Any Moms Feel Guilty Exercising?

I'm a part-time working Mom of three and I always feel guilty working out since that takes precious time away from my family. One thing I'm doing to overcome this guilt is by forcing myself to exercise at 5 AM, while everyone is still asleep. It's so hard, especially after a night of multiple baby disturbances!

Replies

unknown

I used to, but then realized my "me" time is just as important as my family time. Not that it's possible for everyone, but I made a home gym so I didn't have to go anywhere to work out. My kids are a little older though, and don't need as much attention as an infant.

unknown

Don't be so hard on yourself. Taking care of your health is a benefit for your family too. Everyone need some time for themselves, and there's no point exhausting yourself and making yourself sick.

unknown

I really don't. My health and happiness has a direct impact on the health and happiness of my family. Being a mom doesn't mean everyone else in my family always comes first. I'm still a person, deserving time, effort and attention.

unknown

Oh heck yeah and I get up at 4:45 almost every day to get a small workout in. I don't have enough time to do everything I want but it's better than nothing.

unknown

I would try to involve my 3 yo in my nightly exercise, then my husband changed to night shift at work and I lost that time. I asked daycare about dropping both my girls off 1 hour earlier in the morning so I could workout before work, it was only $8/week more. So, now I exercise for 30-40 minutes in the morning. I do feel guilty dropping them off at daycare and going back home to exercise but I need it for my sanity and health.

unknown

Nope.

unknown

No. Everyone needs some me time. I put my kids in babysitting at my gym and they get social interaction with other kids while I work out. Or, I take them with me to walk (6 year old on a bike, baby in a stroller). Or, you can just do a sport with the kids and that's exercise for everyone too!