Photo by Adam Wink

So I am going a little off my usual topics today because I want to talk about my other “job.”  When I am not working as “mommy,” “swim coach,” or “pilates instructor,” the job that pays the bills is high school college counselor.  I truly enjoying working with my students and watching them grow over their four years of high school.  The change that takes place in a high schooler over four years is truly amazing.  In the last year, I have really noticed how the recession has affected kids and their college choices.  Nearly fifty percent of our kids will attend one of our in-state schools, while the other group will be going out-of-state to mostly private, smaller schools.  I have had the privelege of working at both large state universities and a smaller regional liberal arts school during my career.  I would have to say, hands down, I enjoyed the small school experience the best.

I believe that smaller schools allow you to be more engaged mentally, active in a campus community, and participate at a broader level in various campus activities.  Not to say state schools don’t have their merit, I am solely talking about the college experience that prepares a student for their future through open class discussion, small student to teacher ratios, and a focus on writing and critical thinking.  I recently read Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That’s Right for You by the late Loren Pope, he readily discusses the benefits of the small, liberal arts institution that focus on teaching and student research.  He believes the perfect college size is those that are under 5000 students because it gives the students the ability to interact with their professors and classmates.  Small schools encourage kids to have dialogues in and outside the classrooms and to take ownership of their own education.  Pope actually has his own list of Colleges that Change Lives and describes their benefits in the book of the same name.  What I find most intriguing is how today’s society focuses on the big name universities; ranging from the Ivy League to large state schools, in turn, dismissing many small, excellent institutions due to lack of name recognition.  Several years ago, I worked at a great liberal arts school, Truman State University, I was so impressed by the high level of teaching, camraderie amongst the students and faculty, and research done by the students that I would easily recruit students to that amazing institution.  In addition, the campus was thriving; they regularly had lectures from prominent national and international speakers, they had excellent sports teams and extremely active intramurals, and lastly it was cool to be smart and engaged in your own learning.  There are many great institutions out there that families don’t know about or discount because they haven’t “heard” of them.  If you have a student in high school I highly encourage you to check out some of the smaller, liberal arts institutions that will prepare your child for their future and help them grow into critical learners and productive members of our community.

While this post easily swayed from my usual topics, I have been extremely enamored with small liberal arts schools and the great college experience they can give to our young people.  In addition, I encourage you to check out those lesser known schools that may peak the interest of your student and/or yourself.   Active mommies need to also be active in finding our kids the best education possible!

Recently I was offered the privilege to review a new fitness book by a representative of Simon and Schuster.  I agreed and was sent the workout book, The 90 Second Fitness Solution: The Most Efficient Workout Ever for a Healthier, Stronger, Younger Youby Pete Cerqua and Alisa Bowman.  I was extremely skeptical when I first received the book, how can you get fit in 90 seconds?  Everything I have learned as a coach and pilates instructor screamed “there is no way!”  But, I was intrigued by the title and began reading this well written and illustrated book.  The book is important, it helps you to train smarter and with limited time.

Now as an “Active Mommy,” I am always looking for a way to maintain fitness even with an extremely busy schedule.  I began reading about the author’s ideas and became excited about the possibilities; he easily dispels many of the usual workout routines as inefficient.  There are different levels in the book and after passing level 1 the strength training routine takes 15 minutes just a couple of days a week.  So you are wondering, I thought it was a 90 second fitness solution?  Well the secret to his workout is holding exercises for 90 seconds; the two most important are the wall sit (squat position with back flat on wall) and the plank position (full push-up position with abs held tight).  The illustrations for the exercises are excellent and easy to follow.  In addition, the testimonials throughout the book will motivate you and encourage you to keep following the routine.

I believe the most important part of the book is that you can do this fitness routine AT HOME and only a couple of days a week.  You do not need a gym membership, a babysitter, or tons of time.   As a working mom, I am able to do this strength program for 15 minutes with my son watching me and even being a participant.  Have you ever tried to do a wall sit with your child in your lap?  How about a plank with your legs wide and your son sitting on your back?  Trust me, the strength moves burn and you get an intensive workout that makes a difference.   As someone who struggles to get a strength workout in, this 15 minute workout is making a huge difference in my life.  I do still run in the mornings because I enjoy it and of course I teach pilates three days a week, but my body is becoming firmer and I can actually see a difference in how my clothes fit.

The other part of the book focuses on the diet, the author talks about the importance of eating real food.  I have talked about eating the foods on the outside of the store; including fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits.  The author gives great evidence why this system works and includes some great recipes to help you make tasty meals.  The only part of the book I haven’t tried and I am still not sure about is the author’s fasting techniques to lose weight quickly.  I believe the “real food” diet is an important component of healthy living and weight control and the author gives you the evidence and results to support this assertion.

