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I am very happy that Santa brought me a brand new gym membership!  Although I am lucky  enough to have several pieces of fitness equipment at home,  I really missed the group fitness classes and the ‘push’ I get from working out with other people.

So I have been going to spinning classes for the past two weeks and I am surprised that some instructors are not even covering what I consider ‘instructor basics’.

Such as:

1.  Introducing her/himself.  At least tell us your name, okay? This way if I love your class, I can find you on the schedule again.

2.  Have some ENERGY!  I went to a 5:30am class and I think the instructor was asleep.  At this time of the morning, you need to get people excited about working out!  This involves more than just a grunt or two every 5 minutes.

3.  Walk around the room and make sure people are set up properly.  One woman was sitting so far up on her bike in one class she could barely reach the pedals.  She will probably never want to come back because her nether regions are going to be VERY sore tomorrow!

4.  Do not have us do crazy moves! We might be inside, but we are still riding a bike.   I don’t put my hands behind my back while riding outside, why on earth should I do this in your class?

5.  Learn some names and use them during class.  I have found that people like to hear their name during class.  They want to know that you are paying attention to them and want to feel involved.   Is this just me?  I used to write down names after class so I would not forget them.

As a participant, here are some reminders for you:

1.  Bring water.  You will need this because you will not be able to just hop off and run to the water fountain during class.

2.  Challenge yourself.  I always say to my classes “This is YOUR ride”.  You are in control of that resistance knob and if the class seems to easy to you, then crank it up!  At the same time, if you cannot keep up with the class, just turn down that knob and take a break.  Trust me, no one is paying attention, they are too busy focusing on themselves!

3.  Expect to be sore, especially in sensitive areas.  This is perfectly normal  (unless you are the person above in #3) and it will go away after a class or two.

4.  The cycling shoes do make a difference.  They have hard soles and do not “give” like your regular tennis shoes do. If you plan on going to class regularly, you should definitely invest in a pair.

5.  My final piece of advice is to attend at least 3 classes before making your final decision about spinning.  Every instructor has a different style and different music, so find one that motivates YOU!

Remember, never underestimate the power of a workout! 
Have you been active today?

photo credit: Dalboz17

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

Our mommy this week is Roni, who blogs over at Roni’s Weigh, GreenLiteBites, and Blog2Lose. I met her in person and not only does she have amazing energy and enthusiasm, but her positive attitude is contagious.

Her story is fantastic, she tipped the scales at more than 200 pounds several years ago and admits to trying every weight loss fad out there. Her turnaround came after the birth of her son; she didn’t just want to be a skinny mom, she wanted to be a healthy mom.

Roni managed to lose over 70 pounds and despite a very busy blogging schedule, she schedules in time for fitness. She focuses on healthy eating and creates all sorts of fun creations over at GreenLiteBites with her toddler by her side. (this just amazes me! I can’t do anything with my kids at my feet!)

Please read on for more about Roni and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

HA! I was the opposite of fit. I was lazy. There’s no two ways about it. I’d drive to my college campus, get a $5 parking ticket and I only lived 1/2 mile away! Now, THAT’S lazy. But in all seriousness, I was a pretty active child and then once I entered my preteen years I started to get body conscious. Then I got lazier and lazier. Not liking myself, not liking my body, it was a vicious cycle that had me yo you dieting for 15 years.

It wasn’t until I had my son that I saw the light, so to speak. It wasn’t about my body shape, it wasn’t about trying to look like some airbrushed model in a magazine. It was about being a healthy example for my son. Having him, truly changed my entire perspective. He gave me confidence and I realized life was so much bigger then how I looked in a swimsuit.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

This is a tough one, being a working mom, I understand time constraints. First, I have to say you make time for the things that are important to you. Just because your a mom doesn’t mean your well being isn’t important anymore.

