Need motivation to go running or stick with your workout of choice?
May 2, 2016
The most overlooked reason a parent needs to workout, are the little eyes that are watching you. They aren't the reason you can't work out, they are the reason you must. There seem to be a million excuses to skip a workout. Juggling a career, being a parent and making physical fitness a priority can seem nearly impossible. In need of some extra inspiration to go on a bike ride or to take that barre class? Your greatest motivation is one you’ve maybe never thought of and they probably call you “mom” or "dad".
Making exercise a priority will make you a better person and parent. Physical activity keeps you healthy, helps you sleep and reduces stress.
Setting and reaching personal fitness goals teaches your children the importance of hard work, having a good work ethic and setting goals. Doing one more set of pull ups or an extra lap on the track may not seem like much to you, but your kids are watching.
No one to watch your kids while you work out? No problem. Exercise with them! Go for a swim, hit some balls at a driving range, scale an indoor rock wall or lace up and try ice skating. These activities allow you to spend time together while having fun and staying active.
If you skip the elevator and take the stairs instead, your kids will notice. Picking up carrots to snack on vs. cookies will eventually catch on. Making healthy and active lifestyle choices shows them how to live by example. They mimic everything else you do, they will also mimic your eating habits if you keep offering it.
Rare is the adult that wins the 5K in the park, completes a marathon without walking or even has the courage to register for a triathlon. Show your kids that you compete for yourself and against yourself. Winning isn’t everything and sometimes the courage to try your best and participate is winning. This is often lost in organized youth sports so show it to them by example.
Caitlin Drap
Senior Triathlon Coach
USA Triathlon Level 1
Youth & Juniors Coach
USA Triathlon All American Athlete 2013, 2014, 2015
Caitlin Drap is a USAT Level I Coach, a USAT Youth and Juniors Coach and certified personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise. Caitlin has been coaching for the Full Throttle Team since 2012 alongside head coach Scott Berlinger. In 2014, Caitlin took many podiums, which placed her within the top 4% of her age group nationally and earned a USAT All American title. Caitlin competed in the USAT National Sprint Championships in Milwaukee Wisconsin which qualified her to compete on Team USA at the USAT Sprint World Championships in 2015. In addition to her short course accomplishments, Caitlin also competed at the 70.3 World Championships in Canada and also finished her first Ironman in a time of 10:52 which gave her a 5th place podium spot in her division and 25th female overall. In 2015, Caitlin competed for Team USA at the ITU World Championships in Chicago and finished 12th overall and 5th American. She also earned a spot on Team USA to compete in the 2016 ITU World Championships in Cozumel at the USAT Age Group National Championships in Milwaukee. Caitlin was born and raised in Connecticut and earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. She has two children ages 8 and 11 years old and strongly believes that exposing them to an active and healthy lifestyle at an early age will help mold a healthy and goal oriented adult.