lift your mood, allow you time to have a coherent thought, and decompress from all the stresses of your day.  Why not give it a try?