Strong, Healthy & Loved: A Mother’s Day Reminder to Put Yourself First (Sometimes)
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women who do it all— raising kids, holding down careers, managing households, and somehow still remembering where everyone’s shoes are. But in the midst of giving so much to everyone else, it’s easy for moms to forget about their own health and well-being.
This year, what if we celebrated Mother’s Day with something more meaningful than flowers or breakfast in bed, and give yourself (or the moms in your life) something more lasting —permission to put health and fitness back on the priority list?
You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
Here’s a little truth from one mom to another: when you take care of your body, your mind, and your overall well-being, everyone wins. You have more energy to keep up with your kids. You sleep better. You handle stress with more grace. And, maybe most importantly, you feel like you again.
And no—this isn’t about being “perfect” or having a flawless fitness routine. It’s about feeling strong, vibrant, and confident in your own skin.
Move Your Body Because You Love It— Not Because You’re Punishing It
Let’s take the pressure off looking a certain way and instead focus on how movement makes you feel. Exercise isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about feeling energized, strong, and confident in your own skin. Whether it’s walking the dog, joining a fitness class, lifting weights, dancing in the kitchen, or squeezing in a quick online workout between errands—every bit of movement counts and adds to your well-being.
Exercise is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It boosts your mood, supports hormonal balance, builds strength, and can help reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. And as we get older (yes, even in our 30s and 40s!), strength training becomes even more important for maintaining muscle, bone density, and metabolism.
Mom Life Is a Workout—But You Still Need to Train
Running after toddlers, lifting groceries, standing at sports games, and managing endless to-do lists… it feels like a workout—and in many ways, it is! But that kind of daily hustle, while exhausting, doesn’t always give your body the focused movement it truly needs. That’s where intentional movement comes in. This means carving out time to move your body on purpose—whether it’s a strength session, a brisk walk, a yoga flow, or a quick circuit in your living room. Just 20–30 minutes a few days a week can improve your strength, boost your energy, support your posture, and help reduce stress. It’s about moving with purpose to support how you want to feel, not just how much you do in a day.
Fuel Yourself Like You Matter (Because You Do)
Being busy isn’t a reason to skip meals or live on your kids’ leftover crusts. Prioritize real, nutrient-dense foods that fuel your energy and support your goals. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite treats—it just means being mindful and intentional. Eat in a way that feels good, not like punishment or restriction.
A Pep Talk from One Mother to Another
Moms are strong, but strength isn’t just physical—it’s also knowing when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to invest in yourself. This Mother’s Day, remind yourself that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. And it sets an amazing example for your kids.
So, consider this your gentle reminder to put yourself back on the priority list. Take that walk, join the class, try the new workout, or carve out a few quiet moments just for you. Say yes to the things that recharge you and make you feel good in your own skin. You absolutely deserve that—not just on Mother’s Day, but every day of the year.
Jari Love is a certified trainer and creator of the successful scientifically tested Get RIPPED!® series. You can learn more about Jari Love at www.jarilove.com. You can follow her on Facebook at @JariLoveFitness and at @rippedjari on Instagram.
