BY LEIGHANN BUTLER (Special to the Morning News)

So things have changed a little with my exercising routine. I have stopped going at 5:30 in the morning. When the super cold mornings came a few weeks back, I just could not get myself out of bed.

I am sad because I miss my early-morning group but it works out better because I can do a variety of classes in the afternoon. I have really enjoyed trying different classes at McLeod and meeting and getting to know new friends. I have tried Power step and realized I am a little uncoordinated but the teacher did a great job of encouraging me no matter how silly I felt I looked. I did Chaos, which is all different kinds of crazy. It is a great workout, though. It goes by fast because you do so many different exercises. I have tried Sculpt U, which is strength training for all your muscle groups.

My favorite class though is Barre. It is a mix between ballet and weights. I think being able to mix it up a little with the classes keeps me going. It is not the same old thing every day and I don’t get bored. I can’t wait to go try new classes.

The problem I am having is something we talked about in our first session with our life coach. It is called “mommy/wife guilt.” I am struggling with taking time for myself and making sure I give enough time to my family.

I have really been trying to remind myself that I do need a little time to myself. I know that exercising gives me more energy and simply makes me a happier person. I know I need to exercise for my health, my happiness and my overall well-being. On the other hand, when my 4-year-old asks to go work out with me and I have to say no and she gets upset….It just breaks my heart.

I also struggle with keeping the house in order. Don’t get me wrong, my husband is awesome, but I feel guilty when I am working out and he is home cleaning or taking care of the kids. But let me be honest here…I would much rather work out than clean. Who wouldn’t, though, right! In a perfect world I would just hire a maid but that just isn’t going to happen.

In saying all this, a couple of quotes come to mind. “A happy mom means a happy family.” Yes I may have to spend some time away from them, but it works out better for them. I have more energy and I am in a better mood. The next one I have made it up and I truly believe it. “A happy house is a messy house.” So my house isn’t always clean. Life is busy. I have to remind myself that the mess is OK. As long as my kids are fed, read to, have clean clothes to wear and are happy…everything will be all right. We must all remember that we deserve to spend some time to ourselves. Exercise is a must. We must make times for ourselves to exercise and make ourselves happy. Happy exercising, everyone.

 

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