So the other day, I ran across this pretty fantastic article about the latest "fit mom" and her "no excuses" campaign. Essentially, this lady has a rock hard body and takes lots of pictures with her shirt off beside her little tyke with caption "I have a kid, a six pack, and no excuse." (you can see the picture following the link above if you so choose) Let me preface what I'm about to say with the following statement: I think moms should absolutely prioritize fitness if it is important to them. Fitness, ultimately, will enable them to be there for their kids longer and stronger. I have ZERO problem with fit moms.
What I DO have a problem with, however, is that not only is this shaming strategy ineffective, it's stupid. Being fit doesn't necessitate having 6 pack abs. The kind of "fitness" being promoted by this "fit mom" is unrealistic for the majority of the population. Motivating people to engage in ACTUALLY achievable fitness activity is awesome...trying to convince busy moms that they have NO EXCUSE not to shred their bodies is absurd.
My mom has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (pretty good excuse not to have a 6-pack if you ask me) a neuromuscular disease that deteriorates the muscles of the face, shoulders, back, and abdomen. While she remains active and does a kickass walk in the mountains several times a week, she will never have 6-pack abs - she medically doesn't have the ability to. Nor should she ever desire to, dystrophy or not. She's the strongest woman I know, with or without a personal washboard. Not to mention, she's a damn good mom.
More importantly, there ARE very important excuses for skipping days (or weeks depending on the situation) of exercise. I, of course, highly recommend being physically vital, but exercise is meant to enhance life, not get in its way. I have provided some solid excuses below.
1. I'm Sick
2. My kids need help with their homework
3. I have an injury
4. Game of Thrones is on
5. It's (Name Holiday Here)
6. I'm going out with friends
7. I haven't had a quiet moment to myself in a long time
8. I have a marathon this weekend
9. I kinda don't feel like it
10. My dog is throwing up everywhere
11. I'm graduating today
12. There's a hurricane
13. I have a homework assignment due
14. Resisting exercise is opposite to emotion action for my therapy
15. I'm so sore from yesterday that my waddle rivals Daffy Duck's
16. Screw the gym, I'm going DANCING!
17. Game night!
18. Date night!
19. Friend date night!!!
20. My sister is having a baby
21. My best friend called to catch up
22. I'm helping my classmate move
23. I want to take some time for my art
24. I haven't blogged in a solid month
25. Exercise isn't my thing...I'm all about that physical lifestyle baby
26. The neighbors just moved in, time to bake a pie!
27. I broke my leg so badly it looks like I wrapped it in kevlar and detonated a grenade inside
28. TORNADO!!!!
29. It's the annual polka dot convention
30. Screw the gym, I'm dancing contra!
31. Meeting the family for the first time...gulp.
32. SHARKNADO!!!!!
33. My sister came home from college and wants to hang
34. It's my rest day!
35. I have to pack for an epic cross-country adventure!!!
36. I have a job interview
37. No, seriously, Game of Thrones is on.
38. I'm having a baby!!! (I'm not. This is not an announcement!)
39. Family time
40. My friend is down and needs me.
41. I don't need an excuse. It's my body. It's my life.
Moral to the story? Yes. Engage in physical vitality - play with your kids. Run if that's your thing. lift crazy heavy weights if that's your thing. Zumba if that's your thing. If you find a form of fitness you love, you won't NEED an excuse...you'll genuinely enjoy doing it and look forward to it. No matter what...remember that YOU and your family are your priority. Don't ever let someone else shame you into making their priorities your own.
To all the moms out there. You're amazing. The fact that you can create a life speaks to the wonder of what your body can do. Forget anyone who shames you. Do what's right for you, your life, and your family. You are an inspiration as you are.
What I DO have a problem with, however, is that not only is this shaming strategy ineffective, it's stupid. Being fit doesn't necessitate having 6 pack abs. The kind of "fitness" being promoted by this "fit mom" is unrealistic for the majority of the population. Motivating people to engage in ACTUALLY achievable fitness activity is awesome...trying to convince busy moms that they have NO EXCUSE not to shred their bodies is absurd.
My mom has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (pretty good excuse not to have a 6-pack if you ask me) a neuromuscular disease that deteriorates the muscles of the face, shoulders, back, and abdomen. While she remains active and does a kickass walk in the mountains several times a week, she will never have 6-pack abs - she medically doesn't have the ability to. Nor should she ever desire to, dystrophy or not. She's the strongest woman I know, with or without a personal washboard. Not to mention, she's a damn good mom.
More importantly, there ARE very important excuses for skipping days (or weeks depending on the situation) of exercise. I, of course, highly recommend being physically vital, but exercise is meant to enhance life, not get in its way. I have provided some solid excuses below.
1. I'm Sick
2. My kids need help with their homework
3. I have an injury
4. Game of Thrones is on
5. It's (Name Holiday Here)
6. I'm going out with friends
7. I haven't had a quiet moment to myself in a long time
8. I have a marathon this weekend
9. I kinda don't feel like it
10. My dog is throwing up everywhere
11. I'm graduating today
12. There's a hurricane
13. I have a homework assignment due
14. Resisting exercise is opposite to emotion action for my therapy
15. I'm so sore from yesterday that my waddle rivals Daffy Duck's
16. Screw the gym, I'm going DANCING!
17. Game night!
18. Date night!
19. Friend date night!!!
20. My sister is having a baby
21. My best friend called to catch up
22. I'm helping my classmate move
23. I want to take some time for my art
24. I haven't blogged in a solid month
25. Exercise isn't my thing...I'm all about that physical lifestyle baby
26. The neighbors just moved in, time to bake a pie!
27. I broke my leg so badly it looks like I wrapped it in kevlar and detonated a grenade inside
28. TORNADO!!!!
29. It's the annual polka dot convention
30. Screw the gym, I'm dancing contra!
31. Meeting the family for the first time...gulp.
32. SHARKNADO!!!!!
33. My sister came home from college and wants to hang
34. It's my rest day!
35. I have to pack for an epic cross-country adventure!!!
36. I have a job interview
37. No, seriously, Game of Thrones is on.
38. I'm having a baby!!! (I'm not. This is not an announcement!)
39. Family time
40. My friend is down and needs me.
41. I don't need an excuse. It's my body. It's my life.
Moral to the story? Yes. Engage in physical vitality - play with your kids. Run if that's your thing. lift crazy heavy weights if that's your thing. Zumba if that's your thing. If you find a form of fitness you love, you won't NEED an excuse...you'll genuinely enjoy doing it and look forward to it. No matter what...remember that YOU and your family are your priority. Don't ever let someone else shame you into making their priorities your own.
To all the moms out there. You're amazing. The fact that you can create a life speaks to the wonder of what your body can do. Forget anyone who shames you. Do what's right for you, your life, and your family. You are an inspiration as you are.