Rediscovering My Passion for Fitness as a Busy Mom

Before I had children, I was an avid gym-goer. The gym wasn’t just a place I visited regularly—it was a part of my identity. I went nearly every day, pushing myself with intense workouts that left me feeling exhilarated. But once I had children, everything changed. I stopped going to the gym, but I never stopped exercising or fueling that essential part of who I am.
Recently, I was reminded of that time in my life when I was a busy mom to small children but still yearned for that post-workout high. I came across a note I wrote to myself, and it took me right back to those days:

Since I can no longer get to the gym, I have taken over our neighborhood park. It's actually a great workout! I hold the baby between my legs while hanging from the monkey bars and move my legs in circles while doing leg lifts. I do walking lunges, squats, push-ups, dips, and jump rope while my daughters are on the swings. When they need another push, I sprint over to them and then sprint back to my workout area. Yesterday, I actually climbed a wall! It's not as fun as the gym, but it will do for now. I've gotten over all the stares I get from the other parents and kids. For added fun, I chase the kids around the park while lugging my 20-pound baby with me. A fun time for all! I wonder what other workouts I can do there. If I could do unassisted pull-ups, that would be a great addition, but I can't yet. I'd like something to work the lats. Maybe I can take my resistance bands and hook something up. Hmmm...

Looking back on that note, I realize how much that time shaped me. Even though I wasn’t in a gym, I created my own space to stay fit and maintain that connection to physical activity that I loved so much.
But what’s most striking to me is that, at no point in my note, did I mention wanting to “get my body back” or “drop the baby weight.” Those goals never crossed my mind. For me, exercise has always been about enjoying physical activity and challenging myself. It’s the feeling of pushing my limits, discovering new strengths, and finding creative ways to stay active—whether that meant gym sessions or playground workouts with my kids.
So, now I pose this question to you: how do you refuel? What drives you to move, to stay active, and to nurture the parts of yourself that need attention?
Whether it’s running around with your kids, sneaking in a workout during nap time, or finding moments to connect with your body through movement, I hope you find what excites you. Because when we let go of external pressures and focus on the joy of movement, we’re refueling more than just our bodies—we’re refueling our spirit.
How do you find ways to move and thrive in your busy life?

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