I’ve heard it so many times after baby is the born: I can’t work out because of the kids. There’s no time/ they need my attention/ etc…

But what about working out WITH your kids?

I have noticed such a huge impact in their daily lives when I show them that I put the effort in to better myself.

They see that, yes, this is mommy, she does such and such for me, but she also has her own things going on.

They develop a habit of being active from an early age.

And if I include them in a work out, we get to spend time bonding and laughing, and learning things anywhere from how to count to: “These are called quads. They help move your leg like this.”

They learn that work outs don’t have to be a mysterious thing that no one should see you do. (Let’s be honest: how many people feel embarrassed to go to the gym and have people see them working out?)

They begin to understand their bodies and what they need to do to nourish them and stay healthy.

They find a way to handle their emotions and burn off energy.

They become your greatest supporters and trainers. They will ask for the daily workout, push for one more rep, and keep your heart pumping as you chase them around.

And if you ever take a moment to look in their eyes in the middle of all this, no matter what it is, whether it’s a hard core work out or something easier that ends up getting split up throughout the day, you will see their hearts filled with inspiration and admiration for the work that you do. And that’s motivation enough to show up to work out the next day.

Let your kids motivate you to be a better you. Let them see you make the effort to be active and enjoy the process. Kids are more likely to do as you do than do as you say. Plant the seed early on in their lives.

Show up every day in some way and have fun… Your body will thank you and so will your kids!