Having raised five kids of my own, I understand the wonderful chaos that comes when the kids are out of school for summer, winter, and spring break. Trying to stick to a routine is almost impossible. Just when you get back into the swing of things, boom, it’s time for another break. This time with your family is a beautiful thing and it goes by so fast that you don’t want to miss a thing... but you still need to take care of YOU! If you don’t, who will?
Finding a Healthy Balance
Adria Lombardi • August 12, 2025
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If you don't... who will?
Finding time to take care of your health, both mental and physical, is essential!
As a parent, your kids are counting on you to take care of their needs. This is what you signed up for when you brought these little humans into the world. They watch what you do. They learn from what you show them. They can’t help but to mimic your behaviors. What do you want them to see? What do you want them to learn? What do you want them to mimic? I’m going to take a guess and say that you want them to be their best selves, so show them your best self.
Taking care of your body and mind is one of the greatest signs of self respect. It shows that you love yourself enough to give your body and mind the tools needed to perform at the highest level. When you perform at your highest, you can provide your loved ones the things that they need without having to fight to” feel like it”. I want this for YOU and for your family.
Tricks to stay on track
Here are a few tricks that have helped me stay on track when everyone else has a plan for my time:
- Plan your menu for the week (keep your meals simple). You have to eat… multiple times a day. Don’t wait until you are hungry to prepare. Find things that you can make in big batches and eat dinner leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s always easy when everyone can eat the same thing, but that isn’t always the case. (You are not a toddler that refuses anything but chicken nuggets or a 16 year old boy that needs all the carbs in the world to fill his hollow leg.) Your fuel needs are different so feed your body accordingly.
- When you are out and about, pack an ice chest or lunch bag with food that is conducive with your goals. Always be prepared. You will get hungry! Skipping a meal is not an option if you are planning on reaching your goals.
- Schedule your workouts as if you were planning a work meeting. Non-negotiable! If the only time you have to workout is at 5 am, then set your alarm and get your booty outta bed! If you wait to see what the day will bring, it’s most likely not going to happen. (Your rambunctious little fan club has other plans for your time and you and I both know that they will win every time.)
- Keep a regular bedtime routine. Sleep is essential for brain function, mental health and energy level. Even if the next day is just a lazy day, going to bed at the same time every night helps regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
DO you promise?
Keep the promises that you make to yourself! You wouldn't break a promise made to your kids or your spouse? Have that same integrity when speaking to yourself.
Trust me when I say, I know this is especially challenging at times. But here’s the thing… you can do hard things!! You’re a parent aren’t you? That alone proves that you are capable of overcoming challenges.
Let me put it this way, if you saw that your child's health was suffering and you had the control to do something about it, you would stop at nothing to do what’s right for them. Now apply that same determination to your health and wellness! If not for yourself, do it for the ones that love and count on you the most.
Go prep your meals and schedule your workouts! I believe in you!♥️
What is your biggest roadblock in this stage of your life? Share with me in your comments!
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Your Powerful Ah-ha Moment Do you remember the “ah-ha” moment that pushed you to take control of your health and fitness? Maybe it was getting out of breath walking up the stairs, or not wanting to go out on Friday night because your “going out” clothes didn’t fit right anymore. Maybe it was the visit to the doctor and the outcome of the test was high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The moment of clarity, when you realize something has to change can be a powerful motivator. Typically this is a build up, with smaller day to day moments tapping your shoulder to get your attention. After so many shoulder taps, you will reach the point where the cost of staying the same finally outweighs the effort of changing.
I have had many people ask me how I got into the fitness industry. The short answer…. I get relief from my overactive mind when I move my body. I fell in love with the benefits that I got from a good, hard workout. Growing up I was always told to “sit still” Ha! That was an impossible task for me. My mind and body wanted to run, not walk…much less sit still. I played sports and was fortunate to grow up on a working farm so activities were plenty. It wasn’t until I started “adulting” that I realized that I needed to carve time out of my day and prioritize exercise in order to stay focused and balanced. I bought an elliptical machine and used it every day after work. That did the trick for a while, but as you can imagine, I got bored of that and needed something more, so I joined a big box gym. I would take classes because I was unfamiliar with weight training and the classes were comfortable enough for me to keep coming back. At the age of 21 I gave birth to my first of five kiddos. Obviously this changed my life and routine drastically. It didn’t take long before I realized that I needed to find a new way to move my body. I got myself a jogging stroller, strapped on my Rollerblades :) and wore the wheels out. One baby turned into two within thirteen months. I upgraded to a double jogging stroller and invested in many exercise VHS to do in my living room (with babies crawling on me most of the time). I eventually figured out a schedule that got me back into the gym. Fast forward about 10 years, all the while doing whatever I could to get my workouts in every day with five kids and their crazy schedules, I walked into a non-traditional gym that had cross training classes. These classes had all the weights, heavy med balls, sand bags, box jumps, pull up bars….. and an instructor leading the class on what to do and how to use the weights!! It was love at first class! I was obsessed with the results I got. The endorphins surging, the stress relief I felt, and eventually the muscles and strength that I gained from this type of workout. I took as many classes as I could, sometimes twice in one day (as your trainer I do not recommend two a days:). I hired a trainer who gave me nutritional guidance and that’s when my physique really started to change. My confidence in the gym started to grow and I wanted to share this wonderful state of being with anyone who would listen. I wanted them to feel as good as I was feeling. I decided to get certified as a personal trainer. I started out training friends and family. I had a ton to learn but they were gracious, and we had a good time together figuring it out. From there I surrounded myself with like minded people, got a job at a fitness studio and then another and another until it was time for me to open my own studio. All the while learning so much from my fellow trainers, but mostly learning from my clients. My clients have always been the ones who have helped me learn and grow in this industry. Everyone is unique. Each individual comes to me with different goals, different roadblocks, and different reasons for why they need my guidance. Their goals become my goals. In my career life, there is nothing better than my client’s successes, big and small. I love celebrating every single win that each client has! I could go on and on about that part of my “job”....but that is for a different time. Best in health, Adria Lombardi
