Exercise is Vital

About two years ago, I was not a fan of exercise. Wait. Let me rephrase that. I thought it was good for my kids to exercise, so that they'd be out of my hair, but I didn't really think about the benefits that they'd reap - just that they were not in my space and in the way. Being a heavy wife and mother was just something that my family would have to live with. It kind of came with the territory of having six kids, in my mind. I was giving everything up for them, sacrificing myself for all of the things that they needed me to do. But two years ago, I decided to lose weight and somewhere along the way, I realized the benefits and the sheer necessity of daily exercise for myself and my entire family.

In the process of trying to lose weight and get into smaller pants, which was my immediate first goal, I became more aware of the need for exercise as a health need for long term. Meaning that I was not on a "diet", but I was making a "lifestyle change". I realized this one day when I was in a rotten mood and all I craved was not chocolate and sugar but a good butt kickin' run.

I've handled this life change in a couple of different ways. The most important approach is to make exercise a family event. We put on music and dance in the family room, we do the Hip Hop Abs dvd's together, we all walk or bike to the park and they play while I run extra. We play soccer as a family in the backyard. I work out with a trainer at 5 a.m. three days a week, while my kids sleep in. I go for longer walks and runs on the weekends with my little ones in the double jog stroller while my big kids have soccer practice. I take capoeira classes three times a week and have my big kids watch my younger ones. (Not without a good deal of screaming and complaining, mind you.) At the very minimum, I park further and we all walk together. In short, I use a multitude of approaches, which ensures that I get it done.

I don't want to wake up in twenty years too overweight and out of shape to walk up the steps. I was already well on my way there, using my multiple pregnancies as an excuse. I don't want to be in a wheelchair, unable to attend my kids graduations. I don't want to see my kids in plus sizes as adults, making excuses for their lack of health because I hadn't shown them the importance of exercise during their formative years. I don't want to have my kids diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure and other diseases, simply because I didn't make health a priority. I was moving in the wrong direction and taking my family with me.

One thing I had to struggle with was my martyr complex. I put myself last for the "good of my family", doing for them and not for myself. I always did their "stuff" first, and so I never had time for my "stuff". No longer. I know now that by putting myself first and getting into shape and staying healthy, I am showing my children that I am important, just as important as they are.

Moms, be selfish. Take the time to treat yourself right. Get out there and break a sweat - you are worth it!

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Carmen is a part time working mom and full time exercise enthusiast. When not driving carpool, gulping down coffee or lifting weights, she can be found at Mom to the Screaming Masses, where she gripes about her life, and The Elff Diet, a site devoted to diet, exercise and healthy living.