“Can I workout with you,” the Middlest asked. Grrrrrr, I silently thought. This was supposed to be my half hour with my workout tape. Okay. It wasn’t a tape. Because it’s not 1994. It was a DVD. But as of late, the kids have been moaning and groaning about spending time at the gym unless it means we’re headed to the pool. So I’ve modified my workouts for the summer months. Because there’s work to be had in getting 4 out the door and to the gym in time for a yoga class or thirty minutes in the stepmill. In its place? Workout DVDs, treadmill, kickball, and chasing kids around.
If you’ve been following me for any bit of time, you know staying active is important to me. First, because of my family history of hypertension {yes. Just call me a 90 year old 35 year old}. Second, because I love the mental and phyiscal benefits of exercising and staying active {read: I might go nutty bananas if I don’t get some endorphins flowing}. And third, because Dr. Tandra {my super star Oncologist} recommends 150 minutes of phyiscal activity a week to tell the cancer cells in my body to take a hike.
So. It’s just about figuring out how to fit it in. And so back to the beginning…
“Can I do your PiYo video with you, mommy?” Inquired the 6 year old.
“SURE. But make sure I have my space.”
I was irritated. I’m not gonna lie and say I was so super excited for this moment to make memories with my child. I wanted to have 35 minutes of my own time while the boys entertained themselves with Legos or art or whatever they could do without totally wigging out on one another or setting the house ablaze.
But.
He wanted to join. So I begrudgingly gave him some floor space next to me. I figured he’d give up after a few minutes when he got bored.
At the beginning, I was a little short with him. I asked him to get outta my space {okay, I was a little kinder with words than that} as I attempted cross moves with my little mirror. But then… I realized we were actually having a good time. And he reminded me of a few things that, when I’m trying to shove in workouts quickly, I forget.
Just move your body.
My little stringbean couldn’t hold all the poses or do all the moves, but he didn’t let that stop him from trying. He naturally modified and didn’t worry about if it was exactly like the people leading the workout. For a moment he stopped and did, “Jump shake your booty.” Because he just likes to move. He doesn’t worry about if that movement is the perfect one to get abs or calves.
Take a break.
“Child’s pose is my favorite” he said a few times in his sweet voice. I loved hearing that. When he was ready for a break, he just took one and then, he got back to it. Or when he wanted a drink, he just got one! Novel concept, eh? To just listen to what your body wants or feels like is exactly what we should all do.
Have fun.
By the time we were half way through, we were both giggling. Whether it was because the Middlest squeaked out a fart or because he thought his downward dog was legit, the kid was laughing and cracking me up right along with him.
Celebrate!
When we got done, the Middlest jumped up and down making muscles and yelling, “I’m sooooo strong!” I. love. it. When was the last time you celebrated what a badass you are for the things your body is capable of doing? He made me want to celebrate right along with him.
And guess what, in the end he said, “Can we do this again tomorrow?” and I said, “We can do something active together.” Because honestly, it wasn’t really any different than if I’d done it solo. In fact, it was kinda better {My friend who sold me the tape is probs so happy right now.;)}
One of the best things though is that hopefully because of moments like this, my kids will grow up wanting to be active, wanting to take care of their physical and mental well-being, and of course, loving to move their bods and rock what they’ve got.
And while it doesn’t make me want to do every.single.workout with a kid in tow because I’m not that patient {or a helicopter parent} it was a good reminder that sometimes — mostly when I least expect it — my kids give me exactly what I need without even trying. Some days, I will make it to the gym, get them in the childcare center, and have my own time. But today, the Middlest reminded me that you don’t gotta go to work work work work work work… you can workout from home.
