What Does It Mean To Be A Mom-Athlete
What Does It Mean To Be A Mom-Athlete
A mom-athlete is a person who is trained in sports or physical exercise while being a mother.
As a retired collegiate athlete, I realized after graduating some years ago that I still wanted to train like an athlete.
Even after having two kids, I have always worked out. At first, I told myself I just liked the training I did in college and the shape I was in. Then I realized I had to give myself more credit!
Yes, I am training like an athlete, but I am also an athlete. Although I am not competing right now, I still train as if I were going to, and maybe one day I will.
Instead of competing, as I am seven months postpartum, I train as a mom-athlete to be a strong woman, wife, and mom. I train to be able to run with my kids at the park, beat them in races until they can beat me, exercise with my husband, and live a long, healthy life with my family.
If you are wondering if you too, are a mom-athlete, here are four things mom-athletes do:
- You exercise consistently! Working out consistently can look different for everyone, depending on the number of days. For some, you may start with two to three times a week and then build up depending on your postpartum status and fitness journey. However, you stay consistent weekly!
- You continue to grow and hit your fitness goals! There is growth in every great athlete’s journey, so it makes sense that there is growth in ours. Being fit, strong, healthy, and great moms will always be at the core of being a mom-athlete. In addition, mom-athletes can have specific sports they are proficient in and excel at.
- Your fitness journey is not linear as you have kids! Restarting, pausing, or changing directions completely are common for mom-athletes as having children changes our bodies. Giving birth is not a weakness, nor does it make us less than athletes; if anything, it makes us remarkable and powerful.
- Your age does not limit you! As long as you meet the three points above, you will be a mom-athlete until the day you leave Earth.
I am so happy I have come to terms with the type of athlete I am. Knowing why you train and push your body when it hurts will get you through the most challenging workouts. However, knowing you are a mom-athlete gives you a sense of pride. I have found my new team, and they are moms like me!
