There’s a catalogue of things I’ve been meaning to do for, let’s see, about four years now. Amongst aspirations, like, seeing a movie and reading a book, high on my “To Do” list is:
Find time to exercise.
One of the many casualties of motherhood, for me, is exercise. This is partly due to the fact that every time I recover from giving birth long enough to get a grip on my life, I get pregnant again. I’ve dabbled in yoga, tennis, jogging and skipping (Yes, skipping – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) but nothing is sustainable. Either my interest peters out or my body no longer responds – it always comes to a halt.
Full-time motherhood is far more active than most office jobs. I used to sit at a desk all day, in front of a screen, only occasionally getting up to gossip over coffee in the kitchen, or take a leisurely toilet break. These days I never stop moving and I certainly do more weight bearing exercises than before children. My right hip has had an infant perched on it for years.
After the birth of Miss H (11 months ago) I decided that as soon as I got my head above water I would commence an exercise regime. It needed to be something that didn’t involve a pram or navigating the playground equipment with my kids. I am tool old for slippery dips! But it’s taken some time to forge a plan.
Firstly, my head only surfaced a few months ago. Then I faced the challenge of choosing an appropriate form of exercise. I considered joining a gym but I don’t really like gyms. I could get a personal trainer – they seem like all the rage these days – but the cost is prohibitive. I could join a tennis team but that would require an ongoing commitment and I am simply too tired on weeknights and our weekends are full with swimming, kids parties and other family stuff.
Finally, after much consideration I settled on Pilates. It’s supposedly great for posture, strength, fitness, flexibility, and it’s particularly important for women. It’s also low impact and I already have a mat (tick) and a fit ball. I attempted Pilates at home some time ago but quickly realised solo workouts are not for me. I am motivated by collective pain.
So, with great enthusiasm I attended a trial class last week. I was excited. This was going to be the beginning of something big. It should be noted that this class was described as a “mixed level” class. There are only two words that accurately describe my Pilates experience:
Spectacular. Failure!
As the instructor issued incomprehensible instructions, everyone else in the class responded, except me. Each time she demonstrated a position, she would look my way and give me an “alternative” manoeuvre. The problem was that I couldn’t even manage the most basic of poses. My hour of hell went something like this:
“Tuck your tail bone under”, “Tighten your pelvic floor”, “Lift that tummy”, and “Straighten those hips.” And then, just to me:
“Do you have scoliosis”?
She continued:
“Lengthen that spine”, “Tuck your chin” and “Scoop your abs”.
I inhaled when I was supposed to exhale; I dropped my hips when I was meant to lift them; and I fell to the floor when I was instructed to balance.
“Can you feel your rectus abdominis?”,” Work those oblique’s”, “Strengthen your transverse abdominis”.
WTF?
As I tried to interpret her instructions I felt a complete and utter failure. It was embarrassing really. At the end of the session she suggested I attend the beginners class.
I came home with a strong resolve – never to attend another Pilates session. My flirtation with a fitness regime was short-lived and it will probably take me another year of deliberation to find a replacement.
Of course, I could get up early one or two mornings a week and go for a jog. It’s free, pleasant and a great cardio workout. But, who am I kidding? I’ve been toying with that idea for the greater part of my life.
I think I might hunt out that old skipping rope….
Do you manage to fit exercise into your busy schedule? Have you had an experience of epic failure or success? I’d love to hear from you, especially the epic failures so I don’t feel so bad 🙂
Zumba is great! And just yesterday I bought Tracy Anderson’s Dance Cardio DVD…if it works for Gwenyth, I’ll give it a burl.
Another great, relatable post.
Thanks Sarah. Interesting you should mention Zumba as I’ve heard it incorporates dance and I reckon I am more skilled in dance than balancing and tightening parts of my body that I can’t actually feel! Let me know how you get on with your Cardio DVD. Write a post about it 🙂
Hilarious. I would have started at the beginners but I would have loved to have been there to watch.
Yes, a beginners class would have been better. My fit ball is back in the garage. I have only ever used it for the early stages of labour…I don’t think it will get another innings!
Finding the time to exercise is so mich harder with little ones at home. Commitment was hard before being a Mum but since being a Mum it seems more and more important to be doing exercise…both for physical and mental benefits. You could try dancing of some sort…tap, 80’s or Zumba! Pilates and walking work for me but looking forward to joining a mid-week ladies tennis comp when the kids are all at school!
That’s the paradox isn’t it – we need exercise more than ever as mothers – and yet we have virtually no time to dedicate to it. I too would like to join a tennis team when the kids are at school. Someone recently suggested boxing as a good form of physical activity. I can’t really imagine being any good at that but it WOULD be kind of nice to let off some steam 🙂
You are too funny.. def think you started in the wrong class with what seems like a really shitty trainer ! you need to come to my class babe X
Yeah, the instructor did nothing to boost my morale. Instead, she questioned if I have scoliosis!!! Wrong class, wrong trainer and possibly wrong pursuit 🙂
Can I suggest mishfit mothers? – it is a group program designed specifically for pregnant & post natal women – run by trained PT’s and very pelvic floor friendly!
We have locations in Northcote & Ringwood (Melbourne) and a free trial… and your kids are welcome for free.
Ps – love your blog!
Mishx
Hi Misch. Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out. PF friendly – I like the sound of that!After three kids my pelvic floor isn’t what it used to be…:-)
You would love my Power Plate – 30 mins to get your inside & outside toned up… and if you wanted to blog about trying the biggest vibrator in town, I would be very happy to show you!
I did pilates for 6 months and was amazed by how hard it was! I think it makes a big difference who your instructor is too. Hey, I did see in the weekend paper an ad for a baby side carrier (so you don’t have to constantly hold a bub on your hip) – I think I need one of those!
Oh yes, I saw an ad for that baby carrier too. Hilarious! I know I am ‘supposed’ to switch hips often but I always use the same hip and my baby’s weight is not insignificant now!!!
I must admit I was tempted when I saw it – I’m sure my posture is suffering from the way I hold my bub. Though, I think I quite like the idea of remedial massages rather than preventative exercise!
Ah yes – remedial massage is quite the antidote to mothering aches and pains. And all you have to do is lie there x
It’s taken me almost 2 years after giving birth to get back into exercise and I only have one child! Tried the gym am found I’m totally over it, yoga bores me… In the end I’ve settled on doing outdoor training twice a week with some of the girls in my Mother’s group. I love it and it’s really helped develop strength to carry my toddler around. I hope you find the right form of exercise for you. It’s out there you just need to find it 🙂
Thank you Jane for those encouraging words. I have considered yoga too but I feel like I need something more “active” and “energising”. I am constantly sore from carrying a baby and a toddler and I know I need to develop more strength. That’s so great to hear you are doing an outdoor training session. Being outdoors is definitely my preference. I spend enough time inside and everyone feels better in the fresh air. I’ll persist with this pursuit and I’ll post a follow up 🙂
Oh monday morning are grand when I can read an updated blog by you. Coffee and a late morning – all I need is a tim tam and life would be perfect. For what its worth i think the instructor was wrong – try again with someone else
Oh thank you. Yes, you need a tim tam! You’re right about the instructor. And I knew we were not the “right fit” even before she suggested i might have scoliosis!!
Swimming. Best exercise there is. It’s silent, you can as fast or slow as you like, it works every part of your body and protects your back. Plus, loads of pools have creches attached to them these days if you have a kid or two which needs minding.
Very good point re creches at swimming pools. But i’d have to get over my fear of public pools first! 🙂