Okay.
So, I don't think every mom/woman has to run a marathon to lose the baby weight.
I think the key is consistency. Finding something you KNOW you can be consistent with. If you're obsessed with "So You Think You Can Dance"--try zumba! If you like to swim, try swim. Something physical that you enjoy after the third time (the first two is mostly you adapting to just a change in routine) and don't be afraid to try different things!
I think exercise is necessary for maintenance of current weight--especially for those of us approaching 30/not turbo-metabolistic-women. And particularly if you are wanting to lose weight, doing something physical is essential to healthy weight loss. (In addition, restricting high-fat foods (notice I didn't say high-calorie...:D) is probably neccessary...the more weight you want to lose, the more you should restrict the sugar, grease (we only cook with EVOO and smartbalance butter--if butter at all!), the sodium....
However, in my non-expert opinion, the most important role of exercise is for quality of life. Here are some ways exercise has improved mine:
1) I'm a better mom.
As someone with sleep issues, I just sleep harder at night when I am exercising two-three times per week, giving me MORE energy for my toddler! I can come up with more creative ways to teach him new things, and have more energy to pour into his little life.
2) I'm a better wife.
I am more confident, no--infinitely more confident-- now than when I was overweight. I am more attractive to my husband because of this confidence, and it has improved our romantic times together :) (any unawkward way to say this??? probably not!). I have more energy for spending time with him, and don't feel so stressed out by the little things because I have an outlet.
3) I'm more creative
Everyone knows endorphins improve mood and thought processes, and they can stimulate you creatively as well. I LOVE refurbishing furniture, as well as other crafty things and I find myself at creative peaks when I am active physically (and more in slumps when I'm just moping around the house ie have too much free time!)
4) I get more done
As I just alluded to--I am of the personality where often the MORE I have on my plate, the more productive I am...and the opposite as well...the less I have going on, the more I am inclined to just coast and feel tired. Maybe it's just me!
Anyway, I'm so grateful I got up off of the couch 14 months ago and went for a jog. Little did I know how many blessings would pour out from that one decision to get out!
