Mom of 5 Reveals: The Truth About Exercise Excuses | Parenting & Fitness

A Mom of 5's Honest Take: The Real Reason You're Not Exercising

As a mother of five children, I've heard - and made - every excuse in the book for why we can't find time to exercise. "I'm too tired," "My kids need me," "I'd rather sleep in," "I don't have anyone to watch the children," "I just don't enjoy working out." The list goes on and on.

I frequently speak with mothers of young children who look at my life now and forget that I was once exactly where they are. In fact, I navigated those challenging early parenting years while my husband was deployed. I'm not sharing this to boast about my accomplishments, but because I genuinely believe that we can all find ways to prioritize our health if we're willing to shift our perspective.

The Woman Who Inspired This Post

Each morning, I witness something remarkable during my own workout routine. Recently, I spotted a woman pushing a double stroller with two young children nestled inside. A backpack filled with water and supplies was secured on her back. Though I couldn't capture a perfect photo as she ran by, the image of her determination stays with me.

This mother isn't waiting for perfect conditions. She isn't complaining that she has no one to watch her children while she exercises. Instead, she's taking charge of her health and modeling resilience for her kids. She simply loads them up and goes - no excuses, just action.

From Obstacles to Opportunities

What I've learned from my own experience and from watching mothers like the one I see each morning is that consistency matters more than perfection. Your workout with children might not look like someone else's child-free gym session, but what counts is that you're moving your body.

Some strategies that have worked for me and other mothers I know:

• Incorporate your children into your exercise routine with stroller walks, playground workouts, or dance parties
• Use nap time strategically for short, effective home workouts
• Treat your workout time as an unbreakable appointment with yourself
• Find your community of like-minded mothers for accountability and support
• Start with small goals - even 10 minutes of movement is better than nothing
• Prepare the night before by laying out your workout clothes and equipment

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

The most important breakthrough comes when we stop viewing exercise as another item on our to-do list and start seeing it as essential self-care. When we're healthier and stronger, we have more energy for our children and can be more present in their lives.

That mother with the double stroller isn't just running for herself - she's showing her children what dedication looks like. She's teaching them about health, perseverance, and making priorities. Her children are learning invaluable lessons simply by watching their mother care for herself.

Your Journey Starts Today

Way to go, moms everywhere who are finding ways to prioritize their health amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting! Remember that every mother's journey is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to keep trying until you find what fits your life and your family.

What challenges have you faced in maintaining an exercise routine as a parent? What creative solutions have you discovered? Share your experiences - we're all in this together and can learn from each other's journeys.

Remember: You don't need more time, you just need to make yourself a priority.

Kitchen (Photo credit: KellyK)