The first 2 years of my son’s life I didn’t go to a gym to workout. I didn’t even like working out! But we took family walks, when hiking on local trails, when to the park, danced around like crazy people in our hose. I “wore” my son everywhere, I wanted for extra calorie burn! ;~) Exercise is what you make of it. Involve your kids if you don’t have the luxury of going to the gym. Once I wrote a post called Gym Shmym, Who Needs ‘Em? where I talked about dancing around like nuts to James Brown and the Wiggles. If that’s not exercise, I don’t know WHAT is!

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

This year I started running. I’m LOVING it! But my heart is really into the strength training. I started just over a year ago and I feel so confident and strong now. There is just something about knowing I can lift a little bit more then last time. It’s empowering and your progress is very easy to track and see.

Q: You recently started working with a personal trainer. How has that changed your workouts?

Oh my, I’m SO glad you asked this question. They have changed significantly. Here’s a little workout history so my progression makes sense….

1.) I NEVER worked out, hated it.
2.) I started getting more active doing daily things like these
3.) I sign up for my local Y, started doing 20 min on cardio machines (TORTURE - hated it at first)
4.) Started using Nautilus Machines at gym and tracking my progress and taking Step Classes.
5.) A friend asked if I’d be interested in running. ME? NOOO I said, “No, I’m not a runner.”
6.) I TRIED running. Found out I could actually do it, started training for a 5K
7.) Signed up with a trainer to learn free weights, the Nautilus machines were getting BORING.
8.) Continued to run, and lift weights. getting stronger and more fit.
9.) Starting taking bootcamp classes. LOVED the variety!
10.) Signup with a personal trainer, 2 days a week.

That all happened since August of 2007. I don’t even feel like the same women I did before I worked-out.

As for the trainer, he has added a complete new dimension to my workouts. We do something different each time we meet. From boxing to free weights, rope workouts to cardio. He keeps me on my toes and I love knowing that someone has my progress in their best interest. He’s motivating and he, frankly, kicks my butt (in a good way. ;~P)

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why? how about your least favorite?

My favorite would have to be pushups. I love doing pushups. How weird does that sound? They are a great way to work your upper body and core. You can easily measure your progress (can you do more then you did last time?) and you don’t need any special equipment. I’d go out on a limb and say, they may be the most perfect exercise.

My least favorite? Ummmm… Shoulder presses. Not sure why? I just find them difficult and I can’t do as much weight as I can with other exercises. I just find them hard and uncomfortable.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

YES! Oh my… For running. Sometimes I just don’t want to do. But I keep reminding myself how much better I’ll feel when I’m done. I’ve never been disappointed that I ran, only disappointed that I didn’t!

Q: Random question: What brand of running shoe do you prefer?

Hysterical that you asked this. I have a pair of Asics, the girl at the store recommended them. I like them but I’m in desperate need of a new pair. I’ve never been a shoe girl, so whatever is on sale or if someone else recommends one, I’ll try them. If I like them I’d buy them again. I’m kind of simple like that. :~)

Thank you Roni for allowing me to feature you and sharing your fantastic story!

Ok gang, it is your turn. What are YOU doing for fitness today?
No excuses!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

Our mommy this week is Leah, who created the fantastic fitness community for moms over at BookieBoo. Leah is a busy mom with one toddler boy and another bundle due this winter. She is a weight loss success story; a few years ago Leah lost over 100 lbs through fitness and diet and has kept it off!

She continues to exercise throughout her pregnancy and she admits that she is now a fitness “junkie”!

Please read on for more about Leah and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

No, I didn’t get into fitness until my son was born in February of 2006. I gained over 70 lbs. with him after already being overweight. I got up to 253 lbs. when I gave birth to my son. After he was born, my life really changed dramatically with new motherhood and the loss of my father to cancer. When my son was three months old, I started soul searching. I decided that I wanted to be a good mom who wasn’t always tired and out of shape. That led me to lose over 100 lbs. and encourage everyone around me to get fit as well. So you could say that my father and son inspired me, and I’m glad they did.

