You probably haven't heard Nadya "Octomom" Suleman's name in a minute.

Likely because after making headlines when she welcomed octuplets in 2009, the mom of 14 retreated away from the spotlight. But now, she's sharing rare insight into how she juggles parenthood and her health.

"I've been asked for years how I stay physically strong and healthy (and mentally sane), in spite of my stressful, busy lifestyle with such a big family," she wrote on Instagram June 27. "Lifting weights has been my method of constructively channeling stress, consistently, for over 30 years."

However, Nadya said weight lifting became an even bigger part of her life after she welcomed her eight youngest children and described the toll the pregnancy had taken on her body.

"Weight training has become even more of a priority subsequent to birthing octuplets, to maintain my strength and mobility alone," she continued. "As a repercussion of the pregnancy, I sustained three more herniated discs (had one herniated disc from a work related injury decades ago); bilateral sciatica; damaged sacrum and peripheral neuropathy (and a torn abdominal cavity to top it off)."

Nadya said exercising helps her.

"Such disabilities would render me incapacitated if I were to lead a sedentary lifestyle," she continued. "Though it seems counterintuitive, the more active I am, the less pain I experience. Several days without weight training exacerbates my already excruciating back pain and near immobility."

As for her routine, the 47-year-old noted she tries to strength train three to four days a week as well as do an hour of cardio four to five days a week "(switched from the stair master to stationary bike years ago)." 

And her kids—Elijah, 22, Amerah, 20, Joshua, 19, Aidan, 17, 16-year-old twins Calyssa and Caleb, and 14-year-old octuplets Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jonah, Makai, Josiah and Jeremiah—are following suit.

"Fortunately, my kids have adopted the same active lifestyle," she added. "My oldest three weight train, far heavier than I, and more frequently."

Especially the oldest. "Eli, who has been training consistently for three years, has surpassed what I've achieved in 30, and loves mocking me at the gym lol," Nadya continued. "He has encouraged me however, to lift heavier, using proper technique, which has improved my strength and performance."

And now she has a message to any fellow parents listening.

"Never compare yourself to anyone else!" she wrote. "Your current fitness level and fitness journey is unique to you, so only strive to be the best version of yourself. Focus on setting personal goals and aim to achieve them, progressing at your own pace. Lead by example so your children learn to prioritize physical activity, and encourage them to workout with you!"

 

And don't feel bad about making time for yourself.

"Do not feel guilty for taking time to renew and recharge," she concluded. "Your family will benefit immensely when you take care of your mind and body, as you will have more positive energy to give. I would not have the mental or physical wherewithal to do what I do if it were not for working out!"

 

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