Exercise is so important for moms. As a mom of three kids, I definitely know this to be true. As strange as it sounds, exercise is one of the things that I rely on to help me be a better parent.
Now, I can imagine the crazy look some of you are giving me. Don’t worry, you aren’t the first one to give me that look when I have said this 😉.
Exercise has a bad reputation for being this miserable experience that people only do if they’re trying to lose weight or get in shape. Something you would only do if you had to.
Then you add in the struggle of actually finding the time to exercise. Between the endless demands for snacks, breaking up sibling arguments, and trying to squeeze in a little me-time and it might be hard to make it a priority.
I want to share with you 5 quick reasons why exercise is so important for moms that should hopefully change your mind. These are perspectives that I use to get me moving even on the days I’m not feeling motivated. (And yes even I struggle with motivation. I got three kids y’all!)
5 Reasons to Exercise for Moms
1. Exercise helps boost your mood and lowers your stress levels.
Exercise is important for moms because it is sooo good for lowering stress levels and boosting your mood. Even doing a short 15-minute walk can help put your mind in a better place.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. These endorphins are feel-good chemicals that our brain loves and needs.
This is by far my favorite reason to exercise! I’m not even exaggerating when I say I refer to exercise as the “sanity saver” in my house.
I feel calmer, happier, and far more patient with those around me when I get to exercise regularly. (Something my family greatly appreciates. When Mamma ain’t happy, nobody is happy!😂)
I also feel very proud of myself when I exercise. Even if I’m not pushing for some personal record, I know I’m doing something healthy for my body and that feels good. On the days when I’m feeling tired or unmotivated, I always know that when I’m done I’m going to feel so much better.
2. Our bodies were made to move.
Another reason exercise is important for moms is because our bodies were designed to move and move often. Regular exercise keeps our joints healthy and our muscles and bones strong.
Think of any type of machine or moving part. If it doesn’t get regular use or the opportunity to move through its motions, it begins to get stuck or break down.
Our bodies are no different. They require us to keep them moving if we want them to work properly.
This reason can be super motivating when I’m thinking about the future. When I think about the grandchildren my kids better give me might have one day, I know I want to be able to play with them without worrying I might break a hip.
3. It sets a good example for your kids.
The next reason exercise is important for moms is because it sets a good example for our children. Our children need us to lead the way when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
We all want the best for our children and that includes their long-term health. There is no getting around the fact that people who exercise regularly live longer and healthier lives.
By making exercise a priority ourselves, we are showing our kids how important it is. When they see it and see the benefits it has for us, it teaches them far better than we could ever hope to explain with words.
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If they learn the importance of exercising as a child, it’s a lesson they can take with them into adulthood.
This reason is one that I think about when I’m feeling guilty about taking the time to exercise. My kids can be a pretty constant stream of demands and needs. ( I mentioned there are three of them right??)
Having to cut that stream off to go take time for me can cause that ever-present mom guilt to rear its ugly head. That’s when I remind myself that finding time to exercise is beneficial to all of us.
4. Exercise is a great form of self-care.
Another reason exercise is important for moms is because it is a great form of self-care. Taking the time to exercise is quality time that you are investing in your health and happiness.
I know as parents that concept can be so hard to appreciate. I also know how necessary it is. Being a parent is tough! Even on good days, it can be hard.
When you add in work, social life, and relationships, it’s easy to let ourselves get lost in all of the expectations and responsibilities. Finding time to invest in yourself looks selfish from the outside.
The reality is, it gives you the mental and physical energy you need to meet all of those expectations and responsibilities. Look at it as charging your batteries. Taking time to fit some exercise in is a wonderful way to recharge your batteries.
This reason is the one that initially got me started exercising as an adult. I was moseying along thinking I was rocking this whole parenting thing and then bam! That second baby came along and things got a whole lot harder.
I got 6 months in before I realized I needed some sort of opportunity to get a mental break. I joined a kickboxing class and haven’t stopped exercising since.
5. Exercise aids in weight loss and shaping how you look.
My last reason exercise is important for moms is because it aids in weight loss and shaping our bodies. I know this reason is one that actually motivates a lot of people to exercise, but I put it at the end of my list for a reason.
Although exercising is a great compliment to weight loss, in my experience, it is not the most important reason. I put it here because I find the above reasons far more motivating when I’m struggling to crawl out of bed and lace up my tennis shoes.
