Over the last few years, I have been extremely busy. As a mother, I have put everyone’s needs ahead of my own. I finally decided to head to the gym to take some time for myself. I wanted to focus on my health and fitness. I knew that if I didn’t take good care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to properly care for my family. My energy levels were low. I had all sorts of aches and pains. I was tired all the time and grouchy. I had very little patience and was feeling unhappy with my life. So I worked out a schedule with my husband, so that he would watch the children a couple of evenings per week. The gym is about a fifteen minute drive. I work out for an hour, shower and get home within two hours. Those two hours recharge my batteries. Just working up a good sweat and getting my heart pumping rejuvenates me. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight and now feel healthy and strong. I combine cardio with strength training. I vary between running on the treadmill, pedaling the stationary bikes and using the elliptical or rowing machine. I spend about thirty to forty minutes strictly on cardio. Then I take advantage of the weight lifting equipment. I try to target all different muscle groups, switching between working my arms, shoulders butt and legs. It gives me the opportunity to be selfish, think things through and keep myself fit. Heading to the gym just a few days per week has made a huge improvement in my quality of life. My next step is to sign up for group fitness class on Saturday mornings. I hope that I am setting a good example for my kids. I plan to live a long healthy life so that I can be there for them in the years ahead.