Michele Riechman

I’m hoping you can relate and you won’t be appalled that this “fitness expert” at one time was out of breath going up a flight of stairs….

After my third kid, I was really struggling to manage everything I had to do, let alone take care of myself.

I was working part-time while my husband was in a full-time accelerated nursing program and doing the air force reserves, so the kids & taking care of the house was mostly up to me.

On the days I was home, the kids were like wrecking balls around the house and it was hard to keep them fed before they were hungry again. (Right, they are like eating machines)

On the days I would work, I would get home and make dinner, and clean up, and it felt like I had no time left to work out or take care of myself.

But one day, it just hit me. I shouldn’t be breathless from going up a flight of stairs.

And I knew there had to be a way to keep it simple so I could fit exercise into my day.

I realized some exercise is better than no exercise.

I mean walking up a flight of stairs doesn’t take long, so I didn’t need to workout for a long time.

I wasn’t looking to run a marathon, just to keep up with my kids and make it up the stairs without needing to catch my breath.

So I started with quick workouts and eventually worked up to about 30 minutes most days.

I stayed consistent and pretty soon, I was feeling strong, I was dropping that “mommy weight”, and was in better shape.

I could make it up that flight of stairs without being out of breath and could even go faster with a little hop in my step!

And this year, at 40 years old, I was able to enjoy vacation with my kids and do all the things that they did.

If I stayed on the same trajectory I was on, I might have avoided this tower and other fun things with my kids.

So, I don't know where you are in your fitness, but if you don’t feel in shape and you are struggling, then I encourage you to start small and stay consistent.

Just imagine the way you want to feel and what your life could be like if you were in shape. Keep that vision in your mind because YOU CAN DO IT!