After losing most of that weight, I started Bookieboo, an online magazine and social network for moms into fitness, weight loss and healthy living. The site not only keeps me motivated, but helps me reach out to other moms with the same kind of interests.

Q: How are you staying fit during your pregnancy?

I’m a Tae Bo fanatic! I modify things, but I still take Tae Bo classes and use Tae Bo workout DVDs. Shellie, Billy’s daughter, has been 8 weeks ahead of me, so watching her do things has helped too. I also meet with some friends from the gym twice a week to do a “boot camp” with Julieann Hartman, my private trainer.

Although I have slowed down dramatically and get tired quicker, I haven’t really stopped doing the things I used to do. I had a conversation with my doctor about it and she gave me her blessing. In fact, because I was such an athlete type before I got pregnant, I use a different system to track my exercise exertion. I don’t track my heart rate and instead use the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale, also called the Modified Borg Scale, so I don’t overdue it. It’s been awesome and so much easier than monitoring my heart rate.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I totally empathize, but I exercise now for my own sanity. Being a mother is exhausting, but exercise gives you energy and dramatically lowers your stress level. You actually become a better mom because of it. You can handle more and love more. With that in mind, I would encourage moms to make time because it’s worth it!

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Tae Bo is my favorite. Tae Bo is an exciting kickboxing workout that never gets boring. I’m actually in Billy’s newest T3 series, which was filmed in January before I got pregnant. And if you really want a laugh, check out his Freestyle Funk Video where he dances with me. Every time I see it, I’m turning bright red.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

I guess technically you could say I’m more cardio, but I use weights during my workout and really get into my core, so I’m actually doing both. When I workout I like to move and jump around because I get bored easy. I do strength training, but not as often.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

I say to myself “you gotta give some to get some” (which is a saying of Billy Blanks) and remind myself of how much better I’m going to feel when it’s over. I love the high I get after a good workout…so I’m looking to get that endorphin high. Okay, I admit it, I’m a junkie…even when pregnant.

Thank you Leah!

Now gang it is YOUR turn to get up and get moving! No excuses!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

Our mommy this week is Amy, who blogs over at Think Well, Act Well, Live Well. Amy is a very busy mom with 3 kids under the age of 5. She believes exercise provides a way for every mommy to be the best mommy she can be! Amy makes fitness a priority in her life and encourages you to do the same. Read on for more about Amy and be sure to visit her blog for her Muscle Building Monday posts.

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I grew up playing sports, continuing on through high school. Once I was in college I realized how awful and tired my body felt without that running around a few times a week. I decided to make exercising a part of my life, and I also decided to major in the Exercise Science field. Since college, my kids have been my inspiration to live a fit lifestyle because not only do I need the energy to chase them around all day, but I want them to know how important it is to live healthy!

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I think it’s so silly to claim you don’t have time to exercise! You have time to do whatever you want during the day. As a mom to three kids 5 and under, I know you learn how to make time for certain things. Unfortunately we tend to come last on our list of priorities. You can squeeze 30 minutes, 3 times a week for exercise at home if you really want to (even if you don’t have exercise equipment).

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Geez, that’s a hard one because it changes. Right now I’d have to pick bent-over rows for my upper back. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my posture and I love the definition in my back.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

I am definitely more of a strength training mommy. I love to blow off steam seeing how much I can lift.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

The best mental trick for when I don’t feel like working out is putting on my favorite workout attire and looking cute, even though I’m working out at home. I know it sounds stupid, but it works for me! (Try it before you knock it…)

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? (and would you bring your kids?)

If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be to the Western Caribbean, without the kids. They’re too little for me to really enjoy that vacation. If I had my kids with me, I would definitely go to Disneyland for a few days!

Thank you Amy for being “One Fit Mommy”!

Ok gang, it is your turn. How are YOU staying active today?

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

Our mommy this week is Jen, a personal friend of mine. Jen is a busy mom who works full-time outside of the home. She is committed to her health and fitness and manages to get to the gym before the crack of dawn almost everyday.

