photo by funsportchallenge

I recently was on the road for a three day span and was out of my usual training element.  They were three busy days and it was also raining at my destination.  Finding time to fit some fitness in and also connect with my little boy at home was a challenge.  I actually found that doing workouts from the book 90 Second Fitness Solution really made a difference for me.  It was cold and rainy and a run or outside fitness was out of the question, so I made sure I committed to my usual wall squat and plank to maintain my strength and get my heart rate up.  While the workout is quick and simple (15 minutes) I felt much better getting some strength work in.  I know that I wrote about the book in a prior post (90 seconds to a healthier, fitter, active mommy), but I have really seen a difference in my muscle tone over the past couple of weeks.  I have been regularly adding his short, but intense, 15 minute workouts into my weekly schedule and I have been impressed with the success I have been seeing.

So this brings me back to my “on the road” workouts.  I actually did wall sits while talking to my husband and son.  I have to stay in touch and with my busy schedule it was a great multi-task exercise.  It made me feel better and it actually made me forget much of the burn involved in the wall-sit.  As busy moms, it is always important to prioritize our busy lives.  Make sure you make time for your own well-being and fitness, even if you have to multi-task!

So we are lucky enough in our little neighborhood to have neighbors with kids around the same age.  In the last couple of months we have established a roving dinner at our houses.  There are three families in our little group and each week a different family hosts everyone for dinner.  The boys get to play and the parents get some grown up conversation.  It truly has been a lot of fun.  Of course there are only three families so on the fourth Wednesday of the month we go to Chipotle and enjoy an evening out! 

When we were in college we always loved free food.  The nice thing about our meals is all the “mommies” try to make well balanced home cooked meals for the parents and children.  While the one night a month may be challenging because you have to make a dinner for nine, it is always nice to know when it isn’t “your week” that you are going to have a healthy meal that you don’t have to make.

Our weekly gatherings have become a focal point of our week and allowed us busy “active mommies” socialization and kid friendly locations.  Just as having a workout partner is important for fitness, it is also important to have other mom’s to connect with and share ideas and good food.  It also lets the “working Daddies” talk shop, sports, and repairs (at least that seems to be the common theme with our husbands).  I highly suggest finding a group of families and enjoying some good food and company, start your own roving dinner and family fun!

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!”

photo by Title Nine

So early last week I received an email announcement about a blow out sale for the Title Nine catalog in the Phoenix area.  I was very excited, I love the Title Nine catalog and usually drool over their merchandise.  Unfortunately this “not so wealthy” active mommy can’t always purchase these awesome active mommy clothes.  The promise of 60% off on their clearance merchandise led me to make the 45 minute trek immediately after work on the first day of the sale (hey I wanted to get the best selection!)

So, I picked up my son from his school and proceeded to fight the traffic to arrive at the amazing sale.  First mistake, making the trek to the location with my son eagerly in tow and no drinks, snacks, or diapers.  On the way, he became extremely excited to go to the Title Nine shop.  We arrived to an old Linen’s and Things store with boxes and boxes of clothes, swimsuits, shoes, sports bras, and accessories.  I was in heaven and so was my son.  It was a great wide open space with amble areas to hide, climb, and generally play around the store and mommy saw lots of outfits she had seen in the catalogs at much cheaper prices.  Needless to say, it was hard for mommy to dig through the bins to find those amazing deals, but I persevered!  Don’t get me wrong, I still found some great things, but I ended up chasing my son around most of the time.  I got some great workout clothes and even left with a new pair of shoes. 

