When we’re young, we often don’t really have to focus on clean eating and exercise in order to stay fit. We’ve got good metabolism, our lifestyles are often more active by nature, and honestly, we’re lucky not to have to think about it.
It doesn’t seem fair that, once we become parents and have almost no time to ourselves, all of that abandons us. We finally need to exercise, but it’s a struggle to figure out how to make that happen.
Here are 11 parents who nail this struggle on the head.
11. She missed out on all of those steps.
Oh, well.
Just texted my daughter in the other room to bring me my Fitbit, which illustrates how well owning one is working out for me.
— Stephanie Ortiz (@Six_Pack_Mom) November 20, 2017
10. There were such high hopes.
Now it’s an exercise equipment museum.
Our 5yo is playing on our elliptical trainer, and I’m sure he’s gonna hurt himself by either falling off or choking on the inch-thick layer of dust that has accumulated on it since anyone in this house last dreamed of exercising cause kids, amiright?
— Richard Dean (@dad_on_my_feet) October 12, 2019
9. She’s living her best life.
Don’t be jealous.
My 3yo asked if she could workout with me. I got super excited thinking about my 3yo wanting to join this fitness journey. Then she grabbed a fruit snack and sat next to me while she played a game on her tablet.
— Marcy G (@BunAndLeggings) July 21, 2020
8. Wrong.
I hear some people actually like it. Weirdos.
6-year-old: Why do you exercise?
Me: Why do you think?
6: Because you like it.
Me: Try again.
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) November 23, 2020
7. You don’t want to step on any LEGO.
And you can pretend you’re going for a walk afterward.
My favorite exercise is the one where I put on my running shoes & then go sit on the couch with a glass of wine.
— Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) November 15, 2014
6. That right there is motivation.
Or a reason to drink. Maybe both?
My toddler just sat down next to me on the couch after my workout and repeatedly poked the stomach roll peeking out between my sports bra and high-waisted compression leggings while laughing….in case you’re wondering about the ways your own offspring will betray you.
— Rachel Sobel (@whinecheezits) July 30, 2020
5. It’s pretty much 24/7.
We balance it with sneaked cookies.
Doctor: How often do you exercise?
Me: Are you kidding? I'm a mom. The only time I'm not exercising is when I'm asleep.
— Mommy Owl (@Mommy__Owl) April 29, 2017
4. Basements aren’t so bad.
As long as there’s access to snacks.
https://twitter.com/LetMeStart/status/699238083355680768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E699238083355680768%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Ffitness-for-parents-tweets_l_60089fa5c5b6ffcab96a5b5f
3. They say the sweetest things.
These children that you brought into existence.
"Your stomach looks like an old man's face."
-How my kids motivate me & cheer me on when I'm working out.
— The 21st Century SAHM (@21stcenturysahm) August 7, 2016
2. That took a twist.
I approve of it, wholeheartedly.
I park in the farthest spot possible at the gym for the added benefit of eating my croissan'wich without being judged by people walking by.
— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) November 12, 2015
1. She’s onto something.
Who needs to be fit if you can just LOOK fit?
"I'm wearing exercise clothes and a ponytail. People will think I'm an exercise girl."
-My 5 year old, but also the creators of Lululemon.
— Ash (an female) ⚪️ (@adult_mom) May 14, 2016
The struggle is just so real. *sob*
But I think the best thing, really, is that we have a place to vent about all of this, right?
If you’re able to find time to exercise, share your witchcraft with us in the comments!