This is a guest post from Cathy, a mom of two young boys, wife, and full-time attorney. She writes about family finances, cooking, and parenting at Chief Family Officer.
At the beginning of 2008, I never worked out. I have two young boys, and working out just wasn’t a priority. But then Go Workout Mom started Goal Call Mondays, encouraging readers to post a health-related goal for the week, and to report back the following Monday. I thought it would kind of fun to join in, and that surely I could find the time to work out once that week.
And I did! My husband took the kids out for an hour and I used that time to hop on the treadmill. I kept the same goal for the following week and discovered that I could work out during the kids’ bedtime, after I got my youngest into bed, while my husband read books with our oldest. After a few weeks, I increased my commitment to one cardio workout and one yoga workout each week.
Then, in the middle of March, my husband promised our oldest that we would go to a water park during the summer. I couldn’t see how this could possibly go well unless I was willing to get wet – which, of course, meant that I would have to wear a swimsuit. In public.
Suddenly, working out became a real priority. And I had shown myself that I could find the time to work out if it was really important to me. A typical day for me is to wake up at 5:00, head out to work at 6:00, and arrive home at 5:00 p.m. Then it’s dinner time, bath time and book time. Until March, I used the rest of my evening to blog at ChiefFamilyOfficer.com, as well as manage my family’s finances and other assorted activities. I couldn’t cut back anywhere except blogging, so that’s what I’ve given up.
I still blog, but spend less time on it than I used to. And that’s okay. For the last two months, I’ve worked out almost every day. My goal is to exercise every day, although I’ve missed a day here and there. I tell myself that missing one workout isn’t a big deal – it’s only a problem if I use it as an excuse to stop exercising altogether.
I now realize that I could have found the time to work out all along, if I’d only been willing to trade some of my blogging time for sweating time. So if you think that you don’t have the time to work out, I’m willing to bet it’s because you’re not looking hard enough.
{ 12 comments }
I haven’t worked out for 3 months already. The whole regiment seems hard to squeeze into my busy schedule. But then, reading through your entry, I guess maybe I could give it a try. Anyway, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to work out on a weekend.
Thanks for sharing.
Excellent points! I find it interesting that you cut back on your blogging – sounds like you have your priorities straight. That something this addict-blogger needs to revisit. Thanks for the reminder:)
charlotte’s last blog post..News On the Experiment Fronts
Great post!!!!
glad you got your fitness goals in order 
BK’s last blog post..I gotta go to Rehab….
This is so true. Making the time to workout and get healthy is really about making it a priority. That is why I run with my girls in the jogger in the mornings. I am not willing to use my ‘me’ time in the evenings so this was the alternative for me. I think deciding what you are going to give up or adapt your workouts to is the hard part. Once you have accepted the change, for me it has been easy to just do it. Great points!
Hannah’s last blog post..1.5m Radius
Im heading down that blogless road as well methinks.
I cant cut back in a healthy thing for a, well, sitonmyarse thang
MizFit
MizFit’s last blog post..Guest Chef Time.
This is great! There’s always enough time- its just if we’re willing to prioritize and make the effort.
Sagan’s last blog post..Learning Healthy Lessons
Good for you. I am addicted to blogging and working out and have two boys, so what do I give up??? Dishes and laundry get pushed to the last possible minute- like the sink is full and there are no spoons left to use.
Rachel’s last blog post..Kids in action
I used to whine/bitch/moan that I had it so much harder than everyone with my ridiculous commute and sometimes crazy work hours.
But I ended up realizing that it is what it is…I’m either going to have to suck it up and get up early to fit in a workout. So I cut back on my evening blogging so I could get up. It seems to be working.
Slacker Mama’s last blog post..she turns to foam in the real story
I agree. I believe we all make time for the things that are important to us. It’s about priorities and answering the question of how you currently spend your time. Which it sounds like you did. Once priorities are in order, it becomes easier (not entirely easy!) to make some changes. Congratulations to you!
Stacey’s last blog post..What Good are Intentions…
Completely agree! It’s so easy to just say, “I’m too busy to workout.” But – really – exercise has too many benefits to ignore or push aside.
Thanks for the excellent reminder!
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Congrats! What about single parents with no one to watch their kids? I don’t have a husband to read my son books while I work out, or watch the kids for an hour so I can take a vigorous walk. My son would have to go with me (he is 5 too big for stroller too little to power walk), and he is not in bed until 9PM so its too late to work out. Oh and since gas is now $4.50 per gallon, a gym membership is out of the question financially. Work and commuting keeps me out of the house from 7AM until 6:30 PM.
To Rachel about working out and single parenting- I have a friend whose boy is about 5 and they toss the Frisbee around or play soccer. Since he isn’t very good at throwing or kicking accurately, she runs a lot to get the disk or ball. The have push up and sit up contests too. Just an idea- plus she feels like a great mom because to him they are playing.
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