Exercising just to lose weight changes takes it from something you are doing for your health and well-being to a chore that you have to suffer through just to get fit in a smaller pant size. (Which you may or may not even care about when that alarm goes off at the crack of dawn and your toddler kept you up half the night because he’s teething 😒.)
Now with all that being said, exercise can still be a really useful tool in building a body you are happy and confident in. Most of us like the way our bodies look when they are healthy and toned from a consistent routine of exercising.
Feeling confident and happy about how I look has made a big difference in how I show up and enjoy my time with my family. I’m no longer shying away from things like beach vacations and posing for family photos.
Conclusion
Well, I hope this list has helped to open your eyes to why exercise is important for moms. Exercising on a regular basis has wonderful benefits for our physical and mental health. So I hope you get out there and get started today.
As a mom, what helps motivate you to get up and get moving? Let us know in the comments below or email me at Candice@littlestepsbighappy.com. Follow me on Pinterest for more fitness tips and advice for moms.
Want more fitness tips for moms?
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- 7 Quick Workout Ideas for Busy Moms on the Go
- 7 Ways to Get a Quick Workout at Home
- 3 Reasons You Don’t Exercise Regularly and How to Start
- 6 Easy Tips to Help You Crush Your Exercise Goals
- Walking Tips for Beginners: 7 Things You Need to Know
- How to Run Better and Lose Weight: 10 Running Tips for Beginners
- 5 Benefits of Running Clubs for Your Health & Wellness Goals in 2023
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I’m a busy mom of 3 turned Health and Fitness Coach and Self Defense Instructor. I help inspire other moms to reach their health, fitness, and weight loss goals. You can usually find me chasing my kiddos around, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or sneaking away to read romance novels. About Me
Being a Mom I can totally relate to myself and other moms. Exercise is very important aspect of life often gets neglected due to busy schedules. I not only regularly exercise to keep weight in control but it also helps to reduce stress, boost good mood and set a example of healthy life in front of kids. We often go on hiking with family and that is the best exercise for all of us and a great family bonding time. Thank you for sharing.
Heena.
https://travelandhikewithpcos.com/2019/05/15/hiking-the-mailbox-peak-seattle-wa/
Hiking is a great way to include your family in your efforts to exercise! Thanks for commenting.
I couldn’t agree with your points more. It’s so important to move, it doesn’t matter whether it’s an intensive thing or 15 minutes of unwind yoga in your lounge. Moving keeps the aches away! And you’re absolutely right about it being good for kids to see their parents moving.
I was feeling all of those aches when I got up this morning lol. After I stretched and did a short workout, I felt so much better. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I feel so much better when I take the time to exercise, as well as my day tends to be way more productive. It’s a win-win all around! Hiking, biking, and Pilates, are my go to favorites!
Those are great ways to exercise. It’s always best when you can find one you enjoy. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
great post! I need too start again.
hello I like that it sets a good example for the children. I like to go for a walk every now and then. in fact out of necessity I walk 4km to pick up my son from daycare. I feel relaxed after that walk.
A 4km walk every day is great! It’s also great your son gets to be a part of that exercise. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
To be honest I am always looking for an excuse to go outside the home and exercise my body. But what a great reason as been the best example for my children 🙂
I’m glad you found a new reason to exercise! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I think moms are so focused on everyone else that we often forget to take care of ourselves. These are great reasons why we should make exercise a priority.
That is so true! It’s easy to forget about ourselves when we are taking care of others. The fact that they need us is why we need to take care of ourselves too. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Exercise is a great way to get a little stress relief! So important for mommas!
Lauren | https://www.laurelandiron.com/
I agree! I usually feel a lot less stressed after working out. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I am a mother of one and I try to get my exercise in before she wakes up . Note I said try lol. Other than that I walk to the bus station. I also take her outside and we have a little football match. I try to get it in when I can and when I have the energy and motivation to .
Trying our best is all any of us can do. If you want more ideas for ways to fit it in, I have a post titled 7 Ways to Get a Quick Workout you can check out. https://littlestepsbighappy.com/quick-workout-with-kids-around/ Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Exercise helped me so much with my postpartum depression as well! I always encourage new moms when they ask me for advice, to get up and start exercising as soon as a doctor says it’s ok. I feel so much better if I have gotten a work out in for the day.
That’s wonderful that exercising helped you so much with postpartum depression! That’s another . Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.