As a parent, I’ve come to realize that my active lifestyle served a purpose far greater than personal fitness. It equipped me with the stamina to be truly present for my children and the mental clarity to navigate the complexities of parenting.
Being active isn’t just a quest for personal health. It’s a lesson in discipline, joy, and self-care – one I’ve been privileged to pass down to my children.
Intertwining activity into our daily family rituals has been immensely rewarding. I’ve witnessed the profound impact it has had on our personal well-being and the deep bonds we’ve fostered, especially as my children transitioned into adulthood.
Consider this: if you’re a parent wrestling with the idea of maintaining an active life, think of the enduring legacy you’d be establishing for your children.
I cherish the memories of working out with my father during my turbulent teenage years.
Those moments weren’t just about physical fitness; they were about connection, understanding, and shared experiences.
As I grappled with adolescent challenges, those running and gym sessions with my dad were intertwined with the comforting sensation of bonding with him.
Becoming a parent later in life, at 37 and 40, I had already cultivated a lifelong commitment to staying active.
It was instinctual for me to maintain this momentum during my pregnancies and after welcoming each of my two children into the world.
With my eldest, our first shared exercise sessions comprised long stroller walks. With my youngest, I masterfully timed gym visits to coincide with her naps.
As they grew older, our activities evolved. From bicycle rides to rollerblading, and spirited games of racquetball in the park, every activity was a cherished chapter in our family story.
Investing in a family gym membership was a game-changer when I remarried and found myself with three children; fitness became as integral to our family culture as dinners, movie nights, and board games.
Fast-forward to the tricky teen years, I found solace in joining my stepson for boxing sessions. Rather than merely dropping him off at the activity, I actively participated alongside him.
Despite our age gap, I wanted him to understand the euphoric uplift that exercise offers. Those post-workout drives home became our sacred space for candid conversations, echoing the bond I shared with my father.
Today, as I embrace my 60s and watch my children – aged 19, 20, and 22 – evolve, I’m filled with immense pride.
They’ve adopted fitness as a way to nourish not only their bodies but their minds and spirits as well.
Our shared love for hiking, paddleboarding, and indoor climbing is a testament to the enduring legacy of our active family culture.
It brings me immense satisfaction to acknowledge that our shared passion for fitness not only helped us navigate challenging times but also armed my children with a lifelong tool for resilience.
