Putting wellness at the top of the priority list not only takes commitment it takes you putting yourself first. As a mother this is not always an easy task, it can easily slip through the cracks when you are busy taking care of everyone else. What it means to be a fit mom can look differently for so many of us. For some, it’s just the ability to move a few times a week while for others it might mean weaving in fitness during some quality time with the kids. However it may look to you, there is no right or wrong way to embrace the title fit mama!
Moms tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves, especially when trying to navigate their new normal. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s OK to embrace the change that comes with motherhood and embrace new forms of fitness too. Katie Bressack, a Holistic Nutritionist that specializes in women’s hormonal health and works with a multitude of moms on a regular basis. She shares her own experience as a fit mom is in the wellness industry.
“After recovering from my c-section we started our daily ritual of family walks. The boys were six weeks old when we started walking as a family and then incorporating hikes with the boys in baby carriers. They love being outside! I’ve noticed how going for a walk helps to calm them down when they are having an off moment and how being outside crawling and moving around makes them happy. I hope that incorporating movement with them at such an early age will help them develop a healthy relationship to exercise.” explains Bressack.
I am sure all moms can agree that no day is the same. Finding that strong motivator that will keep you going while supporting your mental and physical health is key. Lauren George, founder of Lauren George Fitness says “Some days, I feel like I’m letting my family down when I spend too much time on work or I’m traveling and other days, I feel like I drop the ball at work when I close the computer to cook dinner or run the girls to the 80 activities they participate in (which I love).” When the workweek gets hectic, George reminds herself that her girls are seeing firsthand what it means to work hard while finding time to prioritize themselves.
There are so many benefits that you can gain from being a fit mom, so before you tell yourself you don’t have enough time know that this is something you will want to make time for (even just a few minutes count). Most of the fit moms that Recess connected with all agreed that it’s more than just burning calories it’s about finding your strength, demanding pockets of time during the day, and while discovering mental clarity. Katie said it best, “I know that when I take care of me, I’m more able to find calmness in my day and be more present with my boys.”
Happy Mother’s Day!