It is amazing how
difficult it can be to exercise regularly. My husband Mike and I are both
physicians and parents to two girls. We experience barriers to regular
exercise, including lack of motivation, energy and time—especially with all
the family and work responsibilities. During the past year, we have tried to
make healthier choices and make regular exercise a priority. We struggle from
time to time, but we have discovered a few strategies that are key.
Plan ahead
Mike and I make a
schedule on Sunday nights. We use Post-it notes to fill out our plans for the
week, including exercise and what we will eat for dinner. At dinner time, we
take turns: one of us will go for a run while the other will cook and keep the
kids from getting into too much trouble. By planning this out ahead of time, we
can each prepare for our roles. During the week, we mainly find time to work
out in the morning, which means Mike gets up at 4:30 a.m. to swim, and I get up
at 5 a.m. to run. Planning our schedules is key for us.
Be fair
We take turns doing
our workouts, especially on weekends. Our weekends are precious, as they offer
a chance for us to reconnect with each other and our kids. We love spending
time with our girls, but have found we each need time to ourselves or we feel spent
by Sunday evening. Getting in a long workout individually is a great way for us
to recharge. So, while Mike is exercising, I'm covering the home front, and then
we reverse roles. This improves our moods and attitudes, something that benefits
the whole family.
Offer encouragement
When Mike became
interested in triathlons a couple of years ago, I was nervous because of the
time he would need for training. But after seeing him train, get in shape and
finish the race, I was so proud of him and his accomplishment! He motivated me
to do something too, so I signed up for a half marathon. He took it in stride
and didn't bat an eye when I had to do my long run each weekend, which could
last for up to two hours.
We encourage and
support each other in many ways. We ask each other throughout the week about
our workout plans, which serves as both a reminder to exercise and a gentle
show of support. When I'm having a particularly hard day, especially if I
missed my morning workout, Mike encourages me to go for a run because he knows
it will make me feel better. When Mike is feeling overwhelmed by his daily
schedule, I'll ask him how I can help him get in his workout.
Chose a goal/motivation
Mike will readily
admit some of what motivates him is the gear involved for triathlons. I,
rather, just want my running shoes, water bottle and earphones; however, both
of us find that choosing a goal, like registering for a race or event, helps us
stay motivated. We know we must be prepared, so we plan our training schedules
and stick to them. Plus, once we hand over the money for the registration,
neither of us want it to go to waste.
Find balance
We each have our own
exercise goals, which helps remind us that despite being married with kids, we
are still our own people. Moreover, we are stronger as a couple when we feel
healthier as individuals. Exercise boosts endorphins and helps us get better sleep,
and that leads us to be better parents and doctors. This, more than anything,
keeps us focused on exercise.