Well, I ran around following my son while looking in the occasional bin and adding to my garbage bag full of clothes.  Honestly, they actually handed out garbage bags at the beginning of the store!  We eventually made our way to the makeshift dressing room, which was actually a sheet separating the back of the store from the rest.  It was a large area with lots of other women changing.  My son entertained the room with his random comments, including “mommy that doesn’t fit you,” “why are you trying that on mommy?.” and my favorite “mommy can I try that on?”   Unfortunately, we ended our time at the store with “mommy I have to go poopy,” we ended in the big boy bathroom with no extra diapers!  We survived and overall it was an exhausting shopping trip, but it tired my son out and I got some great deals.  Shopping with your child sans stroller, treats, sippy cup, etc is truly an adventure.  We improvised throughout the trip, having a granola bar from mommy’s purse and using the drinking fountain repeatadly during the hour.  The next day my son asked to return to the Title Nine shop, my husband nixed that idea, but I did make it back on Saturday for a quick trip to buy a new swim suit (just couldn’t do that with my son there).   Thanks Title Nine  for the entertainment and if you are looking for some great gear check them out!

This month our Amazing Active Mommy of the month is Christie Bruner, she is one of my former swimmers who is dedicated to fitness and being a great mom.  Christie was an All-American swimmer at Truman State and now owns her own Strollerfit franchise in Florida.  Christie has some great ideas for active mommies and will also write an article for our blog this week about heart health. 

My name is Christie Bruner and I live in St Petersburg, FL.  I have lived here for six years with my husband, Dusty.  We were both college athletes and have always lived pretty active lives.  I received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  When we were blessed with our first baby three and a half years ago our lives just got turned upside down!!  Luckily I found a wonderful program called StrollerFit while I was still pregnant and started training to be an instructor as soon as my daughter was born.  StrollerFit is a great workout for new moms incorporating cardio & strength training all while providing a fun, developmental experience for the kids.  I bought the StrollerFit franchise when I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter, and I decided that this would be my stay-at-home career while my children were young.

1. How do you handle working and raising your children?

Since I own my business and work from home, it is so hard to separate “family time” from “work time”.  I have a three year old daughter and a 15 month old daughter – and I want to spend as much quality time with both of them as possible.  However, I do realize that it is because I have the opportunity to work from home and earn some extra income that I can spend my days with my kids.  I’ve been trying to really schedule my day out so that we have play time, meal time, and quiet time (mommy work time).  It’s a work in progress.

2. How do you live a fit life?

It is definitely a lot harder to live an active life after kids come along.  Before I had children, I would take advantage of the wonderful weather and environment that I live in daily.  St Petersburg, FL is full of parks, gardens, beaches and more that beckon you to roller-blade, swim, and run.  While I can’t participate in these activities at the drop of a hat anymore, I try to incorporate my family into these activities that I love so much.  Eating well is also a lot harder when you have to figure in children’s appetites.  I always have lots of fresh fruits and veggies on hand to offer as snacks (another perk of living in Florida!).  It’s almost easier for me to eat better now that I know that I have two precious girls watching my every move – I want to model a healthy lifestyle for them.

3.What is your favorite form of exercise and why?

I am so glad that my “sport of choice” was swimming when I was growing up.  I was fortunate enough to swim through college (shout out to Coach Colleen!) and on to a Masters team.  Swimming is truly a lifelong sport, and is so healthy for all people in all stages of life.  I don’t have the opportunity to swim all that much right now (our pool needs to have a daycare!), but I love it every opportunity I get.  Whether it’s been six days or six months since I last swam, I get such a total body workout each time.  Since I’ve been swimming for so long, I know how to tailor a workout to get the greatest benefits – whether I want to just get a great cardio workout (4 x 500s) or to focus on my core (25s dolphin kick on your side).

4. How do you motivate yourself?

Hard question – sometimes I don’t feel very motivated at all!  I teach five StrollerFit classes a week, and I think that really helps me get out of the house and get going.  I know that other moms are there counting on me, and I want to bring something new and exciting to them every day.  It makes me be accountable.  Again, I know that my girls are watching my every move and I don’t want them to remember mommy watching Oprah every day when they were growing up.  I want them to remember being outside, having fun and being active.  Making active play-dates also helps – instead of just meeting at a friend’s house (and inevitably watch TV), I’ll make plans to meet friends at the zoo, go for a walk or attend a dance class.

