Recently, while leaving a local community center with my little one, I encountered a well-meaning woman who exclaimed, “What a cutie! You look fantastic! Free childcare at the gym means you have no excuses, right?!” I walked away, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. “No excuses?” I thought. “Yes, there are plenty of excuses! In fact, I have a whole list of them.”
The idea that access to free childcare at the gym eliminates any valid reasons for a busy mom to skip a workout is simply misguided. Although I wasn’t even there to exercise—I was taking my child to swim lessons—I still have a myriad of justifications for not hitting the gym.
The Laundry Battle
For starters, laundry is a never-ending battle. I don’t have time to do my own laundry; I only manage to wash my baby’s clothes. Picture this: I’m lugging a 16-pound infant down 14 flights of stairs, juggling bottles and bags. The struggle is real! Then, there’s that fleeting moment when my baby finally naps. I think, “Great! I can switch the laundry,” but then I worry about the other residents in my building if I hog the washing machine. And let’s not even discuss the guilt of leaving my baby alone for just five minutes to transfer clothes to the dryer. Yup, laundry is out of the question.
Balancing Work and Parenting
Balancing a full-time job while parenting is another challenge. It often feels like I’m working double time just to keep everything afloat. Between hosting workshops and events, I need to squeeze in moments with my baby, leaving little time for those coveted workouts.
The Pumping Dilemma
Let’s talk about pumping. Is it even an excuse? Imagine trying to pump while your baby crawls around. It’s a juggling act—plug in, unplug, chase after the baby, repeat. And when I’m out and about, I’m forced to find a public restroom to pump. The thought of multitasking on a treadmill while pumping? That’s a stretch, even for the most ambitious moms.
Personal Hygiene Challenges
What about personal hygiene? Taking a shower feels like a luxury. I often find myself showering at 10 p.m. when my baby is asleep, or I set him on the bathroom floor surrounded by toys while I rush through my shower. It’s a chaotic routine that doesn’t leave much time for self-care.
Baby-Proofing Woes
And baby-proofing? It’s a monumental task. How do you transform a small apartment into a safe haven for a curious baby? The truth is, it’s nearly impossible. My little one can turn anything—including the floor—into a potential hazard. Maybe I should create a workout class called “Chase That Baby,” where we do household chores while keeping our little ones safe.
Other Challenges
Let’s not forget about my dog. She has a knack for getting into trouble at the most inconvenient times, which can certainly add to my stress. And cooking dinner? What a challenge! I’ve tried meal kits, but they don’t come with childcare. If only I could bring my meal kit to the gym for some cooking help while I work out!
Then there’s reading. I’ve put that on the back burner, even though it’s a constant item on my “Things I’d Like to Do More” list. Perhaps I could take a book to the gym and read while my baby enjoys the childcare.
Sometimes, all I want to do is curl up in bed with cookie dough ice cream and binge-watch a show during my rare moments of free time. It’s easy to feel judged when we share our struggles, but we need to support each other instead. I admire moms who find time to work out and those who are just surviving the day. We’re all in this together, no matter where we are on our journey.
To the woman who said, “No excuses!” I say, “Yes, there are definitely excuses!” I do manage to work out occasionally, but my reasons for skipping it—especially with a baby to care for—are valid. Keeping my curious little one safe and happy is my priority, and I wouldn’t trade that for a flat tummy any day.
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In summary, let’s recognize that everyone has their own challenges and reasons for not working out. We should be lifting each other up instead of judging. After all, motherhood is a beautiful, messy journey filled with love and chaos.