When it comes to fitness, my daily target is simple: just 20 minutes, five or six times a week. That’s my plan, and it works for me.
In those 20 minutes, I can either jog/walk almost 2 miles or roll out my yoga mat for a gentle routine I learned long ago, back when I was child-free. Nothing I do is overly demanding; my aim is merely to break a sweat and enjoy the boost of feel-good hormones that follow. At this stage in life, I’m not focused on achieving a sculpted physique or shedding dress sizes—those goals seemed significant in my youth, but now my priorities have shifted.
I exercise to keep up with my kids as they race down the street. I want to be able to bend down and pick up their toys without straining my back. I also integrate a few kegels into my yoga practice because, after two pregnancies, maintaining pelvic floor health is crucial to avoid any embarrassing moments.
I have just one body to navigate this life, and there are so many adventures I want to embark on. If I neglect my well-being now, I’m likely to face serious consequences down the line. I want to be spry enough to chase after my grandkids in the future!
Over the past decade of parenting, I’ve consistently managed to fit in about 20 minutes of exercise most days. When my children were infants, I’d strap them into a baby carrier and take brisk walks around the neighborhood. I’d even sneak in yoga while they napped, sometimes pausing mid-stretch to nurse or soothe them back to sleep—those little ones had a knack for light napping!
Often, those 20 minutes extend to half an hour or more, but if I set a goal of 30 minutes, I’d likely hesitate and skip it altogether. There’s something about keeping my target at 20 minutes that feels achievable, even if it seems illogical.
The key is that exercise must be personalized. It should seamlessly fit into your life, not become another burden. Each year, around January, I see countless people set ambitious fitness goals: “I’m joining the gym today and will go every day!” or “I just started a rigorous daily workout and feel fantastic!” (Keep in mind, these new fitness programs often come with hefty price tags, and many don’t stick with them long-term.)
If those grand resolutions work for you, then go for it! However, I find that rushing into drastic lifestyle changes often leads to disappointment, especially for busy parents like myself. As a work-from-home mom with two energetic boys, committing to a gym or group classes isn’t realistic. Besides, I prefer exercising alone—it’s my time to recharge, enjoy my music, or relish in quiet moments.
Exercise is not just about physical fitness for me; it’s a form of therapy. It helps me process stress and keeps me grounded. I believe everyone should incorporate movement into their daily routine in a way that feels right for them. As parents, we owe it to our children to prioritize our health, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; it just needs to be something you enjoy, or it simply won’t happen.
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In summary, the secret to regular exercise lies in setting attainable goals that blend effortlessly into your lifestyle. Focus on what brings you joy, and remember that movement is key to both physical and mental well-being.