Exercise should be a tool to improve your mental and physical health, not something that causes feelings of failure or stress. As a mom you have limited time and energy so exercise should be something that brings you joy and positive feelings. You deserve your relationship with exercise to be a healthy one. Here are five ways to improve your relationship with exercise:
Drop the “No Excuses” Mentality- whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, a mom of a toddler or with kids in school...you’re going to have barriers to exercise. You’re going to have unexpected things get in the way of your plan to workout. With a “no excuses” mentality, you’re sure to feel bad about missing a workout. Those negative feelings are the beginning to a negative relationship with exercise. Stop. Instead work on a strategy to plan for barriers so that you don’t feel bad when they occur.
Appreciate Physical Activity-aerobic and strength training is crucial to good health and fitness, however there will be times in your life where “exercise”, which I consider a structured session of physical activity, is less feasible. However things like going for family walks, biking instead of taking the train to work, playing with your kids on the playground...are all ways to keep you active outside of a fitness class or gym. If you choose to appreciate physical activity, your relationship with exercise will seem less stressful.
Be realistic: during my consultations, I always ask what’s realistic in terms of how much time you can dedicate to exercise. Factors such as childcare, work, and child naps or help from a partner or other caregiver are always considered. Rather than choosing an arbitrary number, like “I’m going to workout 3 days per week”, ask yourself what’s realistic. This will help you avoid the frustrations of not being able to meet expectations. Personalize your fitness for a good relationship with exercise.
Join a community- for exercise to become a habit, surround yourself with people that are already doing what you’re hoping to do. Whether it be a virtual community or Facebook group, or a studio, fitness class or run group...put yourself in a place where you feel supported, motivated and understood. Your environment should be positive in order to have a positive relationship with exercise.
Find your why- your reason for exercise before pregnancy is probably different than it is now. Make a list of all of the benefits from exercise. Check yourself to make sure none of them induce negative thoughts. In other words, instead of “so I can fit in my clothes”, try “so I can play with my kids when they ask”. Eliminate any “whys” that are not positive.