Exercise Makes You A Better Mom

By: Jamie Kaun

As parents, we spend a significant amount of our time tending to our children’s emotional and physical needs. Running errands, preparing meals, taking them where they need to go, helping them navigate their feelings…the list goes on and on. It’s not uncommon for us to get caught up in the busyness of life and not put some focus where we really need to – ourselves.

My youngest child recently turned one. Between planning around his naps and meals, balancing the schedules of my other three children and working part-time, finding the time (and honestly, sometimes the desire) to exercise regularly can be very challenging. My story isn’t unique and likely one that many of you can relate to.

During my last pregnancy, I exercised 4-5 days a week. It was my only pregnancy where I made exercise a priority. There are many reasons exercise during pregnancy is ideal, which can you read about here. I exercised consistently until I was 32 weeks pregnant but had to stop because of complications that resulted in my son arriving 6 weeks early.

Getting back into a regular exercise routine postpartum was tough. I was recovering from my fourth c-section, waking numerous times a night with the baby, working through nursing issues he had because of his prematurity and caring for four children. I was tired. The kind of tired that many Moms of a newborn understand.

Exhaustion aside, I also felt “The Mom Guilt.” Mom guilt creeps up on us for a variety of reasons and in my case, I was feeling a little guilty about taking the baby out of his routines to accommodate me being able to exercise. But I decided that for me to take care of my kids to the best of my ability, I have to take care of me.

Dayton YMCA member Brittany, who recently had her fourth child, agrees that Moms need to prioritize taking care of themselves. “For me personally, getting back into an exercise routine after having a baby has helped with anxiety and postpartum depression. I get a break from the kids and it’s encouraging to be with other active moms.”

There are many reasons why that Mom guilt should be pushed aside when it comes to exercise, including:

• Energy – While baby dictates how often you awaken in the night to care for them, at least you can overcome some of that exhaustion by exercising. Exercise increases blood flow and releases endorphins which equates to more energy, especially if you make it a regular part of your routine.

• Improve Your Mood – Exercise releases chemicals that improves your mood and decreases anxiety and stress.

• Be an Example – If you make it a priority to exercise, your kids are more likely to realize the importance of exercise and want to do it too.

• Improve Your Memory – Studies have shown that exercise affects the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning.

• Strengthen Your Body – The more muscle you have, the more fat and calories that you burn. Exercise, especially strength training, also increases bone mass and density which helps protect you against osteoporosis (weakening of the bones).

• Mental Break – The Dayton YMCA offers childcare with your membership. Take advantage of it! Your kids will enjoy playing with others under the staff’s supervision. As a military spouse that lived in multiple states with kids, the Dayton Y is the first gym where I’ve actually trusted the staff with my young infant without hesitation.

Brittany shares, “Exercise makes me feel better about myself, gets me out of the house and I get to be around other Moms. I go to the Y even if I’m exhausted because if I’m at my best, I can give my best to my family.”

Don’t think about exercise as one more thing to add to your list of things to do. Think of it as a gift you’re giving yourself and your family.