Moms, it's time to take time for your health

This is for you, moms. In fact, whether you are a mom or not, this is for all the women out there who feel trapped in a cycle of, “One day, I am going to eat healthy, lose weight and really take care of myself.”

It’s time to get un-stuck, and I am here to help you.

I know that it is hard to find time to focus on you. And when you finally do take some time for yourself, you probably have a vague sense of guilt that there are other things more worthy of whatever effort or sacrifice you are making to work on you. That’s part of being a mom. You put others first.

But consider this: Neglecting yourself is not good for you or those people who depend on you. The only way you can keep attending to your many responsibilities and joys is if your health is optimum. Once your health starts declining, you will have no choice but to focus on yourself.  

Wouldn’t you rather do it now and know what it feels like to be healthier and full of energy and still be there for those people who depend on you?

It’s hard to start. Yes, starting is hard. In fact, it is probably the hardest part. 

It may be hard because you’ve ‘started’ before and failed. That doesn’t matter anymore. The past is the past. You are not doing it alone this time. I am here to walk with you every step of the way. We’re looking forward, not backward. It may be hard because you have no idea where you will find the time to exercise. I’ll help you with that too. That’s what I do.

It may be hard because changing life-long patterns of eating seems completely undesirable right now. I’ve been there. And believe me, if some of us can do it, you can too. The amazing thing is that once you get a taste of the energy and vitality that eating well brings, you won’t look back.

The longer you wait to take your health seriously, the more damage you are doing to your body.  

There is only one way to slow down, stop, and reverse many of the effects of aging (whether you are 20 or 70 years old): sensible eating and consistent exercise. Well, that’s two, but they have to happen together.

Do you want to avoid the ravages of heart disease?

Would you like to never experience the pain of a fractured, osteoporotic bone?

Does lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your knees and reducing aches and pains sound attractive to you?

Would you like to run a marathon?

It’s yours. You’ve dreamed about it long enough. Make this Mother’s Day the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Thousands of women just like you are doing it. And I want to help you do it. Be strong, vibrant, fit and full of energy. It’s time to start. I’ll help get you out of this vicious cycle and feeling better than you ever have.

Liz Whalen is a personal trainer and health fitness specialist who lives and works in Libby. She also blogs at lizwhalenhfs.com.