While most of us are still sleeping, Jen is already working up a sweat. Despite her busy schedule, she recognizes that she is a much happier mommy when given the chance to exercise. This is precisely what makes Jen “One fit mommy!”

Please read on for more about Jen and how she was able to quit smoking:

No, I definitely haven’t always been fit. I was active as a child riding bikes, playing soccer, skiing, doing gymnastics but exercise was never a permanent fixture in my life. It wasn’t until my first year of marriage when I gained about 40 lbs that I decided I wanted to try to lose some weight; I didn’t like the way I felt or looked. I joined the gym and started exercising two to three times a week. At the same time, I also stopped drinking soda and started doing portion control. I lost all 40 plus about 10 more lbs within 6 months. Still I wouldn’t say that I was truly fit back then either because even though I made time to be active, exercise, and eat better, I was a heavy smoker. I was the girl you’d see lighting up as she was leaving the gym. Then in 2005, I got pregnant with my daughter. I threw away the cigarettes but I also stopped exercising for the most part. I took the term “eating for two” literally and gained over 60lbs during the pregnancy. Once I had my baby, I felt gross. I was still ingesting 3000 or more calories a day and all of that weight that I had gained during the pregnancy wasn’t going away. I knew I had to do something. I knew I wanted to be truly fit for myself and for my family but I also knew that I didn’t want to take any time away from my baby girl or my husband. So, I started going to the gym in the early morning and doing the 5:30am fitness classes. I also started running on the weekends. And I began recording what I ate on calorie-count.com to make myself more accountable to what I was actually putting in my mouth.. And slowly, the weight started coming off. Exercise became a priority and my “me” time. Now it isn’t about weight but the way I feel. I love my early morning classes or a good run around the neighborhood; I love being active with my husband and daughter; and I love that my daughter sees her mommy being strong and fit. One of our favorite things to do is pretend we’re running in a race and we race to the park. She is so proud of herself as we run together and I think that living a fit life has been a part of that.

Before having my daughter, I used to say that but now I know that there is always time for exercise. If it is a priority, you will find the time. No, not everyday do I have time to “go to the gym” but I always have time to be active whether that means cleaning my house (great workout) or chasing my daughter up the hill in our backyard in order to get some cardio in or carrying her around to get a good arm workout; I figure out ways to be active and get my body moving. I want my daughter to be strong, fit, and live an active life and I know that she will mirror what she sees so I make exercise and living an active life a priority.

They have changed a lot in many ways. Before having my daughter, I was not a runner. In fact the word “running” was like a bad word but now I really love it. Before having my daughter, my workouts were on the lighter side and I would almost always leave a class early. Now I really enjoy the challenging fitness classes I take and the women in my classes that spur me on to do more. And if I’m early for a class which 90% of the time I am, I will hit the treadmill before the class starts. And lastly, before having our daughter, my husband and I used to do a lot of hiking, mountain biking, and adventure travel that we are not able to do together with our daughter being so young. Now we do different fun active things like geo-caching or putting our daughter on the back of my husband’s bike and going for a bike ride around the neighborhood.

I truly do love both and my favorite workouts are ones which incorporate both cardio and strength training but if I had to choose, I’d say I was a cardio girl before anything else.

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?

I really don’t have one. But my favorite workout is a no-limits circuit class I take at my gym that combines weights and high intensity cardio – it’s so challenging, fun and the instructor is really great about changing it up so it always seems like a different workout every week.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

No, not anymore because I really love working out; its truly the only “me” time I get. However, when I was just starting out at the gym, I read somewhere that you should record your workout on your calendar like an appointment to help hold yourself accountable to going to that “exercise appointment”. I went to Staples and got myself a huge calendar and started recording my daily exercise as an appointment. It was a great motivator and helped me see how much I was actually exercising in a week. I actually still do it today out of habit.

