BABY BOUND

I get a lot of mothers coming to me asking for recommendations on how to exercise while having a baby at home. So what's a gal to do? 

With a baby crying or a toddler constantly wanting you to play, how are you supposed to fit exercise into your schedule?

Stay-at-home moms:
Does your child nap?

Options:

1. Make exercise a priority and do it when your child sleeps, whenever his/her longest nap is that day. 
2. Another option is getting your child used to playing by themselves during the 30-60 minutes you want to exercise in the house. This is great since your child will directly be seeing how important it is to exercise (personal note: My child wakes up and asks if I did yoga or am done exercising because he has seen me exercise.)
3. When it's nice out, exercise WITH them! Go for a walk or run with the stroller and you both can enjoy the fresh air.
4. And thirdly, join a gym that has babysitting and allow your child to have fun with other kids while you burn calories and tone up.

But what if your child no longer naps or you have more than one child?
Choose to become either an early morning exerciser or a night time one.

1. Morning: Wake up earlier than they do and get your exercise in then. You'll feel great the rest of the day too! Tip * You'll probably have to go to bed a bit earlier too if you want to keep your 8 hours!
2. Night time: Exercise after they go to sleep. It's tough to do at the end of a long day, but remembering your motivation (working for your heart health, metabolism and weight control, self worth and ability to fight sadness/depression), should help you to fight the urge to sit on the couch and watch TV. You'll also be letting some steam out from hearing a child/children all day, which I know can be a lot to handle.

Working mothers:
On weekends, you can do the same as suggested for stay-at-home moms, but during the week, it can be tough. While you're preparing meals for the next day and getting dinner ready as soon as you get home from work (unless it's too late!), you have little time to do anything else since you want to spend some time with your child/children as well.

So here is a suggested workout schedule:

• weekends
• 2-3 times during the workweek when you get up early or stay up a little later at night to fit in some exercise

You can do a lot in a half hour. It's all about the quality of your workout. Efficiency is key. Not good at motivating yourself? Hire a trainer 2 times a week (one who will really push you and help you feel good about yourself) so you see results and keep exercising.

Remember, exercising is so important for your health and your confidence. It's also great to be a role model with wellness, showing your kids how important it is to work your body. Eating well, exercising, and showing your children true happiness is such a great gift to yourself and your family.   

Click to learn more about the A+ Plan and how it can help.

Find a sport, class, dvd, or machine that you love and do your best. Experiment and vary everything you do. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!