All Movement Heals

by Stephanie | Apr 11, 2017 | Learning The Basics, Quality of Life

All Movement Heals!

I strongly believe just movement can keep you sane. When I first had my son I got trapped in this idea that I needed to take a class or go to the gym to have any progress with my “body goals”. I put so much pressure on getting my body back, that I actually shut down and became depressed. More on that another time. After a year of “trying” I realized the challenging setbacks many mom’s face.

Your time is no longer yours!

An hour class at the gym is now two hours and possibly more… getting them ready, packing them into the car, fighting with “stiff child” and playing “tickle tactics” to get in the seat…” Oh crap, forgot the diaper bag” or “shit is it snack time?” Then once you get to the gym, check them in, walk away while tears and screams eat your heart out all so you can have a “healthy break for yourself”

I remember having anxiety wondering “ when are they coming to get me?” It was so stressful I just stopped going altogether.

If you are reading this in agreement, I am here to tell you movement doesn’t have to be this stressful. In fact, I will go as far as saying, you are wasting your time if you are this stressed while at the gym!

So here is my solution,

This is your free pass to give yourself a break. I am not saying don’t workout. That is the worst advice. I believe the act of getting your heart rate up and moving for at least 15 mins will change your whole day!

 So, Here is what I did

I choose my favorite workouts. In my case, it was a Dance, Pilates, Yoga, and PIYO. I picked 3 instructors that I love and followed only them. There is so much fitness inspiration out there it can be overwhelming and take you off the ultimate goal. So pick someone you like!

At first, I only did 10 to 15 mins of their workout each day but my goal was to get a habit of working out at home down so I wouldn’t skip. The majority of my workouts were done with Pilates Anytime.

I logged into Pilates Anytime ( an online community of Pilates workouts.) and I started and stopped when I needed to change a diaper, fix an owie, or whatever the day brought. The great thing about this is it’s cheap, ($18 mo) easy and always provides different workouts. I could take a barre class or mat class or fusion. I highly recommend it.

If you don’t want to spend money YouTube is great too. But I caution you. There are so many people teaching fitness out there that have no training and could possibly lead you to injury unintentionally. So, look for people who are trained and certified if you choose the Pilates route.

Find something for your child to do! Or work out at nap time. I did not like working out at nap. I felt if I breathed too hard he would wake up! No thanks!

Pick a time that works for you and make it part of your routine. This is so important, once you pass the annoying stage of “mommy what are you doing” “why are you doing that” the questions are endless when you first start. It becomes a habit for them as well.

As we all know kids don’t like change so make sure to continue with your routine or you will have to deal with this stage over and over.

I know this doesn’t seem ideal but you need to be stronger now than ever before to make it work, take care of yourself.

If nothing else, Just move. Go for a walk or run. Hold plank next to them while they are playing with toys. Continue moving mama you got this. As they say, this phase will pass and you will be back in the gym in no time.

Build yourself up so others don’t have to! Cheers

In strength

Stephanie