Exercise and Mommy Guilt

Working out in itself is hard.  Working out with a toddler - well that becomes a great big challenge some times.   Like last week when I was trying to do Les Mills Pump.  My son would not let go of the bar and screamed "No! Mine! No! Mine!"  while gripping the bar with a strong enough grip I could lift him.   

Then there is today.  Today was one full of mommy guilt over exercising.  How does one continue working out when their child wants attention?   It was hard.  Today I did Rockin' Body.  I wanted to see if it would be a good work out to use while on vacation.  The program I did today was approximately 40 minutes so not too long.   It was apparently too long for my son.   At first he did great.  He was even "working out" with me. Then he moved onto toys and doing his own thing.   His time limit expired when I had 5 minutes and 38 second left.   He was done.   Trying to climb on me, crying at my feet, and obviously not wanting me to finish.  But I had too.

My son had been fed, had a clean diaper, and had plenty of toys in his room and the living room to play with.  Even still, I felt guilty for putting my exercise ahead of him.  Even if it was just 5 minutes remaining.  My son is my inspiration.   I want to show him that I am a fit, healthy mom and one he can look up too.  So for today, my desire to be healthy took over my role as a mom.  I'm still feeling a little guilty for it.  But as I told my son, now we have the entire day to play and hang out - I just needed a work out.

I think finding time to work out and be a mom can be hard.  It's all about balance.  It isn't always easy.  But I can rest easy knowing that my son is seeing me be a fit and healthy mom.   Despite days like today, working out with him awake is usually a bonus.  I get my work out in early and he watches me do something healthy.   So moms (and dads!),  that one hour work out may make you feel a little guilty, but think of the benefit you are giving yourself and your family!  Have a great week and keep working out!