Menifee Mom: Legos, Kiddos and an Exercise Routine


This is the first installment of a weekly column by Michelle Walsh, who is a Menifee resident, a wife and mother of three young girls. She is a former teacher who enjoys running, exercise, sewing, gardening and socializing. Michelle and her family are always on the go. She likes to know what is going on around town and looks forward to writing about her adventures in our town. We hope you enjoy her perspective on life and motherhood in Menifee.

By Michelle Walsh




It’s January, you want to get fit, and now is the best time to do it, right? Every television ad is selling you a weight loss program, “Biggest Loser” season 14 just started, your local gym has no sign-up fees, and Target has Yoga Mats for half price.

Let’s do this! You’re pumped! But before you are about to sit in front of the big screen with your new best friend Jillian Michaels, you are summoned to the bathroom to wipe a tushy, then off to the kitchen to refill a Sippy cup, and you step on a Lego on your way back to the television.

By the time you limp back to your Yoga Mat, the 20-minute workout that promised to give you abs of steel is over. You feel defeated, and you haven’t even started.

I’m here to tell you that you CAN do it. Super Moms unite! Finding time to take care of you is the most important thing you can do for your family. My exercise time is my renewal time.

Here are some ways I make an exercise routine work for me and am able to stay consistent:

First, set a goal. Small goals are great to begin with -- a 20-minute walk, or run, a Zumba class, whatever interests you. Write your goals down, say them out loud, or share them on Facebook. Personally, I like to run, so finding a local race to sign up for keeps me on track and gives me a goal to work toward. You can be sure that when I post on Facebook, “Off for a 3-mile run”, it’s going to get done.

Consistency is KEY! Nothing is harder than trying to start something challenging again and again. Look at your calendar, find the periods of time when you can fit in exercise, and make it happen. I find that planning out my week and writing it down on the calendar helps. Sometimes you have to get the kids involved; that’s great. Think of the example you are setting by being a role model for a healthy lifestyle. It won’t be long before your family will know that Thursdays are Mommy’s Zumba days.

Find a support system. Sometimes it is your neighbor, your spouse, or your best friend. Don’t have anyone near and dear that likes to exercise? Try finding a support group that can help you achieve your goal. A simple online search should point you in the right direction. I have found a support group of women who like to run. We keep each other motivated and on track.

If you make it a priority, exercising and raising a family at the same time is not only possible, but very rewarding. Setting goals, being consistent and finding support along the way can help you achieve a routine that can be maintained year-round. So grab that Yoga Mat, your running shoes, or your Zumba skirt, and go show Jillian how it’s done!




21 comments:

  1. Perfectly said! Loved reading your article and look fwd to reading many more of your columns!

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  2. Great article Michelle!

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  3. Trying to fit it all in is sometimes difficult. I agree, writing it down on the calendar is the only way my family knows it "mom time". Having the support group of Mom's RUN This Town has been an amazing grace to making sure I get my workouts in. Thanks Michelle for the great article!!! <3

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  4. csn't wait to read your next article!

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  5. Great article and motivation Michelle! Moms definitely need to make time for themselves!

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  6. michelle, you are amazing and sharing this will definately inspire a lot of women. i lost 50 pounds and 8 pant sizes and the key is CONSISTENCY and GOALS. looking forward to teading more. thanks for sharing ♥

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  7. Michelle, very nice!! I thik u will inspire many to take to the wakl , get a mat ..

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  8. Well said, Michelle!! Thanks for inspiring me to do the same!! Can't wait to read more articles!

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  9. Loved your article!

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  10. Great article! So true about the distractions that get us off track. 'Consistency is key!!'. Lets all do this people!!!

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  11. Nicely said!!! Consistency and goal setting are definately the beginning!! Also, people need to be ready and stop making excuses :-)... Love your article looking forward to many more!!!

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  12. Very encouraging article! Thanks for the reminder that we can and do deserve
    our time as mothers. Now all I need is a SUPER MOM tshirt.

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  13. Very true, it's so important to make time to do the things that keep the caretaker healthy and happy. This is an inspirational article...

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  14. Your article is very true! I year ago I decided to make exercise a goal because I really wanted to lose weight. I asked a friend to run with me; we joined a running group and signed up for a race so that we had something to work toward. A year later I’ve lost about 50lbs, I feel good, I’m told I look great which really boost my self-esteem and my kids are proud of me. Most importantly is showed my kids that anything can be accomplish if you if you’re consistent and that there is no excuses. Looking forward to reading your next article.

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  15. Great article Michelle! I look forward to reading more of your columns!

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  16. Love how encouraging your are!! I too believe in scheduling some time for yourself. Feeling good and feeling good about yourself are of the upmost importance in your life.
    I look forward to more of your articles!

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  17. Exercising and being healthy sets a great example for our kids, especially our girls! Find a buddy, I have a fantastic running partner! We spend our first few miles gossiping, catching up and complaining about our spouses! Its a great outlet for both of us.

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  18. Love the article Michelle! And you are so right, by taking the time to care for our health and exercise is such a great example to our children! Can't wait to read more articles :-)

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  19. jazzercise of menifee offers classes at Wheatfield club house....great ladies to work out with...check us out on facebook at Jazzercise of Menifee!

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    1. We offer babysitting at our morning classes and our workout is great for any fitness level or age. Mention Menifee Mom and come take a free class. Michelle - we'd love to have you come check it out!

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    2. Thanks! Maybe I'll drop in one day and try it out.

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