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

I’ve been involved with my business, StrollerFit, since before my first daughter was even born.  I began attending classes when she was five weeks, and started teaching when she was six months.  Since StrollerFit has always been a part of her life, and a part of my life as a mom, it has been easy to live an active lifestyle.  Both of my daughters have grown up accompanying me to class, watching moms workout and have fun.  They think of being active as an enjoyable part of life.  I am so thankful that I was able to raise them in an environment such as StrollerFit.  My girls are both busy-bodies and can’t sit still to watch a movie or do indoor activities for very long, so we are always outside playing.  We take family bike rides on the weekend, pack picnics to bring to the park, and spend afternoons playing Frisbee at the beach.  Being active has become a natural, easy part of our lives.

6. What advice do you havefor other moms on staying fit and active?

My biggest piece of advice is to find other moms in your area.  Before kids, moms usually don’t have any “mom friends”.  It is amazing how much your life changes after baby, and how your friends without kids just can’t relate.  If you can find a group of moms to bounce questions off of, get together for play-dates, and bond with – you will be a happier, healthier mom.  When you get together with other moms, you’ll be more likely to participate in fun activities that will keep everyone moving.  You’ll be able to motivate each other to stay busy and try new things.  Consistency is key for new moms as well.  If you can get on a schedule of working out – whether it’s going to the gym every day or just going for a walk after dinner with the family – once it’s part of your daily routine it’ll be easier to stick with.

Thank you Christie for all your wonderful advice and ideas, check back this week to read Christie’s article on heart health.  In addition, Strollerfit is a national chain and has franchises throughout the country.  If you are looking for other active mommies to workout with check them out: www.strollerfit.com

photo by lalaland

I often here the complaint from other women that they do not have time to workout or they feel guilty working out.  As mothers, we feel pulled in so many different directions and fitting a workout into our day is a struggle.  I have talked in the past about workout guilt and trying to spend as much quality time as possible with your child.  I have committed to early morning workouts prior to my son getting up during the work week.  But weekends always pose a challenge because of activities and family time.  This weekend, I found an easy solution for the weekend workout, take advantage of the nap!  Now on the weekends, my husband looks forward to nap time for his own nap or a little down time with the computer, I on the other hand took that time to get in a workout.  Saturday, I got a good 40 minute run in and made it home just before my son woke up from his afternoon nap.  Today, I actually got to be “mommy” to the dog and took her on a short hike up the mountain trail behind our house.  It is a steep quick trail, but it got my heart rate up and I got both the up and down benefits of hiking.   The cross-training benefit of switching up my workout is important.  I have talked about getting stuck in a rut and hiking in the mountains gives me the occasional opportunity to enjoy nature while exercising.

Finding time for yourself in our busy lives is always a challenge.  It is so important to take “mommy time” when you get a chance.  I was actually suppossed to make a mom’s day out today at the movies, unfortunately I ended up at the railroad park for a picnic and didn’t make the movie.  So schedule in some “me” time this week and refresh yourself, get a good workout in, or make that movie you have been waiting to see.  We are better moms and wives when we take care of ourselves in addition to our families.

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

photo by Richard Durnan

I went for my first long run today in about 8 months.  It had been awhile since I have felt that alive and free.  Yes, I am a little sore and tired, but the run itself was therapeutic.  I think people who aren’t runners do not understand the joy of running for long periods of time.  I was running at a moderate pace so I wasn’t overly exerting myself or feeling out of breath, I also had the ability to look around and take in the beautiful scenery and gorgeous day.   I actually found a new trail to run on and it was exhilarating exploring a new location and path.

For me, running really allows me the time to think and relax.  While I am getting in a good workout, I am able to organize my thoughts and plans for the upcoming day or week.  Many of my best ideas for coaching and writing come when I am on my run.  Maybe I should run with a tape recorder because sometimes I forget them when I am finished.  But speaking of forgetting, running also helps me to let go of the daily stress, the argument with my husband, or other things that are bothering me.  

photo by Thomas Hawk

There is a scene in the movie, What Women Want , where Helen Hunt describes the feeling of being one with the road that totally characterizes my feeling of being on a long run.  If you are a runner, next time you watch that movie think about her description of a female runner, “…She’s running. It’s early, it’s quiet. Just the sound of her feet on the asphalt. She likes to run alone. No pressure, no stress. This is the one place she can be herself. Look any way she wants, dress, think any way she wants. No game playing, no rules.”  (Darcy McGuire in What Women Want)  What a wonderful description of the power of the run.

