on friday mornings we go to swimming lessons along with a group of kids who come with their daycare provider. we've been with this group since jackson was 6 months old, mom/tot style, and really like it. this is the first year where both the kids are in the older class, leaving me free to swim laps!!
last week a couple of the ladies called me a lady of leisure as i came out of the water. even though i am sure they meant no ill by the comment, it really bothered me.
i have never, ever, in my entire life had a regular exercise schedule. ever. it has always felt like a perk. i should go for a bike ride or walk AFTER i get my work done. that never happens, so exercise never really does either. it hasn't been a really big deal since i have always had physical jobs. i delivered newspapers, babysat, and worked at a garden center. i know, you are perhaps remembering my days as a barista and picturing me sipping latte's and taking down a pastry or two each shift. well, i also stood all day, running back and forth from car to car, taking orders (this was no drive thru, rather a drive UP to). and don't under estimate the weight of a gallon of milk, lifted up and out of a refrigerator!
my job now is even more active, i actually even get my heart going some days!
at the same time, now that we are raising children it has made me think about how i teach my children the value of taking care of our bodies when i have never placed a high value on exercise. i really thought about it a lot when the kids were little. biking and walking were the best things for that stage. once jackson started walking (before 10mo) he wanted nothing to do with being buckled into a stroller or bike trailer. this made walking pure misery. claire tolerates a stroller much better, and now that jackson can ride a bike on his own, we can go on a family bike ride together. i have not, however attempted that alone!
doing yoga and stretching together results in me turning into a jungle gym.
the kids biking is more like a stroll for me.
so during the week we have been limited to romping around in the back yard, claire and i strolling behind jackson on his bike, and the once a week yoga at the Y (with free childcare!!)
but, now preschool has started, and wouldn't you know there isn't a class i can take between the hours of dropping him off and picking him up. the class times just don't work.
that leaves friday swimming.
30 minutes for me to swim by myself.
30 minutes of exercise for an entire week.
30 minutes a week of trying to push myself.
which i am sure is why that comment bothered me. i am not a lady of leisure! i work hard and certainly do not consider my small workout leisurely! it feels more like an accomplishment. we are exercising together!
how do you exercise with small children?
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2 comments:
hiking with the dog & kids. it gets easier as the kids get older
You ARE taking care of yourself and it is OKAY. No. It is GOOD! You are better (more healthy in mind, body and spirit) because of exercise and so are Claire and Jack. The lessons they are learning while noticing you take care of yourself are invaluable. It takes a lot of gumption for those of us who are compelled to give everything we've got to others, especially our children, to make ourselves a priority. However, I now know, after years of building in even a short jog most days, that I function and feel SOOOO much better about life when I exercise.
Keep it up! Find another time too!
p.s. You are right, I'm sure these women meant nothing by their comment except that wish they were in your shoes. :) Soon enough.
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