Q: Random question: favorite brand of running shoes?

Actually no, I’m not dedicated to any one brand. I do however heart “The Running Store” which found me the best shoes for my feet and running style.

Thank you Jen for allowing me to feature you as “One Fit Mommy”.

Let’s get up and MOVE MORE gang! Get a calendar and make it happen!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

Our fit mommy this week is Jill, a busy mom with a toddler and another baby on the way. Jill is also the owner of FitOne Studio, a unique personal training boutique located in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. Not only does she focus on her own active lifestyle, she is dedicated to helping others reach their fitness goals.

As many of us know, running your own business can be exhausting just in itself. Even with an extremely full schedule, Jill is still able to keep fitness a priority in her life.

Please read on for more about Jill and how she stays “One Fit Mommy”:

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I’ve played sports and been active my entire life. I guess working out has just become a way of life for me. It’s the one part of the day I can de-stress, focus on myself, and feel
re-energized. I actually feel more stress when I can’t work out. Now that I have a toddler and a baby on the way, I find it even more important to keep fitness a main part of my life and to instill healthy and active lifestyles into my children. There are so many health problems in our country today, with youth obesity and health problems on the rise. Even more reason to stay fit and healthy so we can all live longer!

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

We all have 24hours in the day. I always think, if the President of the United States has time to exercise each day, can’t I find time in my day to work out? I think most moms are caretakers of their homes, children and spouses, and tend to put everyone else’s needs in front of their own. I find that making time for my own workout every day, even if it’s just 20minutes, makes me a much more productive and efficient mom…and a healthier one!

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

My favorite exercise is lifting weights. I feel strong and secure in my body and my mind when I finish a good weight workout. Knowing I’m building strength on the inside is a great feeling, and so is the by-product of weight training– looking good in my sleeveless tops and skinny jeans!!

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

I’m pretty equal cardio and strength. I’m in my best shape when I’m doing a solid weekly regime of strength training and cardio workouts. Those are the weeks that I know I’m taking the best care of my body and joints. Now that I’m a mom, I spend more of my cardio workouts outside with my daughter in our BOB jogging stroller. It’s a great “mental break” for me to be outside with nature, and a good chill time for my daughter. I did strength training and cardio through my entire first pregnancy and plan to do the same this time around. It kept me in shape, made for a quick and easy labor, and sure helped me get my pre-baby body back in no time at all!

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Yes, when I have those days that I just don’t feel like working out, I just tell myself to put on my workout shoes and get on the weight floor or jump on a piece of cardio equipment or get outside and just do 10minutes of something. Once I start, I always calm down and feel much better and can usually do more than 10minutes. And, I always end up feeling better afterwards that I did something healthy for myself!

Q: What are some of the reasons why moms should consider hiring a personal trainer?

Moms often feel guilty about doing something for themselves. I find that my clients who are moms tend to have less stress in their lives and more confidence in their bodies when they take 45min. out of their lives to come into the studio and train. It’s their time to get their bodies put through a routine and forget about all the things on their to-do list. And, they always feel more relaxed and energized after they are finished and ready to tackle the rest of their “to do list”. If you have a set appointment on your schedule, you’re more likely to keep it. Moms are always rushing to and from appointments, so if they can schedule their personal training the same way they schedule their kids doctor’s appointment, it keeps them consistent and ensures they are taking time out of their daily routine for themselves. Plus, I find that most daddies like the results the moms are getting from their workouts!

Q: What is your best quick advice for moms that are struggling with that last 10 pounds of baby weight?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Motherhood is the hardest job one can experience. Nutrition, cardiovascular, and strength training are all must-dos to lose the weight and ensure you keep it off. Try to find creative ways to fit each of these into your daily schedule, even if it’s for 15minutes. Short bursts of exercise will burn calories and keep you on track with weight loss. Drink lots of water, get as much sleep as you can, and don’t weigh yourself too often. Find a pair of pants or a top that you want to fit back into, don’t launder the garment, and use that as your guide. Try it on once a month to help you stay focused and on track with your goals. Don’t use your kids as an excuse not to workout out-get them moving with you. Chasing a toddler around the playground can be a great way to burn calories!

