There’s nothing like going on a nice bike ride to the beach. Although, it’s quite a different experience when you have young kids in tow — that don’t peddle! Mama saw a whole family cruising to the beach the other day and Lily-girl could not stop talking about our next bike ride. Of course our rides consist of around the block to the park because training wheels only get you so far.

Then Mama saw this machine…what a beauty! The little girl was riding in back and Mama was in the front. It’s a Schwinn Tango Tandem Bike, $650 (not cheap!).


However, how is Baby Boy going to go with us? And since Lily-girl is still on training wheels, can she really pedal this puppy? Not a chance! Mama did find some good alternatives however and the cutest bike helmets around.


Seat with a view — Mama is loves the WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat because it attaches to the front of your bike rather than the back. This way you can see your child and make sure they aren’t falling out or unbuckling their straps. They will also love looking out rather than looking at your back. Baby Boy gives it two thumbs up! Available at amazon.com, $70.


Hitchhiker — this is much more up Lily-girl’s alley for bike-riding — a Hitch Hiker Trailer that fits on the back of Mama’s bike. The parent controls the steering, pedaling and braking make it easy for young ones to come along for the ride. Great for interim bike riding between riding on their own and training wheels. Available at amazon.com, $139.99.


Trailer tail – if you have more than two kids to take along that aren’t able to ride along side you, try a bike trailer built for one or two. It attaches to the back of the bike for a smooth, easy ride. Available at amazon.com, $75 for the double-wide!


Even if your little one is in a trailer, always suit them up in a helmet for safety! Mama adores the Nutcase Little Nutty Bike Helmets — the designs are so fun and the kids will love wearing them. Available at REI.com, $45.

Mama’s workouts lately have consisted of a random Pilates class when I can get Baby Boy into the kid’s club at the gym and lifting him up and down the stairs and in and out of the car. Believe me — it is a workout — he weighs 23 lbs.!! If Mama is super motivated, you can find me doing Just Dance on the Wii with Lily-girl — definitely gets you sweating (counts as cardio, right?).


Looking at that list, Mama now sees how pathetic it is. Stepping up my game, Mama has found new ways to workout that are just so fun. One thing to remember — when you workout, it’s not supposed to be glamourous. That’s the difference between glistening and sweating — if you’re glistening, you’re not working hard enough.


Slide to slide — while some fitness equipment is gimmicky, these Valslides are amazing. They actually really work too! Mama loved that you can use them on any surface — tile, carpet, hardwood — and it makes you have an unstable training surface to perform slideboard exercises. The Valslides help target the core and you feel it after the first time you use them. Worth every penny and if you don’t believe Mama — even Jennifer Garner uses them! Available at Amazon.com, $38.95.


Elliptical Stroller — Mama has seen it all…turn your stroller into an Elliptical Trainer. Love Handles attach to nearly every stroller to turn the stroller into an overall fitness machine. They come fully assembled and are super easy to use. You may look a little funny walking down the street but…they give you an amazing workout. Imagine the jealously you’ll get at Stroller Strides when you roll up with these attached to your BOB. Definitely a must-have for Mamas with strollers. Available at LoveHandlesInc.com, $99.99.

For new Mamas — you’ll love the Mama and Me workout from chicks-n-chickens. It’s a series fun, easy to learn movements that include dancing, swaying, stretching and relaxing that are done while holding your baby or while they are in a baby carrier. It’s so cute and a great way to bond with baby and get a workout in! Available at chicks-n-chickens.com, $29.95.


P90X — just try it, Mama dares you! The best workout ever to whip you into shape for bikini season. Available at Amazon.com, $69.85.


Now get your sweat on!

Nothing gives Mama the motivation to workout more than sporting a new wardrobe! Mama ends up wearing workout wear for more than half the day before it actually makes it to the gym. Since I’m wearing it for pick-up and drop-off at school and to do errands, it has to look presentable but also be comfortable! Here’s Mama’s top picks for workout wear that can either make it to the gym or just be worn about town! Namaste…

• Start at the top — Mama is a big fan of supporting the ta-tas! The goal is to keep them from grazing the belly button but not skimming the top of your chin either. Lululemon Athletica makes the most supportive tops for large-chested women, Mama is a huge fan as you can’t go wrong with any of the styles. While it’s a bit pricey, you save money by not having to also buy a sports bra with extra support. Mama’s style pick – Athletic Deep V Tank III. Available at lululemon.com, $54.
• Bottoms up — nothing like a good pant that’s at a bargain price to get Mama excited. Try Old Navy’s Fold-over Yoga Capri for a great fit and at a great price! Available at OldNavy.com, $16.50.
• Wrap it up — nothing is cuter than this wrap which reminds Mama of a ballerina! Made of Organic Luxe Supima Cotton, it will keep you warm in and out of the gym. Available at wepilates.com, $48.
• Scarf time– another great find from we pilates, the Tory Burnout Scarf just adds enough to complete the outfit without overdoing it. Who actually wears jewelry to the gym anyways?! Available at wepilates.com, $24.
• Under it all – okay, sometimes a sports bra is required! Mama loves the support that KALYX offers. Try the Centered Sports Bra for support and comfort (great for new mamas too!). Available at Kalyx.com, $40.