Two weeks ago my husband opened a personal training studio. Because his trainers needed "guinea pigs" to run through programs and get used to the equipment, I volunteered for a session. Prior to that time I had never worked with a personal trainer and, let me tell you, it was a great experience. I liked it so much that when Brian asked me if I would like to work out regularly with Jessica, I jumped at the chance. (Yes, there are perks to being the business owner's wife!)
So yesterday at 6:00 AM I met Jessica at the studio and she worked me hard. Seriously, I think about her every time I stand up, climb the stairs, reach over my head...If I really pay attention I can even feel my aching muscles when I'm sitting still. The aches are OK with me because they remind me I worked hard and am going to get fit.
The thing I love about a personal trainer is I know I would not do this on my own. I might give it a shot, but I would quit when it got too hard. However, when Jessica is standing by me showing me the right form, counting down reps for me, and saying, "You're doing a great job, Karen. Keep it up. Just three more," I press on.
This morning I was thinking about how great it would be if there were such a thing as a personal trainer for moms. Wouldn't you love to have someone by your side throughout the day showing you exactly how to balance all the things you need to do for your kids, reminding you to breathe deeply when the work is stressful, explaining how the weight you are bearing is strengthening your character, and encouraging you to press on by telling you, "You're doing a great job. Keep it up!"? I know I would!
Because the truth is, this mothering thing is too hard for me and sometimes I just want to quit. I am so glad I do not have to do this on my own.
* I have been blessed by several other moms who are willing to call me "friend," who share their struggles with me and allow me to share mine with them. Together, we encourage one another to press on and seek Hope.
* Several years ago God brought a woman into my life who has been my mentor and He uses her to encourage me, to help me see things clearly, and to grow my faith.
* And I have become increasingly aware of God's presence in every aspect of my life. More and more I realize He didn't just give my kids to me and turn His back, leaving me to figure it all out on my own. I know He is with me every moment of every day, growing me and shaping me as He leads me down this road called Motherhood.
It may be true I do not have a physical body beside me serving as a Mommy personal trainer, but as I reflect on what I do have, I realize God has given me everything I need.
How about you, my friend? Are you receiving support from the people God has placed around you? From God, Himself? Or are you trying to make it on your own? I confidently believe if we are going to survive motherhood (And how I want to do so much more than just survive. I want to thrive!) we need to support one another.
Are you in need of help today? Let it be known.
Are you aware of another mom who needs a boost? Reach out and encourage her.
Truly, we are better together.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Need a Personal Trainer?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
I sure wish I had a personal trainer with step by step directions on how to deal with a bigger family. I seem to have left my book at the hospitial when my children were born (each time). Since both my husband and I come from smallish family we both feel like we are constantly winging it.
If it weren't for my family,friends and my prayer time, I think I would have given up a long time ago. You never seem to know when your going to be hit with a more difficult time (like now) but with a good support system and God's help, we always get through it.
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future full of hope. Jer. 29.11
How fun to have a personal trianer...I've always thought that would be so helpful as far as keeping up with a workout routine. Enjoy it (despite the aching muscles!).
I am blessed to have a lot of mom support in the form of good friends, a wonderful MOPS group and a great women's Bible study group. I could still use a personal mom trainer, but God sure has given me a lot of resources already!
I am so thankful for my husband, who is more supportive and proactive than I EVER imagined, even though all three of the children are mine through a prior marriage.
Additionally, it encourages and strengthens me to hear the aged, wise godly elders of our church pour out so tenderly the cry to God for each of us parents and for our children. It is so beautiful to hear such gracious prayers on our behalf. Not only is God on our side, but also men and women whom we can turn to for trusted advice.
And you, Karen! Thank you for pouring out your heart and your time to other moms. God bless you and continue to use you for the edification you offer.
Oh a personal trainer... man I need that and more. What a blessing. Today was like pushing a rock up a hill and you bet it would have been really nice to have someone there telling me how to make it easier ... where to place my feet for leverage and how to use my weight to move that rock.. or maybe better yet helped me sledge hammer that rock into more manageable pieces. I forgot to stop and ask for help today. You have reminded me that it was there and I failed to ask. ugh. Well I can try again tomorrow minus the rock and the hill
Thanks Karen!
Hi Karen. I think I met a couple of your trainers in Ann Arbor. I train at FT there and a couple of Saturdays back they were observing. I wonder if the guy in the office was your husband. If you're feeling those sore muscles all day I think they may have learned a lot from my trainer.
I love training there. I hope your location is successful, even if you are in Spartan country.
Cara
I hope your husband's business does well! And that's great you're getting to workout with a trainer!
We don't have MOPS at our church, but the women's ministry started a group of SAHMs that meet once a month with speakers, play dates, etc. They even have childcare. It's been great!
I could use a personal trainer :o)!
Happy Wednesday!
♥,
annie
Great post Karen! We certainly need to stick together to "sharpen" and encourage one another.
Now, if I only had that personal trainer to kick me in the fanny...literally!
Post a Comment