Typically most of my short runs are done with my son in the running stroller, with my neighbor, or my sister.  Those are great runs too, but I am still partial to the long, quiet run alone in those early morning hours.  I don’t run with an IPod because I like the sounds of nature and the thud of my feet on the road.  If you can find some time to go on a long run or walk to clear your mind and get in a good workout, I highly suggest it!

Sometimes there comes a point in your life when you realize you can’t do it all.  I know as a Mom that point has come often.  As a type A personality who is always “go, go, go,” it is hard for me to step back and relax.  My husband has had to deal with this for the last 12 years.  At times, I am sure that he has wanted to just yell “enough already,” but fortunately for me he is always pretty understanding.  I have a complex about trying to be the “best I can be at everything .”  Only after having my son did I realize that I can’t do everything.  OK, so relaxing is a challenge for me, but at least I can admit it!

So that brings me to life as a Mom, wife, counselor, maid, cook, woman, etc… the list is endless! .  Over New Years, I resolved to get in the best shape possible (or at least get back to my fitness and weight prior to having my son).  In my usual manner, I went full boar on working out and scheduling my fitness life.  I started running again, which I love, and recommitted to my practice of pilates.  In addition, I started doing Yoga, even though I wasn’t  particularly fond of it and can’t do most of the poses.  I found myself committing to hour and a half classes three days a week.    Along with that commitment came 20 minute car rides back and forth from the studio, thus I had a 2 hour and 10 minute commitment to a practice I actually didn’t enjoy and I am not very good at.  So this past weekend, I realized my two week trial period was coming to an end and I had no desire to continue the practice.  Luckily, I hadn’t signed up for the additional classes (which were too expensive anyway) and I cut my loses.  I guess Yoga just isn’t for me, maybe it is to relaxing?  All of a sudden, the stress of making Yoga class was released and I felt like a much better Mom and wife.  See Yoga did serve to relax me, by not doing it!   Instead of my large time commitment, I am going to take 15 minutes to wind down and relax each evening.  If that means going for a walk with the dog, reading a book or magazine, or taking a bubble bath I plan on enjoying my 15 minutes to myself as I rejuvenate for the next day.   I have realized that you have to find what works for you and makes you happy in your fitness and personal life, I highly suggest finding an activity that you love and sticking to it.

by "M" Pearl

So there comes a time when you realize that your entire life revolves around your child.  You suddenly look at your spouse and realize you have forgotten who that man is!  Or, you can’t seem to remember what you were like prior to having a child; where did that cool woman go that enjoyed pedicures, the occasional glass of wine, and maybe even a movie or dinner out?   Your wardrobe consists of clothes that either have spit up on them, have been stained with spaghetti that flew threw the air, or hide that ever present mommy pooch!  Then it happens, your husband suggests that night out, the date night you have been waiting for.  You stress over leaving your child home alone and then you realize, he will be sleeping most of the time!  If you are lucky, you can call Grandma (that is what we did) and she will come stay at your house that evening and take care of your little sweetheart. 

We were lucky enough to be offered tickets to the traveling broadway show, The Lion King, on Saturday night.  We enjoyed a quiet dinner with adult conversation (that centered around our son) and amazing food.  We then headed to the theater to see an absolutely amazing show that I would recommend to anyone.  It was a great evening and an excellent way to recupirate from a long week and enjoy time as a couple.  I highly suggest taking a date night soon to reconnect with your spouse and rejuvenate from the stress of parenthood, work, and life.  Being a great Mom also means taking some time to yourself.  If you can’t find time for a date night, I suggest taking 15 minutes each night to turn off the TV, computer, or cell phone and relax with your spouse.  You may only rehash your work day or the funny thing your child did at dinner, but overall it will strenghten your relationship and make you better parents and spouses.