Okay, we all know how Mama feels about running…it’s Mama’s least favorite form of exercise. However, Mama has come to the realization that this baby belly isn’t going ANYWHERE without a little running being done. So Mama has taken the bull by the horns and last week ran. Yes, ran. It was only for a short time (15 minutes…perhaps?!) but the whole time Mama was thinking…“why do people torture themselves like this?”

So now Mama is committed to make it back to the treadmill another three times this week to run like there’s a Sprinkles cupcake waiting at the finish line (better be more than just one actually!)….just like they always said, “no pain, no gain.” Then just as Mama was finishing up a week of workouts sore and tired, Mama was sent a “before and after” photo of a friend that just underwent a 12-week program to transform her body and it was AH-MAZING. Mama immediately called her…GIVE ME THAT NUMBER!!

The catch? She eats a boring diet, works out for 90 minutes a day and drinks one of her meals instead of eats it…ugh. Can Mama be that disciplined to do that…? Mama isn’t quite ready to go that for so for now it’s increasing the cardio, going to Mama’s favorite barre class and eating more quinoa and less desserts. Not to mention that you have to drink enough water to float a boat…which means you go to the bathroom every 20 minutes…

Mama’s point is this: what works for one person’s body, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Take health and fitness advice, apply it and modify it to meet your own personal goals and needs.

There are so many fun ways to add cardio to your daily life, such as vacuuming, mopping, chasing your stubborn toddler up and down the hall and stairs to brush their teeth…wait…that’s not fun??? Such is a Mama’s daily life that we get so busy taking care of others and the needs about the house that we forget to take care of ourselves. Take 30 to 60 minutes at least three days a week to think about YOU because if you’re not around in a few years because you’ve been slacking on your own health and fitness, it’s your own family that will suffer. Here’s a few suggestions that will make it easy for you to make the time you need to focus on YOU this summer:

• Go for a walk with the baby in the stroller or make it a game, such as a nature hunt, with your toddler or preschooler. They’ll love the fresh air and you both will reap the benefits of a nice walk.
• Have you been wanting to try a new fitness class? Grab your best girlfriend and try kickboxing, Zumba, spinning, a barre class (if you’re local…Mama LOVES her Studio Barre) or perhaps a pole dancing class (it’s FUN and it’s a great workout). You’ll have to go because she’s meeting you there and who knows…you could pick up some great “50 Shades” tips for the boudier!
• Mark it in your calendar. Many places offer not only childcare during classes now (up to 2 hours FREE at some places) making it super easy and enticing but they also give you the opportunity to make online reservations. Make working out like a meeting — mark it in the calendar and you’re more likely to stick to your schedule.
• Reward yourself. Mama is all about rewards. Have you been eyeing that new jacket at Lululemon? How about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…anything catch your eye?? Well, make a deal with yourself. If you stick to your workout schedule for at least two weeks then reward yourself with something special. It doesn’t have to be big but just like kids, we like to be rewarded for a job well done!

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