Fitting In Fitness

Having trouble making exercise part of your regular routine? It can feel like an added stress on top of full time work (or full time parenting), running a household and spending time with friends and family, but making time for healthy habits can give you that added boost of energy do help you do it all.

With extra energy comes lower stress levels, making the challenges of daily life much easier to handle. And who couldn't benefit from that?!

By using some of the tips below you'll find fitness fits right in:


Schedule Exercise Into Your Day

Yep, this one's first for a reason. If you don't carve time out of your schedule for your health, the rest of these tips won't do you any good.

I can tell you right now - if you're waiting until you have time during your day to exercise, it isn't ever going to happen. You have to make the time. Put you and your baby first by making exercise a priority.

You know the saying - "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Sit down right now and take a good look at your week. If you're efficient with your workout it will only take you 30 minutes (tip #2). Do you have time over your lunch break? Can you get up just a little earlier a few days a week? Can you stop at a park on the way home from work? Doesn't matter when you do it, just make it happen!


Cut Down Your Workout Time

30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week is really all it takes. Sure - 4 or 5 times a week would be even better but it doesn't ever have to mean 2 hours in the gym 6 days a week.

Sometimes that idea overwhelms people - they know they don't have that kind of time, so they don't do anything at all. In actuality, 2 hours a day 6 days a week is too much. 30 minutes will keep you and your baby healthy, won't wear you out and will leave you time for everything else you want to do. Sounds much better, doesn't it?


Exercise At Home

Does the idea of running to the gym on your way home from work send you running in the other direction? Going to a "gym" can be added time that you don't have. With a few inexpensive pieces of equipment, you can be well on your way to a variety of fun and productive exercises.

Every program in our Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide can be done in the comfort of your own home, in 30 minutes or less. Pick up your copy today at www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com/thebook.asp


Walk

Sound too simple? I would challenge any of you that say you don't have time for a 20-30 minute walk most days. Besides the mood elevating benefits of being outside (especially if the sun is shining), squeezing in a brisk walk before or after work, on your lunch break or even after dinner (which is MUCH better than sitting down in front of the TV for the night!) is all it takes to add some exercise to your day.


Exercise With Your Kids

Are you a stay at home mom? I know how busy your days can be! Why not work fitness in for the whole family? If they're old enough, walking, bike riding, roller skating or any number of fun activities can be your chance to get your heart rate up a little bit. If they're still too little, push them in a stroller or add a baby seat to your bike. You'll also be teaching them about the importance of staying active at the same time - perfect!


Make a Date With Friend

Nothing helps with consistency like accountability! Ask a friend or your spouse to help you commit to exercise each week (and you'll be helping them to get in shape too!). It is much harder to allow yourself to skip out on exercise if you have to answer to someone else.


Find Things You Enjoy

I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of activities that can be used as exercise. It doesn't have to be running or working with dumbbells.

Let me brainstorm for a few seconds here: yoga, tai chi, dancing (ballet, hip hop, belly, ballroom, etc.), swimming, rowing, golf, tennis... I could go on. I am sure there are even activities out there that I'm not even aware of. If it gets your heart rate up, uses some muscles, and makes you sweat a little bit, it probably counts.

Just be sure it isn't going to be a dangerous activity while you're pregnant. For example, things like kick boxing, soccer, horseback riding and rollerblading should be put on hold for the next few months.


For step by step instruction on exactly which exercises are right for you during pregnancy, as well as crucial nutrition information, visit www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com/thebook.asp today for your copy of The Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide.