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too. I drop them off on my way to teach (45 minutes away). I teach until 3:00, pick up my kids, and then it's off to one of their activities. We have karate and soccer on Tuesdays, soccer on Wednesdays, I coach softball on Thursdays, we have gymnastics on Fridays, and soccer again on Saturdays. Where could I ever find time? It's easier than you think. The answer is simple-I scheduled the time for me.

Now, I work out most days of the week. Every Sunday my husband and I sit down and make our plan for the week. We actually write our plans on a big calendar that we hang on our wall. Do we always keep our plans? Of course not, but we generally lift weights 3-4 times per week, and we try to fit in some sort of cardio activity at least 4 days per week. To make our weight lifting sessions shorter we focus on specific areas of the body. One day is called "push". We focus on our triceps and our chest. Another day is called "pull". We work on our biceps and our back. The final day in our strength training is called "legs". We do about 6 leg exercises on that day. Each strength training day involves 3-4 core activities as well.

Since I am training for triathlons, our cardio days involve running, swimming, or biking. The variety in activities keeps things fresh and fun. Also, you can do any of these activities indoors (of course they are much more exciting outside). So that we would have something to do with the kids, we joined a local gym that has a great childcare center. The kids look forward to going to the gym as much as we do! They get to be active there as well-climbing the rock wall, playing basketball, or just hanging out with their friends. Even with our busy schedule we manage to fit in a short workout almost each day.

One other secret that we have is that we take the kids with us on our runs! My girls can't possibly run 3 or 4 miles, but they can ride their bikes that far! We strap on their helmets, put the baby in the jogging stroller, leash up our dog, and off we go. We wonder what people must be thinking when they see our little circus treking down the road, but regardless, we feel good knowing that we are being as healthy as possible while teaching our kids how to live healthy lives as well.

The point of this article is to let you other moms out there see that you can do it! I started with baby steps, and then moved on from there. Exercise has become an integral part of my life; it has become something that I schedule into my day just like all of my other obligations, and I feel so much better for it. One thing I always tell myself when I find myself sinking further into the couch is that I've never gone out to exercise and regretted it. I always feel better when I am finished. That usually gives me the motivation to get out the door.

Best of luck in your quest for health and fitness!

Learn more about this author, Cristy Friedrich.
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