One of the “shoulds” that I released a long time ago was that “I should read books.” Reading fiction novels is a great form of self-care and entertainment. Reading non-fiction is helpful for learning new things about topics that interest me. Because of these great reasons, I would always tell myself that I should prioritize reading books. The issue was that I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my sleep by reading in bed, and I wasn’t willing to commit to it anywhere else in my schedule regularly, especially since becoming a mom.
And then my life changed during a weekend road trip.
I had been listening to books on CD in my car for a few years, but when I took off by myself one weekend to visit college friends several hours away, I forgot to get a new audio book. I decided to open up the podcast app on my phone and give it a try. I have been addicted ever since. I went from dreading my commute to work to going to bed so excited for my next episode during my morning commute. Podcasts educate, inspire, and entertain me in a way that is so fulfilling.
How about you? Do you like to listen to podcasts?
Who knows, maybe someday I will have my own podcast. You never know what is possible, but now that I put that idea out into the world, we will see what becomes of it.
Last week, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts: the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. Craig is a well known pastor of Life Church which has locations throughout the US. Needless to say, he knows a lot about being an effective leader and is very generous with his wisdom. His message from the last podcast I listened to before writing this post had the most perfect timing for what I would like to share with you today. (Gotta love it when that happens!)
For the past ten weeks, I have been sharing the top ten reasons why moms don’t exercise as much as we’d like. A common theme that has emerged is that when we give a reason for not exercising, we can actually use that as the reason TO exercise. For example, if you don’t have enough energy to exercise, you could exercise to help create energy. Take a look at the full list and ask yourself how for example, having pain or injury could be improved by exercising.
Top Ten Reasons Why Moms Don’t Exercise As Much As We’d Like
- Lack of Time
- Lack of Motivation
- Lack of Confidence
- Competing Priorities
- Sense of Overwhelm
- Lack of Support
- Pain or Injury
- Lack of Energy
- Lack of Focus
- Lack of Resources
Hopefully, I have proven my point in this series of posts, and you trust that it just makes sense to prioritize exercise into your schedule.
It might not be simple, easy or convenient, but you are smart, strong, and creative, mama! You might just have to explore new options that work for you in the season of life that you are in. I did this when I realized I am not in the season of life for reading books, but instead I started listening to podcasts in order to fill a need in my life in a way that worked for me.
Back to the podcast episode “Do More, Invest Less- Learning to Bend the Curve” from the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast and how it pertains to lack of resources to exercise.
Resources to exercise include
- exercise equipment
- memberships to gyms studios, apps or online classe
- personal trainers or other exercise professionals
- the environment where you live and work with access to safe streets
- parks or spaces where you could do a workout with comfort and enjoyment
- money to pay for equipment, classes and training
Having access to resources is helpful but not the biggest determinate for success. Think about all the people who sign up for a gym membership with the best of intentions, and then after a while, they stop going. They continue to pay for the membership in hopes that they will one day be able to get to the gym.
There are also many treadmills that get used more to hang clothes on than to walk on. These are examples of having access to resources, but the resources are not being used so they cannot be effective.
On the contrary, think about people who you know who are in incredible shape, but they don’t have a home gym, a gym membership or a personal trainer. They instead have positive lifestyle habits that keep them active in creative ways. For example, these people walk their dog every day, do bodyweight strength training routines at work in their office during conference calls and do an evening stretching routine before bed. These people spend no money on resources but use nature, their bodies, and likely some free online videos to support their exercise routines.
Craig Groeshel encourages people to “Think Inside the Box.”
I love this concept. It encourages us to get creative with the resources we have and operate in a way in which we capitalize on our limitations. When fitness facilities had to close down due to Covid 19, people in the fitness profession still needed to make a living so they started “thinking inside the box.” Incredible things have happened ever since which have broken many barriers to people to exercise.
It was upon my return from furlough that Fit Mom Connection was created in my mind and in my heart. I saw the success of live and onDemand virtual exercise classes and the convenience of this for moms. I saw that there was indeed a way that I could be a source of encouragement and support for moms who struggle to place self-care on the list of priorities (and by the way, it truly needs to be on your list if it isn’t already.)
Another concept that Groeschel explains and encourages is G.E.T.M.O. which means Good Enough To Move On.
In short, we so often think that “better” means putting more money, time or effort into something. However, that isn’t always the case. It is so important to know when you have put just the right amount into something to make it good enough to move on. There is a point at which time, money and effort diminishes in ROI.
In regards to exercise, I have witnessed so many people give up or not even try to exercise at all because they think “why bother?!” “I don’t have an hour a day to do a workout.” “I cannot afford a personal trainer or a gym membership.” “I don’t have a home gym or private space at home/work so I will constantly get interrupted.” “The streets surrounding my home are not safe enough to walk on by myself, especially in the dark.”
These are all legitimate concerns. I get it.
However, if we were to think inside the box, and get creative with our constraints to make up a plan for an exercise routine that is G.E.T.M.O., how much good could happen? (A LOT!)
Instead of focusing on the resources that you don’t have, how about if you think about everything that you do have? If you have the will and the desire to exercise because you want to enjoy all of its benefits, then literally all you need is your body. That’s it!
Need some simple, inspiring examples?
Thinking inside the box can look like Patty, a busy nurse manager at a large hospital, who walks outside everyday around the campus- each lap is a mile and how many she does depends on what her day looks like.
Thinking inside the box can look like Sheila, a full time speech pathologist and mother who gets up 30 minutes early each day to do free online workouts that appeal to both her and her husband. They start their day by bonding together in a healthy way.
Thinking inside the box can look like the entire lab at the hospital where I work whose leadership team has supported 7 minute “stretch breaks” led by my team and me three times per week. They have enjoyed this opportunity so much that they stretch on their own each day because they know what to do and how it helps.
Lastly, thinking inside the box can look like Kristy and Dan walking to work together each and every day, even on the coldest winter days. With their busy lives as parents, this time together helps their bodies, yes, but their marriage even more.
What does thinking inside the box mean for you?
What are your circumstances during this season of your life, and how do they support or hinder your ability and desire to exercise?
How can you think creatively and use your limitations to help you design a plan that allows you to exercise in a way that you enjoy, that works in your schedule, and that gives your mind, body and spirit what it needs?
It is possible! And I know for sure that it is worth it. The only resource you need is your body.
If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen- one minute, one step at a time in the direction of your big, bold, beautiful vision!
I have shared with you all the top reasons that might stop you from exercising or at least make it more challenging to get on a consistent routine. Instead of letting these reasons stop you or slow you down, let them be your source of motivation. Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect. Heck, your execution of an imperfect plan doesn’t need to be perfect either. It just needs to be Good Enough To Move On.
I have been using G.E.T.M.O. without even realizing it ever since I launched Fit Mom Connection. I was discouraged at first because I didn’t have the best audio video technology and videography skills (still don’t). I easily get sucked into a comparison trap if I go on social media or youTube and see what others are creating that is so much more spectacular. However, I know that I have a message to deliver and encouragement to share through many years of experience. My imperfect videos are made with love, knowledge and joy, and I thank you for the honor of being able to serve you.
Let’s get out there and think inside the box, bend the curve, and embrace G.E.T.M.O. Thanks to Craig Groeschel for the inspiration!
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Virtual Exercise Class Membership. Hang out with me and other mothers live or onDemand to benefit from some fun exercise routines that are functional for the body of mothers. The first month is free so really there is no reason not to do it. There is something in it for all abilities, ages, stages, and interests.
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