Fit Mamas: A New Perspective on Fitness

The goal of our Fit Mamas Challenge was to introduce this group of 25 moms to new kinds of workouts and to give these moms an opportunity to focus on their own health. What happened over these 8 weeks was so much more. We were so lucky to have Janelle from Mother Haven join us to facilitate a sharing circle at our wrap up event. 

The overwhelming feeling within this group was a sense of confidence that was gained with each class. One participant shared that through this challenge she began to see her body for what it is, rather than what it is not. Many of us were able to finally see past the stretchmarks and a shape that is forever changed to recognize the strength and beauty our bodies possess. What a profound change. Janelle, the facilitator of the sharing circle was also impressed with this group of strong women. Here is what she thought:

"Earlier this month, I had the honor of facilitating the wrap up for momstown fit mamas challenge. I was truly inspired by the mothers who took on this challenge and in just a short time, how much they accomplished. This group of mothers challenged themselves physically, mentally, and even emotionally. They made a commitment each week to not only get out of the house and attend each class, but a commitment to take time out for themselves. 

And as a mother myself I know it is not easy to always make that commitment, simply getting out of the door is often a struggle, knowing the dishes have piled up, we didn't switch over the laundry, we never returned that phone call to our girlfriend and now our two year old is crying and hanging onto us as we are trying to leave. Let’s face it, having little ones is not an excuse, it can and does take time away from us to do the things we know are good for us. 

At the end of their baby’s first year, or even eighteen years later, too many parents realize they gave up the things they loved to do and they neglected their needs. This is especially true for moms. Often times as mothers we not only give up the things we love, but we lose ourselves and our identities. 

Becoming a mom is an all consuming commitment and it is intense, especially in the early years. We have very little time, it is no wonder that we lose ourselves in the early months of mothering. But too often it is not just the first couple of years, it extends beyond that. 

Becoming a conscious mother requires sacrifice and it requires modeling for our children how to live creative and balanced lives. We do this by not neglecting ourselves. And that is just what this group of moms did for eight weeks. I am sure there were days they had to push through it, but in the end they not only participated in an exercise class, they took time to nurture themselves which is so vital as a mother. 

Despite the messy kitchen, the screaming toddler, the unreturned phone call, and all the other things that pile up, this group of women actively pursued their self care. They pushed themselves physically and mentally, they increased their confidence, they became stronger and more fit, and they all learned something in the process. But the most invaluable lesson was simply embarking on this journey to begin with and taking the time out from the frantic daily routine as a busy mother to nurture themselves. By doing so they became role models to those around them and most importantly to their own children."

Thank you again to Janelle Schmidt for facilitating another wonderful sharing circle. Through Mother Haven, Janelle hosts weekly and monthly sharing circles to empower and bring mothers closer together. Mother Haven strives to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable to share what is going on for you. We support mothers to express their true emotions. During the circle mothers are free to share whatever is moving through them. Whether you feel like crying, laughing, or expressing frustration, we are here to listen, support, and empathize with you. Please see her website for more details and join one of these amazing groups.