Many of us dream of being those individuals who thrive in the gym environment, relishing every drop of sweat. However, I find myself more inclined to indulge in my children’s leftover chicken nuggets or enjoy Nutella straight from the jar. The quest for motivation to hit the gym has always been a struggle, but becoming a parent transforms this challenge entirely. If you share my sentiments and are attempting to shed that post-pregnancy weight—regardless of how grown your children may be—or considering a return to the gym after a lengthy break, here are 13 ways that working out evolves after having kids:
- Pre-kids, you needed to spend considerable time on the treadmill to break a sweat. Now, you’re perspiring from the sheer chaos of getting the kids ready and into their car seats.
- Jumping jacks were an excellent way to elevate your heart rate. Now, they can lead to unexpected accidents.
- You once cherished yoga classes for their physical and mental benefits. Now, you appreciate yoga as a rare opportunity to lie down in a tranquil environment without interruptions.
- You used to chuckle at the person who fell asleep on their mat during class. Now, you find yourself that person.
- Previously, you selected your gym based on its facilities and class offerings. Today, you choose based on the childcare room with the most engaging toys.
- While working out on the elliptical, you enjoyed blasting your favorite tracks. Now, you keep the volume low in case you hear the dreaded announcement: “Mom that just started her workout in the daycare…”
- You once knew all the latest hits that got you moving. Now, your playlists are dominated by Disney songs, with “Let It Go” playing on repeat.
- The gym mirrors used to be your source of entertainment. Now, they reveal unsettling truths about new areas of jiggle and bounce you never noticed before.
- Your workout attire was once stylish and coordinated. Nowadays, you’re just happy to remember a sports bra under a well-worn college t-shirt.
- You used to have an abundance of water bottles ready for your workouts. Now, you carry a Doc McStuffins water bottle since adult options are non-existent.
- Your motivation for exercising was once sparked by events like weddings. Now, motivation stems from more tangible concerns, like realizing your physique is starting to resemble your mother’s.
- Before kids, you might skip a spin class for a night out. Now, you’d forego it for much less: sleep, avoidance of a shower, or to let the kids watch Frozen one more time.
- Previously, after burning off those calories, treating yourself to a coffee was the perfect reward. After kids, it’s pretty much the same.
This article was originally published on May 1, 2014.
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In summary, the experience of working out after becoming a parent is distinctly different from the pre-kid era. From the chaos of getting the kids out the door to adjusting your workout preferences and motivations, these changes reflect the new priorities and realities of parenthood.