The Start of Something Beautiful

I have been attempting to get back in shape lately.  Before I got pregnant with Tes, I was in the best shape of my life, hiking, lifting weights, and generally getting a lot of exercise.  I continued to exercise during my pregnancy, and even worked with a trainer for a while.  Then, just before the final stages of my pregnancy, I was put on bed rest because I was having too many contractions.  I ended up being taken off bed rest a few weeks later, and delivered Tessie full term.  But when I became pregnant a second time, I was paranoid about being put on bed rest again, and so stopped exercising altogether.  Of course it turns out that my efforts, or lack thereof, didn't matter, since Christian was born three months early anyway.  Because of my emergency Cesarean I couldn't be physically active for a while, and so the pattern continued.  All this leads up to me not getting any exercise in about four years.  Not good.

My new campaign for fitness has to do with more than a smaller waistline.  I want to set a good example for my kids.  I don't want them to see me ballooning back and forth between dress sizes, crash dieting, or complaining about my weight.  I want them to see me leading a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise as part of my regular routine.  Lately, I have been getting back into the groove.  I have been working out at home almost every day.  The kids have seen a little, but I usually have to work out when they are at school, or with someone else.  Today I had to finish up my routine in the living room with them. 

At first, neither of them seemed to notice me squatting and jumping around in front of them.  Then, as I was doing some work with my medicine ball, Tessie asked "Why are you working so hard Mommy?"  I laughed, and told her I was just exercising to get stronger.  She asked if she could join me, and I said of course.  We sat on the ground and stretched together.  She showed me some very interesting "yoga exercise" moves, which luckily she did not ask me to try, and I showed her some leg stretches.  It was really great to have her as a part of my routine, and I think I will find more ways to work both the kids in.  I'm going to try to make this a permanent habit, and there is no one like your children to hold you accountable.  I have a feeling this is going to be the start of something beautiful.