High Maintenance Mom

Fitness is not an easy thing to maintain as a parent of small children. We all have good intentions but they seem to fall by the wayside after an exhausting day or at 5:30 in the morning when all you want to do is sleep. May is National Fitness Month and you don't have to join a gym or hire a personal trainer to maintain your personal fitness or show your children how important fitness is. There are many web sites that encourage family fitness (www.fitness.gov, http://kidshealth.org and www.mayoclinic.com) but all it really takes is some creativity.... My family has started a tradition of taking a "family walk" every evening after dinner. My 3 1/2 year old really looks forward to this time because we are all outside, walking, seeing neighbors and exploring nature. I also abandoned the stroller once both kids started walking and take long walks with them instead of walking/running with them in the stroller. I am also a big fan of the outdoor play structures. Nowadays they come in all stages and even make them for the smallest of tikes. I like Naturally Playful Kangaroo Climber and have one in my backyard. Trips to the zoo where you do lots of walking, hikes in a local park or farm, strolls on the beach, turning off the TV and chasing your toddler around the house all count as great activities. In the same mode, my daughter sometimes hands me her smoothie cup when she is done and I tell her to get up, walk to the recycle bin herself. Laziness is easy for kids to learn so I encourage my kids to do for themselves (dressing & undressing, folding laundry, bringing plates to the kitchen, cleaning up all toys after play and helping younger siblings). Gym time and personal trainers are not in my game plan now but that doesnt mean I cant stay fit and teach my kids the fun of being active. Stay active and healthy!