Moms: Taking time to exercise is NOT selfish

Mommy guilt trips seem to come from everywhere. Not only are we usually hard on ourselves, but others tend to be overly critical of us as well. It's not uncommon if you're a mom to hear comments from people telling you that you're being selfish for working out. It's apparently frowned upon for a woman to spend 30 minutes to an hour a day on her health and fitness once she becomes a mother. We are given these ridiculous guilt trips from women (and sometimes men) who try to make us feel like terrible mothers if we exercise. I'm going to be very frank here, but that's total bull!

You are NOT selfish for taking the time to exercise. Did you get that? Repeat: YOU ARE NOT SELFISH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EXERCISE! Have you ever been on an airplane listening to the flight attendant give the safety speech at the beginning? They always tell you to first put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others in the event of an emergency. You are no good to others if you're dead first. The same thing goes for exercise. How are you supposed to live a healthy and long life caring for your family if you drop dead from obesity related illnesses? You have to take care of your health by exercising regularly and eating right if you expect to be able to care for your family.

It is also important to note that one of the best things you can teach your children is to have healthy habits. Teaching your kids to take care of their health by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly is vital to their well being and long-term health. So, not only are you improving your health by exercising, but you're improving the health of your children as well.

I'm not saying you should spend 3-4 hours a day at the gym and neglect your responsibilities. But, I am saying that there's nothing wrong with getting your workout in during the day. Don't be afraid to take an hour for yourself. Don't feel like you aren't allowed to workout when you have kids. Even if it means waiting until the kids are asleep to get in that workout, it's still important to give yourself that break. You will feel better, your health will be better, and you will be a less stressed and happier mommy because of the exercise.