No Time to Work Out? CSP is hooking you up with a 12-pack of classes to Baby Boot Camp

By guest blogger, Chrissie Slack:

The number one excuse I hear from moms for not exercising is that they simply don’t have the time. Motivation and desire are not the problem. We all want to have more energy and feel good about the way we look. We know we should take better care of ourselves, if only we had the luxury of time.

But there is hope. With a little creativity it is still possible to be a fit and healthy mama! For busy moms, every bit counts. If you don’t have an uninterrupted hour to work out, try breaking it down into several 10 minute sessions throughout your day. The word exercise simply means to move. It doesn’t always have to require fancy equipment or going to the gym. You can move right where you are with what you’ve got. Here are some Smarty ideas to help you sneak fitness into your everyday routine.

The Stairs – Most of us have them in our home. Use them as a workout tool. Got 10 minutes? Try climbing the stairs in your house. Warm up slowly walking up and down. Stretch. Then try wide stepping and sideways stepping up the stairs. Remember to walk down the stairs carefully to ensure safety. For an extra challenge, climb the stairs for one minute and then hold plank position for 30 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes. Or do 10 push-ups after each 2 minutes of climbing the stairs. I guarantee your heart will be pumping!

Stuck in carpool line? Practice belly breathing and strengthen your transverse abs. These muscles are the key to a flat tummy and losing the mom pooch! With your seatbelt fastened around you, take a deep breath in filling up your belly with air so that it is pushing against your seatbelt. As you exhale pull your belly away from the seatbelt so that it is no longer touching. Imagine trying to pull your belly button back to touch the spine. Hold your belly in this position as you count out loud to 30 and then release. It is important to count out loud so that you are breathing. For more exercises to help you lose your “Mummy Tummy” click here.

Family Time. Don’t want to give up family time to go the gym? Enlist your kids to help you reach your fitness goals. Instead of watching a TV show after dinner bundle the kids up, hand them each a flashlight and tell them that you are going for a Moon Walk. Another idea is to create family challenges where you keep a chart of who can do the most jumping jacks, pushups, laps around the backyard, balance on one foot the longest, and so on. Set goals at the beginning of your challenge and keep track each week or month to see everyone’s improvement. Add prizes to the mix to increase motivation.

Lunch Date? Need time to catch up with a friend? Instead of meeting for lunch or lattes, meet at one of Charlotte’s many beautiful greenways and go for a walk or run instead. Meet at the mall for shopping and walk one full loop of the mall before you go into each store. You’ll be able to spend time catching up while checking exercise off your list as well. And chances are you’ll walk a lot faster with a friend than you would solo.

Fitness Playdate. And speaking of friends, if you are just desperate for some alone workout time, ask a like-minded friend to do an exercise/babysitting swap. Schedule at least an hour for a weekly play date for your kids. Divide up the time so that each mom gets one half-hour of alone time to do an exercise DVD or go for a run while the other watches the kiddos. Chances are if you are feeling the need to find time for fitness, you have plenty of other mom friends who are feeling the exact same way. I don’t know many moms who would turn down an opportunity to have a little alone time.

So, enough of the excuses, get moving!!!! You can do it.

SMARTY BABY BOOT CAMP GIVEAWAY: One lucky Smarty will win a 12-pack of classes to the super fun and hip, Baby Boot Camp. This is a $120 value for you to enjoy! How do you enter? Leave a comment below as to why you think you should win. Make sure you leave your email address so we can reach you. Bonus entries: “like” CSP on facebook and leave your comment there as well. Winner will be selected at 5pm on Sunday, February 6th. Good luck, Smarties!

Chrissie Slack has been helping moms in South Charlotte get fit since 2007. She is the local owner and lead instructor of Baby Boot Camp, the nation’s premiere prenatal and postpartum fitness program where you can get a full body workout, connect with other moms, and have fun with your baby or toddler all at the same time.