How it started: I was never really the sporty or athletic type of person. In fact, I was too vain to even exercise and get sweaty. Until I became a mom. Shredding off postpartum weight was never my problem with my medium build. It was easier for me to go back to my pre-pregnancy weight after Kids 1 and 2, but a lot harder after Kid 3.
From a clueless first-time mom to having three kids in less than a decade—that’s when it became harder for me to manage my weight, my time, and my life. This was on top of a full-time job and graduate school. My only means of self-care was a bag of chips and a hot shower. I was totally out of control. I tried going to the office gym then but I could hardly sustain it.
Then I decided to quit my job. It was the break I never knew I needed. It helped me realign and refocus my goals in life.
'Consistency is really the key. There will be times when you will feel like your efforts are not paying off, and that is when patience will come in.'My family went for a longer than usual vacation to be with my brother abroad. My brother, an Ironman finisher, inspired me to try running as a form of exercise and meditation. One of the best things I learned from him was to “start slow, finish strong.” Interestingly, that is applicable in running and in life.
When we flew back home, I was able to get a new job and a new hobby: outdoor running. Though I have not and have no plans of joining marathons, I am very happy that I discovered the joys of getting dark and sweaty.
How it’s going: Today, I try to squeeze in a 30-minute run three to five times a week. I lost weight but most importantly, I gained more discipline and confidence.
I realized that it is never too late to learn a new skill, to start a new hobby, or to reinvent yourself. But it always helps to have a game plan. With my kids getting bigger now (ages 12, 9, and 6), it is easier for me to sneak at least half an hour of exercise. I try to find a common or at least convenient time when they are busy with other things, or early in the morning when they are still sleeping. I would even spend my lunch break exercising for a quick me-time.
It was all worth it. I became more efficient inside and outside of the house. I also feel more in control when I am able to exercise, take care of house chores, and attend to my work in the office. Moreover, I would receive random messages about how I inspire other moms to take care of themselves.
'My goals have evolved from weight loss and mental health care to inspiring my family, especially my kids, to become better and fitter versions of themselves.'Cliche as it may sound, but consistency is really the key. There will be times when you will feel like your efforts are not paying off, and that is when patience will come in. I like taking photos so I can track my progress visually. It is something you can go back to from time to time, and something your future self will be proud of.
There are plenty of times when I would end up lazy and unmotivated, but I try to get inspiration and creative ideas from other people. Having a role model makes you realize that if they can do it, and so can I.
At the end of the day, find an exercise that you will enjoy. Better yet, an activity that you can share with your family. My goals have evolved from weight loss and mental health care to inspiring my family, especially my kids, to become better and fitter versions of themselves.