Q: Random question: what is your favorite brand of running shoes?

Men’s Brooks Addiction 7- wide toe box feel great on my feet! After running a marathon in the wrong type of shoes for my foot, I learned that shoes are about function, not prettiness! Take the time to go to a specialty store and have your gait analyzed for proper shoes.

Thank you Jill for agreeing to be featured here! Have you scheduled in your 20 minutes yet today gang? Get up and get moving, no excuses!

**Have you been on the fence about hiring a personal trainer? If you are in the Northern Virginia area, consider giving FitOne a try. They offer everyone a complimentary one-on-one or small group training session to try it out so basically you have nothing to lose! Jill can be reached at jill@fitonestudio.com.**

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

I met this week’s fit mommy over at Twittermoms, a fantastic community of women. Lisa is a fit mom with two school-aged children. She transformed her life and body several years ago and has not looked back since. Her enthusiasm for fitness in contagious and as you can see, she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Please read on for more about Lisa and be sure to visit her new blog, www.healthiestlife4me.com.

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I was fit as a kid, but I wouldn’t say healthy. My parents didn’t understand health the way that I do now. I was athletic having danced and played soccer. However, eating healthy wasn’t a way of life. After getting married and having kids, the weight came on and the less active I became. It was a vicious cycle. Things like Weight Watchers were temporary helps, but the weight always came back.

To be honest, quite honest; at my heaviest (175 lbs and I am only 5’2”) one evening my hubby rolled over and got a little frisky. I was so unhappy with myself that I seriously didn’t have any desire. I don’t remember exactly what happened, but at some point he called me boring. I knew that he was unhappy with that part of our marriage and quite frankly, I wasn’t happy either. But what was there to be happy about? I was fat, unhealthy, unmotivated, and unattractive to myself…somehow, I lost myself. At that point, I made the decision to get my butt to the gym, spend every last penny I had on a trainer so that I could learn EVERYTHING and learn it RIGHT! I spent 6 months with a trainer. I am sure my body changed. And of course I lost some weight, but not enough to really notice. After that time, I spent a lot of time researching nutrition, asking questions to the nutritionists at Max Muscle Orangecrest (phenomenal people), and buying Muscle and Fitness for Her and Oxygen magazines and reading them like they were the bible. Upon becoming friends with the owner of Max Muscle and his wife, they introduced me to the fabulous nutritional supplement company that I am a business partner with now and have spent so much time with doctors who are involved with product development and I have learned the importance of nutrition and how it can heal and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

If you have time to breathe and you care about your kids and family enough, you will understand how important it is to put exercise on your daily schedule. You’d be amazed at how much more energy you’d have if you spent time working out and taking care of yourself. It is just part of my schedule and after a while, people (including the hubby) stop trying to make plans during my workout time.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Oh, this is a tough one. I only get to pick one, seriously? Well, I would have to say that tricep press downs are my favorite because I have really strong triceps and I love to watch the men look at me and the weight and be surprised. But I will have to say that I love to work my chest, triceps, and legs (glute, hammy – not so fond of quads).

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

Oh, I love this one…I would give up cardio in a New York minute if I could get away with it. I will say that as long as it’s not running or a spin class, I will do all sorts of cardio. However, if in a pinch and can only fit part of my full workout in, I give up the cardio and lift weights.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

I don’t because I like to go. When I don’t feel like going, I feel like it’s because I have been overtraining, so I take a day off. But only one day off because otherwise it makes it harder to get back.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? and would you bring your kids?

I would love to take the kids to St. Lucia. My hubby and I went on our honeymoon there and we had a great time. I would love for the kids to see the beauty of the country while seeing how the truly poor live. It would make them appreciate all that they have. There is much to do in the outdoors and to stay fit there and we could do it together.

