Havertown, Pennsylvania, is known for its close-knit community, tree-lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere—an ideal place to raise a child. For one Havertown mom, prioritizing health and wellness isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a way of life she’s passing down to her 3-year-old son, Dorian. Together with her husband, Stephen, from daily movement to mindful eating, she’s teaching their son the importance of loving oneself, staying active and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
As a paralegal and a fitness enthusiast, while also raising a 3-year-old, how do you balance your career, personal health and motherhood?
I am lucky to work remotely full time, and I work on a team of women who are all working moms. I plan my workouts or runs on the days of the week that I know I’ll have time, and I block off my work schedule. I am home with my son alone in the mornings during the week, so most of my workouts are done on my lunch break. I am not a morning person, and know I’ll most likely be too tired after he goes to sleep at night, so lunchtime is what works best for me.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you make time for fitness while managing a busy work schedule and parenting?
My son wakes me up around 7 a.m. We do our morning teeth brushing and get dressed, and are downstairs by 7:30 [a.m.] On a day care day, I make him breakfast and his lunch for school and drop him off around 9:15 [a.m.] Work begins at 9:30 [a.m.], I eat lunch while I am working at 12:30 [p.m.] and then workout around 2:30 [p.m.] I purposely block my schedule for an hour and get my workout in. Depending on the day, my husband or I will pick up our son around 4 [p.m.], and I will work until 6 [p.m.] I am very lucky that my husband is the one who cooks, so he’ll start dinner, and we eat as a family as soon as I log off. Depending on the day, I sometimes hop back on to work after my son goes to sleep to catch up, if necessary.
Treating my workouts like a meeting helps. I wouldn’t miss a meeting at work if it was on my calendar, so having my workouts blocked off on my schedule makes it visible, and no one bothers me during that time. Having workout equipment at home is also very helpful, so I don’t need to leave my house to work out.
What role does your support system—whether family, friends or workplace—play in helping you navigate the demands of work, parenting and self-care?
I am very lucky to have a lot of flexibility and understanding at my firm. Being able to work from home full time makes it easier to plan my day and incorporate moving my body into my schedule. My mom and mother-in-law also help with my son on Wednesday and Thursday when he’s not at day care. My husband is also very involved and supportive of me taking care of myself. He does all of the cooking and cares for my son most evenings so I can finish work.
How do you incorporate your passion for fitness and healthy living into your child’s upbringing?
My 3-year-old son sees me working out on a weekly basis and sometimes even joins me during my workouts at home or at the gym. My husband and I always talk to him about how moving our bodies is good for us physically and mentally. We prioritize moving, eating good food and sleep, and we never talk negatively about our bodies.
What advice would you give to other working moms who want to prioritize their health and fitness but feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities?
The first thing is to ask for help if you need it. We can’t do it all even though we think we can. Put your workout on your calendar and make the time visible, so it’s harder to miss. Having a few things at home to use for workouts (dumbbells, kettle bells, bands) can make a big difference. You don’t need much to get a good workout in at home. Most importantly, start small. Moving 20 minutes each day is better than not at all.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a proud Pittsburgh mama of two. A Temple University graduate, she has a deep love for Philadelphia and is excited to highlight the stories of Philly-area parents who are making a difference in their communities.
