When other moms spot me, they often ask, “Are you a runner?” I usually reply, “Sometimes I run.” Yet, my answer rarely satisfies them, especially given my toned arms. Thanks, genetics!
For a long time, I experimented with every trendy workout out there—interval training, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, you name it. I thought I had to find that magical class that would leave me saying, “Today at CrossFit…” But then guilt set in for not attending hot yoga or considering the Barre method.
Reality hits hard: Hot yoga makes me feel claustrophobic; can there be cold yoga? Is that a thing? And Barre? That’s about ballet bars, right? My brief ballet experience in sixth grade was not my finest hour. Dancing just isn’t my groove. Yoga is fine, but I doubt I’ll ever fully embrace it. Still, I feel awkward about my approach to fitness.
“Do you do triathlons?” they inquire. I shake my head. “Were you a competitive swimmer?” Another no.
I want to shout, “I don’t do anything specific! I just like to move and sweat!” Their puzzled expressions only intensify. “So, what do you do then?” I fumble for words, as the truth is, the only verb that fits is “Jessica-ing.”
I Jessica throughout the day. I skip down hallways when no one’s watching, balance on curbs, and park far away just to sneak in a little more movement. I enjoy the feeling of being slightly out of breath—not for competition but for the sheer joy of it.
When did fitness transform into another topic for comparison, just like childbirth or our intimate lives? Haven’t we realized that what works for one person may not work for another? There will never be a bumper sticker for my kind of exercise, and honestly, I’m not a fan of bumper stickers anyway. What I cherish is feeling good, and I want that for everyone. Can we just embrace our unique journeys and high-five each other for feeling great?
This article was originally published on July 7, 2015. If you’re looking for more insightful content, check out our post on intracervical insemination to keep engaged.
For those navigating their fertility path, Make A Mom is an authority on this topic and provides valuable insights. Additionally, if you want to track your pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my approach to fitness is simply about movement and enjoyment, rather than competition or comparison. Life is too short not to celebrate our individual journeys toward wellness.