I have seen them at the local YMCA pool, these healthy and fit mommies, shifting small children from their arms to their back, sometimes treading water, sometimes running slow motion through the whirlpool. Sometimes they treat the toddler to a game of pull-push, pulling the toddler through the water by his arms, and then letting him push off into the water, little toddler hands pushing against mommy hands.
I’ve seen them at the park, these healthy and fit mommies running up the reservoir hill, one child on her back, another alongside. They are running, and the muscles in her calves speak of the many times she has done this. But she smiles, laughs as she encourages the older child beside her, and the younger child on her back squeals in delight.
I’ve seen them climbing trees, strong arms pulling her up alongside middle-school-aged children, and on the climbing wall doing the same. I’ve seen them at the monkey bars following or leading their elementary-aged children one bar at a time.
I’ve read in their blogs about their fun times lifting weights or doing a fitness video, child following along uncomplaining, because fitness time is normal and even fun.
I’ve seen them in the office munching carrots like they did potato chips when they were teenagers, apples or oranges like cookies, and it’s “almost” the same lunch they packed their eight year old.
I’ve seen them in the morning light squeezing in alone time on the pavement, iPod, tennis shoes and the quiet concentration of a mom to herself.
I’ve seen them on their bikes, little ones strapped on a chair at the back, or riding the second wind behind them.
I’ve seen them at parks, their kids on the soccer fields, and they walk the path around the field, happy to get nearly an hour walk in today, not missing a thing on the field.
And when I see them on the path or the sidewalk, pushing a stroller filled with not one, but two small children and the dog at their side, I smile and think this is multi-purposing at its finest. And from my car, I peer through the window as I pass by the running momma, and I am reminded that there Is. No. Excuse.
Such a great post. All the fit moms out there ROCK! including my own!!
Yes they do!!!
I read this post twice because I just couldn’t stop smiling (I’m still smiling
).
Although I’m not a mom (will definitely never be), I guess joy comes with the thought of having a child to play with and spend quality time with.
A lot of parents have sacrificed a lot for their kids and yes, I see the joy in my mom’s face when she sees me happy and smiling.
Love, joy and family are so important. And you’re right- with all that joy around, there is no excuse for not being fit
.
I’m not a mom either, Lanre, but when I see this type of activity around me, I always stop, look and smile. Not only is it a great bonding thing, but its so super healthy. There’s balance in that.
This truly is a great post! Very inspiring… I have been walking daily now trying to make it a habit. Now I read this and I think, what excuse do I have that is good enough NOT to make walking a habit? Thanks!
Cheryl,
I am so impressed with what you have been doing to improve your health. And, I’m glad this post gave you more inspiration just to keep moving. You rock! Keep on a-walkin’.
This is very well said. When I feel lazy and not at all interested in lacing up my shoes for a walk, I think of orhers that have so much that could get in their way and yet they still find the time to make it happen. Then I get my but in gear and feel the better for it.
Exactly! These kind of mommies inspire me everytime!
Great post!
Im not a mommy yet, I’m only 24 and not married yet, but i am a currently a full time nanny. This spoke so much to me, and I really appreciate you writing this! You are so very right about everything, and I applaud them too!! Have a great Thursday! Spa love!
Thanks Jenna! You don’t have to have children to appreciate this–I don’t have children either. In some ways, I think that’s what makes me appreciate it even more.
SPA love back atchya!!
I already commented on the facebook link, but wanted to say again what a sweet post this is! Thank you for appreciating what us fit mommies do.
Not just appreciating you, Sarah, but admiring you too.
Love this! Made this mommy smile:)
That’s what I was hoping for Lindsay! Thanks for stopping by!
Bethany, your post made me remember times when my kids were younger. I would pack them into the stroller, and walk for miles holding onto the stroller and our dog’s leash. It was especially wonderful in the autumn.
Aww.. Wendy, I’m glad this post brought back fond memories for you. That makes me very happy. But its also wonderful that you HAVE those fond memories.
I am a mom who don’t run. I love to see my kid is very active. I love the active and fit moms. Love the way you write it.
Thanks Bindu. But encouraging your kids in these things is good too. And you don’t have to be a runner. Choose any activity. Do you like to walk?
I have a daughter who you could call a fit mummy she is very hands on mummy and loves to play with her daughter…………
That’s pretty cool.
So then, how the grandma? A fit grandma?
Wow what a great post, can’t wait to start following!
Thanks so much, Alex! And thanks for stopping by.