My mum never did this one thing growing up

"It's made me want to be a different mum - a better one."

When I was younger, I don’t recall my mum ever exercising.

She never did laps in the local pool. She never played tennis, did a yoga class or went for a run. I don't even remember her going out for a walk. Like ever.

Mum was one of those people who was graced with good genes and was naturally thin when she was younger. She never really had to exercise, so it wasn’t a priority.

But I asked he recently how she really felt about it.

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“Mum, did you ever exercise when we were growing up?” I asked.

She gave me a look as if to say, ‘what are you getting at?’

"No, I didn't exercise," she replied finally. "I was too busy raising four kids."

Her response got me thinking. Specifically, it got me thinking about the impact that might have had on me. I never played sports growing up because it wasn't a focus in our household. 

My siblings and I were encouraged to learn languages and play musical instruments, but none of us played any sport as an extracurricular activity. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realised I want to do things differently with my three kids.

When it comes to exercise and healthy habits, it's so important to lead by example. Parents can encourage their children to be physically active by role modelling. 

And when you consider that only six out of 10 Australian children aged between five and 14 years participate in sport outside of school, there's even more reason to make it a priority.

Image: Supplied

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For a long time, I told myself that I’m too time poor for exercise. I have three young kids, a business, ageing parents, siblings and friends who need my love and support. When do I get time to exercise?

But in reality, that’s a cop out. I used to marvel at how our very fit mum-of-three neighbour would get up at 5am to run 10km before her kids were even awake. She’d be back in time to make their school lunches and prepare breakfast.

The best part was, by then her cup was full. She had had time to herself to do what she loved and what her body needed, and she was ready to put on her mum hat for the day.

And so, I’ve decided that I want to be the 'active mum'. The mum with endless energy. The mum who gets up and says, “Come on, kids, let’s go for a hike, or play tennis or kick the footy.”

I don’t want to be the 'couch potato mum' any longer. We're all time-poor. I don't know one parent who would claim otherwise. 

But the bottom line is that some parents still find the time to exercise. I want to be that parent. For me, and for my kids.

Originally published as My mum never did this one thing growing up