The Value of Fitness in Motherhood
by: Ashley Sponsky, MS, RD, LDN, guest bloggers
At the beginning of each new year, starting a new exercise routine is always on our minds. We all know the importance of exercising- it helps us to build strong bones and muscles, improves our cardiovascular system, and burns calories to assist in weight management. But for moms, it is a hard task to accomplish on a regular basis. I know as a mom of two toddlers, it is very easy to place exercise on the back burner and prioritize the needs of my family first. But, as mothers, do we truly understand the value and importance of consistent fitness in our lives? I think it is a pivotal component of our day that can help moms lead healthier, happier lives. While taking care of your children should be a top priority, it is crucial to not neglect your own well being. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup! I’d love to share a few ways that fitness can change the outlook of your life as a mom and empower you to live a healthier life.
Physical health- pregnancy and postpartum takes a physical toll on women’s bodies. Changes in weight, medical diagnoses, muscle tone, surgeries and scars can affect our fitness level. Consistent exercise can help us regain our strength, heal our bodies, boost energy, and enhance our overall physical well being!
Mental health- the demands of each stage of motherhood can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, depression and burnout. Exercise is a wonderful way to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters! It also allows us to take a break from our normal routines, allowing for mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Boosts energy and immunity- as we all know, motherhood requires boundless energy, regardless of how tired or sick we may feel. Staying active helps combat fatigue and can boost energy levels throughout the day. This allows us to be more present and engaged with our children.
Improves self care and confidence- prioritizing self care is not a selfish act, but a necessity! Physical activity allows moms to reconnect with our body, boosts our self esteem, confidence, and sense of accomplishment.
Positive role modeling- mothers are powerful role models for our children. Did you know that children who grow up seeing their moms engage in regular exercise are more likely to prioritize fitness themselves? By focusing on fitness and committing to a healthy lifestyle, moms can instill these valuable habits into their kids from a very early age.
Social connection- motherhood can be very isolating at times. Fitness is beautiful in that it can build communities of supportive moms and help combat those feelings of isolation. Now is the time to try out some interactive classes like postnatal yoga, stroller walks, and mommy and me dance classes!
Long term health benefits- consistent exercise helps improve our bone mass, build our lean body mass, and manage our weight. This can help reduce risk of developing chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis later in life.
It’s not about fitting into your old jeans or returning to your pre-baby weight. Fitness throughout motherhood is about nurturing your physical and mental well being so that you can be the best version of yourself for your family. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of being a great mom, and it’s a journey that benefits the whole family.
Here are some tips to get started:
Start slowly- start with movement that suits your current fitness level and that you enjoy. Gradually increase the intensity and duration in order to prevent injury or overuse.
Find support- search for local moms groups, mommy and me fitness classes or online communities that support moms busy lifestyles. Locally, we have two great groups that provide activities for moms- Restored for Moms and Thrive Motherhood! We also have Fit4Mom classes located throughout the Triangle area.
Consistency is key- establish a regular routine that aligns with your daily schedule. There is no right or wrong time to exercise! So, do you need to get up early before the kids wake up? Or is it best to sign up for a class after school drop off? The choice is yours!
Include your child- there are plenty of ways that you can bond with your baby/child without getting frustrated. Some examples include mommy and me yoga, stroller walks/runs, or hiking while baby wearing.
We show up everyday and show strength, resilience, and determination as we juggle the rewarding but challenging and unknown demands of motherhood. I encourage you to consider the value of fitness in motherhood- we have the power to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and inspire others along the way!
Ashley Sponsky is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and the owner of Fueled and Fit LLC, a private practice in Cary, N.C. Ashley has been a registered dietitian since 2010 and has worked with a variety of clients in outpatient, gym, and corporate wellness settings. Her flexible food philosophy allows clients to reach their goals and gain a healthier relationship with food without any fads or deprivation involved. In addition to individualized counseling, Ashley offers small group classes, lunch n’ learns, grocery store tours, and meal planning. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, her two sons, and 3 fur-babies.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Restored is not a medical provider and does not offer medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.