I was super skinny, so I didn't need to exercise, right?
Then I had babies and more babies and then a few more. Still not really a weight problem, just blessed that way. I'd see my friends out exercising and had the thought of how fortunate I was not to have to exercise because I was able to keep the weight off.
Then I discovered what I call skinny fat. Yep, that was me. I was skinny fat. Not really skinny, but not fat. I was both. I didn't have a weight problem. But I also didn't have muscle or endurance or lung capacity. I may not have had fat, but I wasn't healthy either. I realized just because I was skinny didn't mean I was healthy.
I joined a gym back in December last year. I decided since I was going to pay big bucks for that membership that came with child care, I was going to use it. And it has been wonderful. I go almost every day.
I started with the master swimming class because I really wanted to build upon the swimming skills I had recently gained. The swim instructor also told us if we really wanted to improve our swimming, to take a Pilates class. So I have done that and I really love that class also. I have toyed in spinning and Body Pump and have really liked those classes as well.
The big change I have noticed is probably my ability to sleep. Before, my mind would not stop. I could be exhausted beyond exhaustion and I would finally get babies to sleep and my mind just would not stop. I tried breathing exercises and just about anything I could think of and still just couldn't fall asleep. And as soon as I did, someone would wake me up and I had a hard time getting back to sleep again only to start the viscous cycle again the next day. Napping just made it worse.
Once I started exercising, the sleeping problem almost entirely went away. I am tired, but not any more tired than I was before. At least now I can sleep when I want to. I don't think I look any better. Haven't really lost any weight. But I think my shape is a little better. I don't look quite as pregnant as I did before. I still occasionally get someone asking if I am, and I just politely let them know that my belly is left from the last 6 children. (One of these days I'm just going to answer that I am expecting, even if I'm not. I really get so tired of being asked, especially as hard as I work to flatten that belly).
And then the added benefit of my heart's health. The best thing I can do for my broken heart is to exercise and get enough sleep. The exercising is doing both, helping me to sleep. Double bonus. And I feel better. Not a ton better. But I feel like I actually accomplish something. And have that sense of accomplishment can go a long ways in the life of a stay-at-home mom.
So today I am thankful for a body that allows me to exercise. And a mind that gives me to will-power to get up and go.
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