Alright, mamas, let’s talk real. Six weeks ago, I spilled the beans on this little project: Mama is hitting the gym (with a healthy dose of skepticism, mind you). Remember the chaos? Five boys, a business, zero time – the usual. But something had to give. My hip, wrecked by a long road trip a year and a half ago, was sending me silent complaints every time I chased after my youngest. My clothes felt…well, let’s just say they weren’t doing my confidence any favors.
So, I embarked on this journey, determined to build a foundation of fitness for myself. Not for the latest fad or some unrealistic expectation of a magazine cover figure (though wouldn’t that be something?!), but for me. For this crazy, chaotic life. For the woman who wants to be there for her boys, not just physically present but actively present, chasing them down the slide, hiking mountains, showing them what it means to be strong and capable.
The Numbers Game: Forget It
Six weeks in, and let’s be honest, the scale isn’t exactly singing my praises. A measly one-pound dip doesn’t exactly scream “fitness success story.” But here’s the thing: I’m throwing that number out the window. It’s a number, and numbers don’t tell the whole story.
What the measuring tape is telling me is a different story – a story of progress that truly matters. Three inches gone. Three whole inches! And guess what? One of those inches is right off my waistline. Yes, please!
Beyond the Numbers: A Body That Moves
Now, this isn’t just about aesthetics (though feeling good in my clothes again is a definite perk!). Remember that hip pain? It’s gone. Like, completely vanished. I can run after those little tornadoes without wincing. Flexibility? Slowly but surely improving. Last week, I managed to catch a grounder, glove all the way on the ground, for first time in years without feeling like I might snap in half.
But the biggest win? The change in my mindset. I’m starting to trust my body again. It’s strong, capable, and ready for whatever life (and my five little hurricanes) throws my way. Learning to ride a RipStik (Amazon Link) alongside the boys? Let’s do it! A spontaneous race down the school yard while having lunch with one of the boys? Game on! Getting back on roller skates again so all 5 boys can hit the rink? Bring it on!
Confidence from the Inside Out
It’s not just about the physical changes, though those are amazing too. It’s about a newfound confidence that shines through. I’m starting to feel more comfortable in what I wear. My posture is improving, and I swear, I even stand a little taller.
Sleep? Oh, glorious sleep! Remember those nights of tossing and turning? Gone. Now, I drift off easily, exhausted from a good workout instead of the exhaustion of chasing a million things at once.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Foundation
Six weeks in, and this journey is just beginning. The foundation is set. It’s strong, it’s solid, and it’s ready to build on. While I’m celebrating the non-scale victories, the next phase is where it gets exciting.
Building muscle. Feeling that strength not just in my endurance, but in every move I make. Picking up my youngest without wincing. Carrying groceries without feeling like my arms are about to give out.
This isn’t just about me, though. It’s about showing my boys what it means to take care of yourself, to push your limits, and to celebrate progress, no matter how big or small. It’s about showing them that strong is beautiful, that capable is empowering, and that even a mama with five little whirlwinds can carve out a space for her own health and well-being.
So, mamas, join me! Let’s ditch the scale, embrace the real changes, and build ourselves into the strongest versions of ourselves. Because let’s face it, we’re already pretty darn incredible, but a little extra strength goes a long way in the land of motherhood. Here’s to the next six weeks, and to many, many more!
P.S. Huge shoutout to Michaela, my trainer at www.Crunch.com in Winter Springs. Not only does she encourage me to push my limits, but she makes my gym time fun time!
P.P.S. An even bigger shoutout to Papi! Without his unwavering support and willingness to play tag-team with the boys, none of this would be possible. To all the partners out there, you rock!