Working out has always been important to me. While obviously it’s good for my physical health, I’m actually more motivated to do it because of how it makes me feel emotionally. Breaking a good sweat is an amazing stress reliever and gives me a sense of calm. It gets rid of my negative energy and replaces it with the confident positive kind. In fact, when I don’t work out for a couple days, I become a crabby self-centered brat. That’s the truth…just ask Jake. He’s the one who gets the brunt of it when I don’t have an outlet for my stress, and understands how important it is for me to have “me time” at the gym.
After Baylen was born it became harder to find time to prioritize working out. He was born in October and the cold weather meant it wasn’t as easy as just taking him out in the jogging stroller. For a while Jake and I would take turns going to the gym. He’d go in the morning, and I’d go after Baylen was in bed for the night. But after a few months we realized that we hardly got to see each other, so we looked into our options. We converted to a family gym membership, and it was awesome. I could bring Baylen during the day if I needed a break, or I could wait for Jake to get done with work and we’d meet him there.
After the girls came along we took a break for a couple months and eventually decided to get a family gym membership again, mostly for my sanity. I love it. I can bring the kids along, drop them off at the childcare center, break a sweat, shower if I want to, and pick them up feeling like a whole new woman. It’s ah-mazing! Honestly it was a game changer for me. Having the ability to get out of the house with three kids and actually be able to go somewhere with them has been such a blessing. It’s a little bit of a process to pack everybody up, drive there, get out the stroller, and wheel them in, but it is so worth it every single time. The kids love it because they get to play with other people besides me, and I always pick them up being in a much better mood.
We don’t spend much money on entertainment these days, so that’s what we label our monthly dues. Afterall, Jake and I will meet in the evenings to work out sometimes and it totally feels like we get to go on a little date! Plus, it really isn’t that expensive when I think about how much it would cost if we had a babysitter watch them. It’s pennies compared to that, and so worth it for this momma. Some days I just need a break, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that if I need one, it’s only a 10 minute drive away.
If you’ve ever considered getting a family gym membership, I would HIGHLY recommend it! I can’t imagine life without it now. I realize these aren’t available in some small towns, which makes me SO sad. I truly wish it was an option for all families who like to prioritize fitness.
I took the kids to the gym last night, and while I was running I was listening to praise music while I thanked the Lord for the ability to worship Him even on the treadmill. I love how God knows what we need and provides for us, even if it’s in the form of a gym membership. I was honestly on the brink of a meltdown before I had a place to escape for a break, and thanks to Him and the wonderful people who take care of my kids while I work out and Jake works a 12 hour day, I get to take time for myself which makes me a much better mommy!
Thank you Lord, for our gym! Thank you for the women who love on our kids and have developed relationships with them. Thank you that I feel completely comfortable dropping them off and thank you that I have the opportunity to connect with other moms there too! You are so good God, even in the most practical of ways you are there for us. Thank you!
Love,
Amber
*This post is part of a 31 Day Challenge to write about Seeing God in Ordinary Moments. Visit my landing page here for links to all the posts.
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
1 Comment
I like when you mentioned that working out has always been important to me. While obviously, it’s good for my physical health, I’m actually more motivated to do it because of how it makes me feel emotional. I want all in my family to be healthy all the time. That is why I decided to build a small family gym at home. I will be looking for the right contractor soon.