By Sara Mae
My morning seemed to get worse and worse.
I had woken up late, which meant I didn’t have time to get my breakfast made before getting my kids up. My son woke up in a grumpy mood, still recovering from a tonsillectomy 3 weeks prior. My daughter was going her own pace despite my recommendations to “hurry up!” Did I mention it was Monday? The day of the week that is packed with meetings, which, for me, feels like suffocation.
I survived my day, and made it home, kids in tow. However, not without a headache; no doubt from stress. I could start making dinner which I half planned out the night before, but instead I made the conscious decision to work out. I had major plans to begin a new workout plan, but my mood that day derailed my desire to do anything but go home, feel sorry for myself, and make excuses.
I really love to work out, but that day, I had no ambition. What made me do it? I wanted to feel what you feel when you are finished with an amazing workout. To me, there is no better feeling then pushing the STOP button on the treadmill or putting down the weights, and rehydrating after a kick-ass workout. There’s something about it that I use as motivation. The calorie-burning and thoughts of continuing to fit in my jeans helps too, but I love the instant gratification I get from a finished workout.
When we exercise, our body releases mood-lifting serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which is why we feel euphoric, or get a “runner’s high.” US News suggests that exercise may be able to help fight depression by stimulating neuron growth in the brain, and relieve stress by altering blood flow to the regions of the brain that cause you to relive stressful moments over and over. Aside from the physical benefits of exercise such as losing weight and gaining muscle, these reasons alone make a strong enough argument for me to get my booty in gear on days when I just don’t feel like it.
When I’m feeling down or stressed, I often remind myself that it won’t kill my family to wait another 45 minutes to have dinner. It sets an example for my children how important daily exercise is. Regular exercise can also fight the signs of aging, and, as a woman in my thirties, I’m all for that!
About the Author
I’m a wife and mom in my 30’s with with 2 kids; a sports-fanatic 6 year old son, and a feisty, princess/I can do anything my brother can do/mommy-wannabe 4 year old daughter. I’m also my husband’s biggest fan and best friend. In my teenage and young adult life, I was fit and trim, and could eat and drink anything I wanted. I also could handle a 10pm workout because I didn’t have anybody to look after but myself. For the last 6 years (you do the math on that one), since my metabolism took a nose dive, I’ve struggled with gaining and losing the same 10-15 pounds. Up until I started following the The Dolce Diet, I thought that’s just how my body was going to stay. I’m in my 30’s, I’ve had two kids…I suppose I could be comfortable with a permanent roll over my jeans. Now I know I don’t have to settle for that. I pushed my body to the limit this summer (June through August 2013) using UFC FIT and have never felt better. I stuck to the program religiously and lost more than 20 inches from my body. I plan healthy, whole food meals for my family. I’m also an avid couponer and try to get those same healthy, organic food options at the best price possible.
