Stay Home. Work Out. Look Great.

First the bad news…

Busy Moms I’m going to give it to you straight about getting in shape and staying in shape.  You have the biggest challenge of trying to workout out at home when you have kids of any age.  You are going to need to push yourself more than other people because of the constant interruptions from kids, husband, and other family.  And you are going to want to give up often because people just don’t understand why you are changing!   I am only telling you this, because I know first hand and I know what I had to do to get myself ready to succeed and keep going no matter what. 

And now the good news… there is a step-by-step process you can follow to start your home workout program.

If you have a baby under 1 years – you can try to do your workouts when he/she naps.  You might also want to wait until she’s asleep at night.  Or…you can have a babysitter come in a few times per week so you can go out the gym and get a pedicure.  I highly recommend this because it’s good for your sanity as well.

I even have one pilates client who comes to her private sessions with her baby.  Since the baby is only 4 months old, not too mobile, she sits right beside her mommy during the workout.  I even offer rocking and pacifier services when necessary.

For moms with toddlers, do what I do – workout when they are awake, right in the livingroom with them!  Put on some music and workout! My little girl loves dancing around and playing when I’m working out.  Keep your eyes open though because at any moment you could have a little one crawling underneath you or trying to crawl on top of you!

For busy moms with kids who go to school – try to workout the second they leave the house.  If you have to head to work yourself – then you’ll need to use your lunch break to get some exercise in.

Here’s what I did when I finally made the decision to get in shape for real — baby or no baby – you have to make a decision in order to call yourself to action.

1. Go Online – Find a mommy site that shares tips on everything from parenting to fitness.  Get in on the fitness and workout chatter.  See how other moms are doing it.

2.  Start a Journal – Not just a food journal, but a journal to workout your brain and get you ready for home workout success.  In this journal, do only 3 things –
Talk about What you Want to Achieve, Talk about what you are grateful for and then sure, write down your food and activity for the day.

3.  Read Inspiring books and watching inspiring movies.  I sometimes just flip through my old Shape magazines and ready workout fitness testimonials. 

4.  Get your Kitchen in order and try to get rid of all the foods/snacks/drinks that aren’t healthy.  Go Shopping and buy only healthy food. 

5.  Start By At Least Walking Every Single Day. After a Week add in some Lunges, squats, push ups and basic crunches.  If you aren’t sure what these are, look them up – there are many exercise videos available on youtube.

6. So you’ve got all the pieces kind of pulling together.  You are doing it, doing an at home workout in whatever moments during the day you have to yourself. 

What’s next?

If you want a few ideas for one stop shops – providing you support, motivation, meal plans, home exercise routines, check out one of these complete home workout programs:

1. Valerie Waters – Start off with her Red Carpet Ready program if you haven’t worked out in awhile.  I lost a total of 10 inches and have kept it off (even lost more as I’ve continued to do her other programs!)  Make sure you join and stay in the Red Carpet Ready club for maximum benefits.  The women in this group are moms, in college, professionals, housewives from all areas of the globe.  Doesn’t matter what part of the day you are on–someone will be there to give you support if you are having a moment of weakness.

2. FYM Club – The Fit Yummy Mummy Club.  I’ve been following this site for awhile now and love mom Holly Rigsby’s approach to exercise and fitness.  She caters specifically to moms – with kids of all ages really.  Her FYM club is similar to the Red Carpet Ready club in that it’s a group of people doing her program, sharing stories, results, daily challenges and making connections with other moms.

3.Marci Lall’s The Rebound Workout:  I have been on Marci’s mailing list for awhile now.  He provides amazing consistent support to all his subscribers.  New workouts, motivators, and reasons why you may or may not be succeeding.  He’s there.  His Rebound workout focuses on short, effective fat burning programs – which combine diet and exercise in the home workout.  Check out the Rebound Workout. 

Now that you have ways to get started, don’t hesitate.  Right now, stand up from the computer and start moving.  Your kids will thank you for being an active, in shape mommy who can always keep up with them when they need it most.