It's going to take me a while to really admit it, but summer is over. As a stay-at-home mom with a 3-year old and a 1-year old, my life of motherhood has yet to revolve around the school year or the seasons. I can up and leave on vacation anytime somewhere-other-than-here beckons. I can also workout whenever my little heart desires. Most days, it's desire is to be at the gym by 8:30 so I can fit in a little cardio session before the group fitness class at 9. Tough life, I know.
Recently, I had a hard decision to make. I was getting ready to sign The Boy up for preschool, and I had two sessions to choose from: morning or afternoon. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but I hated making the choice! If I chose morning, I would have to drastically change my workout schedule. No more 9am group fitness if he has to be to school by 9:30. If I chose afternoon, The Boy (and I) would miss out on the much-needed nap time. An early-morning-angel-boy isn't quite so pleasant by late afternoon if he's missed his nap. His teacher would NOT thank me for that choice. So somewhat reluctantly, I chose morning preschool.
I would love to think that I could change from working out in the morning to working out in the evening, but it just won't happen. Sure, it may happen on occasion, but things always come up at night...meetings, parties, snuggling up with a good book on the couch, reality TV...you know, important stuff. I love me a good workout, but by nighttime, my motivation to get sweaty drops to pretty much nothing.
Before The Girl entered this world 19 months ago, I was somehow motivated to get out of bed at the crack 'o dawn to workout. But since then, my bed has become cozier. I've stayed up later. Now, waking up at 5am sounds (and feels) like waking up in the middle of the night. (Why wake up at 5, when I can drop my kids off at the kids' club and work out at 9?) But I'm trying to find motivation to do it again. Sure, I could go to the gym and do my own thing while The Boy is at preschool. But there's no group fitness option. Lame, I know, but most days, it keeps me going. The 5:30 am group fit classes are my only other morning option.
So right now, as I type, I'm building up the motivation to wake up in T-10 hours. I think I can do it. I actually love working out early...once I'm up and there. It's just the getting up. It's the leaving the pillow that has formed itself so nicely around my head. It's the wanting to find out what happens in the rest of the now-interrupted-by-the-alarm-clock dream. It's the trying to negotiate with myself that I'll fit in a workout later...sounds good in my half-asleep mind, but it never actually happens. So here's my new commitment:
I will wake up at 5 am at least 3 days a week to work out. I'll allow myself the other two days to negotiate a later time. I'll be more productive as a result. I'll be a better mom! I'll blog more! I can take a power nap later! So, along with Mama Sweat, here's my new mantra:
The benefits I'll gain from working out early are much more important than the bit of sleep I'll lose!
Say it with me now.
The benefits I'll gain from working out early are much more important than the bit of sleep I'll lose!
OK, I feel better. The alarm is set. My new schedule starts tomorrow. Who's with me?
6 comments:
no thanks! My mom is one of those- she's always gotten up at 5:30 to work out- I hope I never have to make that choice between early morning owrkout or none at all b/c I''m pretty sure none would win!
I'm right there with ya! I have to work out at 5:30 everyday because husband has to leave at 6:45 and then I have to work. My mornings go MUCH better when I get up, get it done, and am showered by the time the kids get up. That's the motivation I use. I am a much better mom (happier) for the kids in the morning! Good luck!
I wish we worked out at the same gym because I too am waking up at 5:00am to go to the dang gym. Fortunately I've been doing it for so many years I know the negotiating a later time will only lead to guilt for not working out. I'll be thinking about you in the am wishing you were at Gold's with me.
I'm with you but only because I'll already be awake from working all night! Nothing like a good workout to send you off into dream land ;)
You know I'm in Robyn, this muffin top is really starting to get to me!! See you in the morning, class at 5:30 right!!!???
My sis in law does that routine and has forever through births of all 4 kids. I don't know how she has the energy since her kids never slept through the night. I have entertained the idea of 5:30 workouts. But its always more tempting for me to let Brian put the kids to bed and spend time with them while I unwind and workout at night...I will be interested in how it goes for you!
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