Fitness and Family

As a personal trainer and wellness coach, I spend a lot of time working one-on-one with people that have a difficult time setting goals and adhering to a program to reach those goals while on their own. Each of those people have one thing in common: a negative attitude toward fitness. Although it may not be overly apparent right off the bat, it comes out sooner or later.

Do you find yourself making excuses like "I don't have the time", "I can't afford a gym membership", or "I have an old knee injury". Well, I'm here to assure you that you DO have the time, you don't actually NEED a gym membership and you can do a lot to stay in shape despite that old injury. In fact, you can probably help yourself out a great deal by finding exercises suited toward the goal of helping to repair that injury.

To get started you need the following four things: a little flexibility, a little self motivation, your doctor's approval, and a measuring tape.

Once you get those things together, come back for the second text portion of this lens. I can't help you if you don't want to help yourself.

As always, happy parenting!

Ok, ladies, I don't normally recommend spending any amount of money on really anything, but I am going to throw this out there. A healthy mom's best investment: the jogging stroller. From a practical standpoint, jogging strollers are easier to maneuver in any setting, they are more durable, easier to pack (most fold up without wheels to fit into even a compact car), and give you a good excuse to get moving.

I don't even own another stroller. I use my jogging stroller for everything. It's great! Even if you don't like to jog or run, jogging strollers are convenient for a walk around the neighborhood or a slow climb up a local hill. Mine has shock absorbers and make my son so much more comfortable when I get inspired to go for the occasional trail run. Seriously, these things are amazing! Technology has come a long way when it comes to baby's comfort, mom's needs, and practicality.

Ok, so you may not have any extra time in your day (or really don't feel like looking for it) and you want to know how to stay fit without trying to conquer physics by adding a 25th hour to your daytime. Well, here are some tips to help get ya moving while you're already out and about:

1. Lunge, don't walk to the mailbox. That's right - get in a few extra lunges while getting the mail. Sounds easy enough, right?!
2. Do a squat every time you pick up your child. Seriously. Use the baby as extra weight and do a squat (proper form). Add maybe 5 or 6 squats for added effort.
3. Push Ups while looking under the couch. Did the kiddo lose a toy under the sofa and your down on all fours trying to retrieve it? Well, while you're down there, throw in a set of 10 push ups. Great for the extra jiggle when you wiggle your arms!
4. Play a fun game with junior - sprint to the grocery store doors from the car (which you've parked in the back of the parking lot for some extra cardio distance). Your kid will love getting an energetic game in with mom and you will torch a few extra calories.
5. You may want to join in on the jungle gym at the park, but feel free to do some lateral lunges or tricep dips while you're watching the kids work out their energy. Don't worry about looking silly - think of it as a way to inspire the other moms around you!

Maybe that'll get you going!

Happy parenting!