You hear it all the time, “being healthy is important.” Well it is. Really important. For you as a woman, mom, partner, employee, sister, daughter…
And before you start with the excuses, hear me out.
Healthy doesn’t have a size or a weight or a number of miles run. The female body type that most frequently shows up in advertising as “ideal” is actually only possessed by 5 percent of American women. I know it’s hard not to, but don’t compare yourself. Embrace YOUR body. Be your own unique version of healthy and strong.
Don’t feel less than if you can’t do as many push-ups as the lady next to you in class. Don’t get discouraged if you see a model walking the runway two weeks after delivering a baby. Don’t give up if you’ve tried but you and running just don’t mix.
Today I challenge you to tune everything and everyone else out (after you finish reading this post, of course) and ask yourself:
1. What types of activities do I enjoy and not enjoy?
2. What have I not yet tried but have always wanted to?
3. What distractions/challenges do I face that prevent me from getting or staying healthy?
4. What can I realistically fit into my schedule, into my life?
5. What is my version of healthy and strong and what can I do to get there?
Chances are if you’re like most of my clients and friends, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Easy for you to say, exercise lady, since your job revolves around being healthy. I can’t fit one more thing into my life right now. I most definitely can’t go to the gym or take classes like I used to before I had a family, a career and other responsibilities.”
You DO have time. Here are some ideas to fit exercise into your normal activities and errands:
- If you are going out for a walk, wear your baby instead of pushing him/her in the stroller.
- Waiting in line? Hold your baby close to you and start squatting.
- Next time you’re at the grocery store, carry a basket instead of pushing a shopping cart. And yes, you can still get that gallon of milk and laundry detergent.
- Set your alarm for five minutes before you need to get up. Put in your earphones and turn on soothing nature music (water sounds are great). Close your eyes. When the song is over, take a deep breath and open your eyes. *Note: listening to water sounds with a full bladder is not a good idea
- Surely the shower/bath will need to be cleaned one of these days. So scrub it. Then when you’re done scrub the bathroom floor. Yep. By hand.
- Watching TV? At every commercial break, get up and start moving. March in place, jog in place, jumping jacks, squats – anything to get your heart rate up.
Think of another excuse or challenge that is preventing you from staying healthy? Please share in the comments and I will help you find a solution.
Jennifer is a perinatal exercise specialist and founder of Fit for Expecting — Go to website







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