Topic Talk—#GNO Fitness Highlights

Introducing Renee one of the MomItForward's Guest Tweets! She guest posts today with a recap of the #GNO Fitness topic. She specializes in Designer Diaper Cakes From CutieBootyCakes.com. You can catch her on her blog of the same name!

Health and fitness are near and dear to me. I used to be a health fanatic and had a body to die for. At this point my body is in need of some work and based on the level of participation during GNO, I am not alone. For those of you that missed the discussion, here are a few highlights.

Motivation
Busy Moms inevitably place the needs of others before their own and have a to-do list a mile long. The first question raised last night was where does the motivation come from? Initially, I answered: it came from other women in the Modern Mom Challenge, but that is not exactly right. I get inspiration from the women and from within. I think about staying healthy and setting a positive example for my son. I think about my fat pants which became the only pants that fit (tightly) and my refusal to buy larger sizes. I think about how good I feel with the endorphin high after exercising and all of these things motivate me.

Incentive
One GNO participant @PsychMamma gives herself points for exercise and healthy eating. She is rewarding herself with an iPod for the points earned. @RedLotusMama purchased a new pair of jeans after losing weight. For each milestone that you reach, give yourself an incentive for a job well done. This will help get you off that couch! (photo by butterflywings)

Time
Moms are notorious for having packed schedules and the question was asked - how do you find the time to exercise? Everyone has twenty minutes. While your child is sleeping or right after you put your child down for the night. I use the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, a complete cardio and strength workout that is challenging and done in 20 minutes.

Exercise
Be creative! Try dancing! Belly dance, Zumba, and my personal favorite; dance hall reggae are all available on YouTube. Find a group of instructional videos on YouTube, have fun and get the exercise in. If you have cable, OnDemand usually includes Exercise TV, a great variety of exercises available at the touch of a button. Use what you have in the home - if you have stairs climb them for 20 minutes. Take a walk, put your child in the stroller and enjoy the scenery in the great outdoors. You don’t have to have a gym membership to get results. And finally, if you want really efficient workouts consider interval training. Walk for 5 minutes and run for 1, gradually increase the running time and decrease the walking, soon you will only run. In my experience you get the most bang for your buck when you control the intensity.

I encourage all of you to join the Modern Mom Challenge, I believe that having the support of a great group of women really does help when trying to meet your goals.

Tips:
Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise regime.
Drink water, at least 8 glasses a day. Many times thirst is mistaken for hunger. When you are in the mood to snack have a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. If you are still hungry, eat.