Overall, combining this 15 minute workout a couple of days a week with a change in eating can really make a difference in your body, health, metabolism, and well being.  If you are someone who needs a fast way to increase your fitness level or add in a strength routine this book is for you.  If you are someone who feels they do not have enough time in the day, can you find 15 minutes to make the strength training gains?  Check this book out, I have seen a definite difference in myself in just 3 short weeks of doing the prescribed workout.  Excellent book and excellent idea for all of you “Active Mommies!”

This past weekend we went down to Tucson, Arizona for some much needed rest and relaxation.  The weather in Arizona is pretty cool right now and is perfect for hiking and being outdoors (with a light jacket on).  So we decided to get in one of the most convenient forms of exercise out there; we went hiking.  My mother lives near the base of the Catalina Mountains and near the state park, so we loaded up our little boy, our dog, and grandma and set out for the trails. 

Hiking with a two year old is always extremely entertaining.  We used to take our son in a backpack and go hiking quite a bit.  It was a lot of fun until he got old enough that he would get bored in the backpack.  Our son is a mover and now he wants to be out on the trail with us.  So, we headed out for the flat trails to let him explore.  Three things were prominent entertainment on this hike.  First, my son was fascinated by poop, “scat,” on the trail.  Grandma had recently bought him a nature book called Who Pooped in the Desert, so finding javelina poop on the trail was an extremely big deal.  In addition, there was horse poop, dog poop, and some unidentified scat on the trail, he loved it.  Second, my son is going to be a tree climber.  We found an old tree and he actually asked to go in it.  He sat in that tree and even got Daddy to climb up in it.  He played in that tree for at least a good 15 minutes, a long time for a 2 and a half year old!  Lastly, my son is obsessed with water and does not care about temperature.  The Canada del Oro wash had snow run-off in it.  My son watched that small stream flow, bent down and put his hands in it, and generally was fascinated by the water.  He then proceeded to walk right in and soak his calves and feet in this freezing water.  He splashed around for a good 10 minutes and the temperature did not phase him at all, he had a great time and even got the dog to play with him in the stream.  Needless to say, that was the end of our hike as we headed back to the car to change his clothes and get him warm.

Amazon.com

It was a wonderful morning.  I highly suggest getting out for a nature walk with your child, or even on your own.  Being out in the desert, on the lake, in the woods, or even in the snow can be refreshing and relaxing.  In turn, you also get a great workout for free and you can see all the beautiful scenery.  Taking a young child and letting him explore his surroundings is great fun, even if he just wants to look at Who Pooped in the Desert!

Haley Scott DeMaria

This month I am beginning a new feature, the Amazing Active Mommy of the Month.  I am starting with one of the most inspirational women I know, Haley Scott DeMaria.  I had the pleasure of meeting Haley last fall when she came to speak to my swimming team in Phoenix.  Haley was on her book tour for her new book, What Though the Odds – Haley Scotts’ Journey of Faith and Triumph.  (http://www.haleybook.com)

In 1992, Haley Scott DeMaria was a freshman and a member of the Notre Dame women’s swim team when the bus carrying the team home from a meet overturned in a snow storm. The fatal accident left Haley paralyzed from the waist down. After two emergency surgeries, Haley was told she would never walk again. That was not acceptable to this swimmer. Days later, drawing on the strength and training she learned as a swimmer, Haley began to wiggle her toes, and then slowly unlock her body. Over the next several months, Haley endured hours of exhausting physical therapy, painful setbacks, and three additional life-threatening surgeries. Throughout her physical and emotional trials, her family, her teammates, Notre Dame and the swimming community were invaluable assets to her healing. In October 1993, Haley returned to Notre Dame’s swim team, competing again for the Fighting Irish and winning the first heat of her comeback race.

Haley Scott DeMaria graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelors degree in History, and returned to Xavier College Preparatory, her high school alma mater in Phoenix, Arizona, to teach and coach swimming. She has received several national awards as a result of her inspiring recovery; including the inaugural Gene Autry Courage in Sport Award (1994), Women of Distinction (1994) National Institute for Sport Fellow (1995), and the Honda Award for Inspiration (1995). In June 2008, Haley published What Though the Odds – Haley Scott’s Journey of Faith and Triumph, to chronicle her journey of swimming back from paralysis.

How do you handle the stress of a book tour while raising your children?

I have a great husband who is supportive of my work and mission. But he travels for his job as well – so I have great friends who help us out and watch the kids when we are both gone. I used to worry that they would miss me, but I am learning that it has made them (two boys, ages 5 and 7) more independent and has also shown them that their parents are serving others, which I think is a great life lesson for them to witness.

How do you live a fit life?

I make it a top priority. Again, I think it is essential for my children to see that being healthy is a priority. Working out keeps both my body and my mind in shape. I need exercise as much physically as I do emotionally. With that said, time is often not on my side! I have a core set of exercises that I do at least 5 days a week – that I can do anywhere: sit-ups (three sets of 20), push ups (three sets of 12-15 reps), lunges (three sets of 40 – 20 on each leg). Just doing that each day will change your core and muscle tone – and it doesn’t take long, nor require equipment, just a commitment.

