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Mom's Health: Finding Time for Fitness

Finding time for fitness is a common struggle for moms. When they do have "spare" time, there is always laundry, cleaning, dishes or meals to prepare. Rarely do they have time to focus on themselves. A Mom continually puts others before herself and is faced with daily choices of household duties or taking a break to fuel their own needs.

With a little planning and focus, moms can find time for fitness throughout the day, whether it's a chunk of time or split up into a few units of time. Here are a few tips to help get started with fitting in activity into busy schedules.

1. Exercise doesn't have to be done all at once. In fact, it can be split up into 10 minute pockets of time throughout the day. Add up each 10 minute unit to reach your total time goal for the day!
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
3. Park your car at the outer edges of parking lots (during daylight hours) for a slightly further walk to the mall or store.
4. Integrate strength & stretching into your daily routines while cooking, talking on the phone, typing on the computer, etc. A few stretches here and there help you loosen tense muscles and clear your mind.
5. Mind your posture. Sitting and standing tall reduces the stress on muscles and joints and allows deep, full breathing.
6. Make a fitness date. Instead of meeting a friend for lunch or coffee, go for a walk, bike or run.
7. Lunch hour fitness. If you are working, short walks or stretching in the fresh air at lunch can help invegorate you for the rest of the day.
8. Be active with your kids. Put on a favorite CD or video and dance around the room with your kids. They will love it and you will all burn energy!
9. Stroller walking. Use this opportunity to get some walking in and point out interesting sights or teach children types of trees or flowers along the way. Keep snacks and drinks as well as books and small toys handy to keep the kids occupied.
10. Set the alarm and get in some fitness time before the family wakes up. Wearing a diskman with your favorite music helps create an exercise environment also. It's a great way to start the day!

For more articles on mom's health, see the Sept/Oct 2004 issue of the ParentGuide.