Can’t fit fitness into your life? One reason women have trouble working out regularly: we haven’t been taught how to properly incorporate it into our lives in ways that we can sustain.
It’s actually similar to learning how to become more organized and productive. It takes knowledge about what really gets in your way and the skill set to overcome these obstacles. In general, no one taught us how to do this – so it is helpful to see specific examples.
I just read some great examples from Maryann Jacobsen, an expert I respect. Does fitting in fitness challenge you? Take a look at her philosophies about behavior change. She focuses on helping women teach their children to become healthy eaters, but her current post explains the specifics strategies she is using to get back into shape after having a baby later in life. I hope you’ll note that she explicitly says that she does not exercise to lose weight.
Her shape up entry can help anyone (not just midlife moms) learn how they can better integrate exercise into their lives. As you’ll see, she incorporates sleep needs, her husband’s work, negotiating with her mother-in-law, giving herself permission, etc.
If you know any moms who’d be interested in following Maryann’s well-informed thinking on how to raise healthy eaters, please tell them about her website. I personally receive her emails and appreciate every one.
And mothers of young children may be especially interested in The Midlife Mammas On-Line Health Salon on RealWomen on Health. On Thursday Sept 17th, I'll be discussing the challenges of finding time for exercise and self-care when you've got little ones. Listen through your computer or call in by dialing 646.929.2625.
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For more about how you can fit fitness into your complex life, check out my blog, Women’s Essential Steps.