I just got back from the gym, and man oh man, do I love that place. Most mornings it takes a lot of motivation to get the boys up , fed, dressed and out the door in time, but once I'm there, I usually don't want to leave. Before the boys came home, I was working out an average of 5 days a week. And as soon as those boys came off the plane, poof...nothing. My mother-in-law would come over every week or two while the boys napped so I could hit the gym for an hour or so, but it's just not the same as a regular routine.
This sporadic gym attendance lasted a whopping four months, which is a long time if you're used to going multiple times a week. It was our decision to get the boys completely adjusted to life with us before handing them to a stranger at the gym childcare. Even now, I am happy with our decision, but it didn't make it any easier on the days I really wanted to work out.
And I know, I could have worked out at home. But to be honest, I'm just not that motivated. I can't prioritize doing crunches on my floor over laundry or dishes or sweeping. I'm a gym girl (I guess I'm spoiled). I need to get away from my house, where my only option is working out. I think it helps me work out longer and harder. Plus, seeing all those people there sweating their butts off, only motivates me more.
As a new mom, I have found that the time I spend at the gym is precious. It's me time. It's time I spend so I can feel good about myself. If I don't work out for a while, I get just blah. And I think the time I spend with my boys suffers. I'm less energetic; less motivated to get on the floor with them. For me, working out makes me a happier person overall. Ask my husband. According to him, I come back all smiles.
Yes, yes I would classify myself as addicted, but not in a bad way. I am not addicted to being a certain weight, or lifting a certain amount, or going a certain number of times a week (although, I like the way I look/feel more when I'm working out). I'm addicted to the energy it gives me, and the boost it gives my day.
I know every woman is different. Every woman has something she likes to do for herself. This is just my thing. And I didn't always used to feel this way. Actually, I had never stepped foot in a gym before I started dating Eric. But now, I spend more time there than he does. My goal is to get back to where I was before the boys came home. Right now I'm going about 3 times a week. But we'll see. I'm not going to worry about it. I'm thankful that I get to go 3 days a week. And now with summer here, I'm hoping for lots and lots of walks with the boys.
Do you have something you like to do for yourself? Work out, scrapbook, sew?
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