The first in a series of interviews with fit twin moms
When I first got the news that I was pregnant with twins I really wanted a shot of tequila. I could not believe what I was seeing on that ultrasound screen, which was TWO babies. How could this be? I’m not that person! I’m not a freakin twin mom! Turns out that I am and somehow I juggle my fitness life with my twin life. It’s not easy and sometimes it’s not pretty but I found there are so many of “us” out there. Here are just a few stories:
Meet Shannon. I met her when I was walking my boys in the B.O.B stroller in my ‘hood a few years ago. I was lamenting about my new crew of two when she said, “Yeah, I have two sets of twins.” WTF? She is the REAL deal. Shannon has a full-time job, teaches spin classes on the side and manages a household of two sets of twins under the age of six. Maggie & Georgie are almost four and Ryan & Grace are six. I know what you’re thinking…if she can fit in a workout, what the hell is my problem? You’re right!
I’m slowly losing my mind!
Q: How many days a week do you train?
Shannon: I usually get in three, including my spin class. If I get in more I feel like a rock star! Before the kids I was a freak about fitness and nutrition. I would teach an early morning class, go to work and then teach another one at night. I worked out 6-7 days a week and loved it. After the kids my priorities just shifted. You lose your ability to put yourself as a priority and if you’re only chance to workout is 5am and you’re not a morning person then… You just don’t have the energy anymore!
Georgie, Grace, Ryan and Maggie! Luckily this was a fun visit to the fire station and no firemen were injured in the process.
Q: How do you juggle fitness and parenting?
Shannon: As they get older they’re more interested in what I’m doing and I see the possibility of them working out with me in the near future. When Georgie sees me put on my running shoes she asks “Mama, can I run with you?” I look forward to a day when she can! Also, being a runner gives you a mental strength and a perseverance to stay the course no matter what and those skills translate nicely to parenthood!
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have learned about twin parenting and/or fitness?
Shannon: YOU CAN DO IT! As each stage passes you look back and say “I made it though and I didn’t think I would,” and then there’s another stage and another success. If you take time to reflect on what you achieved when at first you didn’t think you could (i.e., newborns, teething, sleeping, potty training), you can find the energy to keep going.
Maggie and Georgie with Miles & Vaughn. This was taken on Halloween but it could be any Thursday night.
Q: What’s your advice to twin moms on balancing parenting and fitness?
Shannon: Give yourself a break. You’re doing the best you can and it’s a lot to juggle
Amen sister!
Twins or no, how do you balance parenting and fitness? What tips do you have for other moms?
Oh, MAN. Now I *really* feel like a slacker. If a mom of TWO sets of twins makes time for fitness every day…what is my excuse now?!! I’m totally impressed!
(Your photo captions almost made me choke on my coffee, I laughed so hard. Bwahahaha) –Lisa
I know, right? She makes me feel bad because I only have one set! I’m such an underachiever!! Glad I could make YOU laugh since your posts crack me up daily!! Thanks for stopping by..:-)
You have to do what is right for you… NOT what the experts or the books say. I propped a few bottles. I left the kids unattended to go to the bathroom. Being the mom of twins is a work of art– and a fine line between sanity and insanity.
Julia @ Mom on the Run x2
You know it Julia!! We’re all just doing the best we can! Thanks for the input!!
Holy cow! You have a set of twins, she has TWO sets of twins!! Man, I feel like a lard @** now. It’s not that I’m lazy, I just have never been a workout kind of person. When I was younger, I was constantly in sports, now that I’m older, I don’t have that activity anymore ;(
~dawn from $100 Shopping SpreeDawn’s Disaster
and the Mommy Blog Hoppers
Dawn you are too funny! A lot of times we lose that activity (and time to do the activity!) as we get older. If it’s not a priority then it gets pushed aside. The hard part is finding/making the time, if it’s something you enjoy. Thanks for the comment!
{Melinda} Wow. Yes, if she can fit in a workout, I have no excuse! In fact, I’m starting a Pilates class with a friend next week. Accountability is key for me. 🙂
Good for you! Yes, it always helps to have a fitness friend. Good luck with the class!