I’ll let you read it here in full, but this post by Bethenny Frankel (my favorite Housewife) really spoke to me, and was spot-on to how I’ve been feeling lately.
As she notes, “Like eating, exercise can’t be your best friend or your enemy. You weren’t “good” because you worked out, and you weren’t “bad” if you didn’t. Somehow, find a healthy relationship with exercise so you are happy to have it in your life.”
Though I’ve never had trouble getting the motivation to work out (hell, I was a chronic over-exerciser for a long time), being pregnant has changed my own expectations of what my body can do/wants to do.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that sometimes a nice, long walk with my hubby and pup some days is a good enough workout–and good for the mind, body and soul. Other days when I have more energy, I do more.
But Bethenny’s point is that any exercise should be done without the “good”/”bad” judgment but rather with an eye on the “happiness factor” — as in, does X make me happy? For example, I will never run on the treadmill. I’d rather do nothing, I hate it that much. But get me outside on a cool, crisp day (like today), and I’ll pound out 2-4 miles and feel great about it because I genuinely enjoy doing it. No music, no running buddy … just me, my thoughts and the fresh air.
I think along the way, I’m finding that healthy balance I strove for all those years. Thanks, Bethenny, for the reminder! 🙂
Let There Be Light 
You totally inspired my blog post for the day – this is an awesome reminder of maintaining balance in all things in life, especially when it comes to healthy living (eating, working out, etc.). Thank you for this!
Loved your post too–thank you!
I love that Bethenny! She seems to have such a solid head on her shoulders, and inspires me all the time. Thank you for discussing this. I just got back from 30 minutes on the elliptical, and I am not going to judge that act either way. It was a nice way to spend a half hour, that’s it.
Awesome, Lara — it’s hard to not be judgmental about it, but we can’t be. Great outlook!
I really wouldn’t have expected the sort of statements she’s been making about health recently, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I watched the criticism of her post-baby health closely because I was back to my “regular” size even more quickly than she was and she got so much flack for it – and I’m in no where near the shape she is, so it really is just genetics.
I might hate the series of shows she comes from, but I have to say that I think she makes for a great women’s health role model from what I’ve seen.
I know — she’s not the person I imagined I’d be taking advice from, but she really does speak her mind and speak it well. Genetics are really at play!
LOL — I love RHONY 🙂 Though Danielle on the RHONJ makes me embarrassed to hail from NJ.