What is your favorite form of exercise and why?

I have two: swimming and walking. I love to swim because it is second nature to me. But I also love the companionship of walking. Some of my closest friends have been women I have walked with. I also love being outside – even in 20 degree snowy weather, as long as it is not raining.

How do you motivate yourself?

I know I am a happier person, a better mom and a nicer wife on the days I get a workout in. I also enjoy my days off (at least one a week). And I can enjoy those “off” workout days without feeling guilty, since I know it is best to give myself and my body a break.

How do you encourage your children to be active? What activities do you do as a family to stay fit?

This is a tough one, because being an active family is not always the easy way to go. Thankfully, my boys love sports – and we do a lot together outside: playing football, baseball, taking nature walks. When I found my 5 year old on our elliptical machine I thought, “Okay, maybe I have gone too far!” I just want them to enjoy healthy activities. And the only way they are going to enjoy them, is for us to do them together and for them to see it as a family priority. That is very important to me.

What advice do you have for other busy moms on staying fit and active?

Make and take time for yourself. That is easier said than done; I am not always good at this! Most of my free time comes late at night, which isn’t always the best time – since I need more sleep than I usually get. The bottom line is it just needs to be a priority. Our emotional and physical health is essential to all that we do – and all that we are as mothers.  I also think good nutrition is essential. There are so many fast foods – both in and out of the house – that can create such poor life long habits. All children will eat good, healthy and fresh food – you just have to give it to them.

Thanks to Haley for giving such a great interview and inspiring all of us!  You can learn more about Haley’s book at: http://www.haleybook.com

by biggestloserchic

I love the show The Biggest Loser, it is the reality show that I follow religiously.  Of course, part of it is the whole reality sensationalism of it, but honestly I enjoy watching people change their lives for the better.  It is fun to watch them work hard and see the results of their dedication in the gym.  They have amazing trainers on the show who help the contestants reach new heights in their weight loss goals.   The final show and the transformations of the contestants is simply amazing!

Most “Active Mommies” do not need to lose massive amounts of weight.  Most of us have 10-20 pounds that we want to shed in the hopes of regaining that pre-baby body of old.   It is very hard to manage all parts of our lives including a commitment to healthy eating and possibly dieting.  One of the positive aspects of The Biggest Loseris that they teach the participants to eat healthy.  It is extremely hard to diet while raising a child and so a commitment to eating right should be a goal of each Mommy.  Dieting is usually a severe lifestyle change, instead knowing what to eat is important.

I found a great book that is not a diet book!  This book simply helps you to reduce calories by picking the right food choices and still enjoying many of your favorite restaurants and meals.  Ironically, some of the foods that we think are most healthy, or we choose over others, actually have more calories.  For example, did you know that a bran muffin typically has more calories than an egg-mcmuffin?  It also tells you how to reduce calories simply while still enjoying your favorite foods.  Did you know that getting a bowl at Chipotle instead of the burrito saves you 100’s of calories? 

So of course I am very excited about this book.  I am not a big fan of dieting and I think it really allows people to have a lot more knowledge about the foods they ingest.  Like I said, it is not a diet book!  It is written by the editor of Men’s Health Magazine, David Zinczenko, and has a great title; Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds–or More!. It also discusses how to shop at the grocery store, how to eat at the holidays, and foods you absolutely need and absolutely don’t.  It is an educational tool to help each “active mommy” cut calories by eating the right foods and still enjoying their favorites.  It is an easy way to reduce calories and help us cut those last little “baby fat” pounds.

I have always loved food and enjoyed eating, but it has always been a struggle to eat right.  Many times I fall into the trap of eating a lot of that “fat free” food or healthy snack.  Of course, I soon find out that the “fat free” food was full of lots of calories or that healthy snack contained tons of sugar.  Added to the stress of eating right, we all want to set a great example for our children.  My son loves the usual kid foods of mac and cheese, spaghetti, and pizza and I usually end up eating it right along with him.  Luckily, I was given the book Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Foodby Jessica Seinfeld a year ago.  Now don’t think I have been perfect, committing to this book would take tons of work, but I have found certain recipes that our family loves that have added healthy vegetables and meals to our repertoire.  Our family loves the pita pizzas and “buttered” noodles (with squash) and we have added butternut squash to our own quesadilla recipe and tried many of the dessert recipes.  It is a fun book and makes meals healthier and more interesting.  It does take a little work, but if you have a little extra time to make a meal you will find some great ideas.   In addition, she give you hints to prepare ahead of time so dinner preparation is easier.  Many of my mommy friends have enjoyed this book and use it extensively, it definitely comes Mom tested and approved!