Thank you Lisa for allowing me to feature you. You have inspired me to go and work on my triceps right now!

What are YOU inspired to work on today gang? Don’t think too long, just get up and do it!

Remember this fit mommy? Her big race day is tomorrow!

The 2008 Ironman World Championship is being held in Kona, HI tomorrow and Gina is already there getting ready for the big event. You can visit her blog for her pre-race day details and an absolutely adorable picture of her daughter participating in the Dip-n-Dash for the kids.
GOOD LUCK GINA! We’ll be cheering for you!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

This week is Linda, one of my favorite bloggers. I started following her personal blog (Sundrymourning) shortly after the birth of her first son, where she was talking my language as a first-time mom. She now has two little boys and I got the chance to meet her in person at BlogHer this past July. (Yes, I stalked her in yoga).

Linda is a very busy mom who works part-time for a software company and also contributes to the following websites:

Balanced Living: health and fitness topics
Work It, Mom!: tips and topics for moms
Sundry Buzz :product reviews and giveaways
Lemondrop: everyday musings

She has a very full plate yet manages to make the time for fitness. That hasn’t always been the case though, please read on for more about how Linda has become “One Fit Mommy”:

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

No, I definitely haven’t always been fit. I started to get serious about committing to a healthy lifestyle in the spring of 2007, when my first son was about a year and a half old. I’d developed all these bad eating habits (for instance: eating truckloads of cookies after the baby went to bed, because it had been such a hard day and I deserrrrrrved them), I was feeling run down, I wasn’t happy with the way I looked. I’d tried and failed to lose weight before, and I guess this time around I had more confidence in myself — in a way, the challenges of parenthood helped, because doing a daily workout is NOTHING compared to raising a baby. If you can handle one, why not the other?

Q: What about diet? Did you have to do a major overhaul and if so, how?

Yes, I did. I hadn’t been eating very healthfully for a number of years and during my pregnancy I ate whatever I wanted, all day long. Then the baby came and I was using food as a reward, telling myself it was too hard to diet AND be a parent. So I had to really take a look at what I was consuming and my portion sizes and make a lot of changes. I used Weight Watchers for a month or two and that was immensely helpful in terms of being cognizant of my nutritional intake and re-focusing on healthy foods instead of junk.

Q: You just had your second baby in February, did you give yourself a specific time line for getting your pre-pregnancy body back?

Not specifically, although retrospect I think I was a little hard on myself — assuming my body would snap right back into shape. It took some time to re-learn my good eating habits (which I had completely abandoned during pregnancy), and it took time to recover from birth and get strong again.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I think the best fitness advice I’ve heard is that you’re never going to FIND the time to exercise, you have to MAKE the time. I’ve worked out during naps, after bedtimes, while my husband’s watching the kids, and while the kids are briefly stashed in front of a video. There’s always something you’d rather do, or think you should be doing –whether it’s laundry or work email or just relaxing on the couch. If exercise is a priority in your life, you make room for it. If it’s not, then you tell yourself there’s no time.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Probably kickboxing (the Turbo Kick flavor, anyway), because it makes me feel like such a badass. A sweaty, gasping, half-dead badass.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Lately I’ve been doing a workout DVD called 30 Day Shred, and while the workouts are intense, they’re only 20 minutes long. So I tell myself I can do ANYTHING for 20 minutes, and I try and remember how awesome I’ll feel afterwards.

Q: What are your future fitness goals? (Am I going to see you on the cover of my Oxygen magazine?)

I’d like to continue to improve my fitness on my own, but I’d also like to get more involved with group fitness activities. Whether that’s at the gym, through a sport, or via personal trainer, I’m not sure.

Q: If you could go on a free vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and would you bring your husband and kids?

Hmmm. Well, my husband just hiked a stretch of the Great Wall of China and it looked amazing, I’d love to go do that with him. It’d be pretty hard to drag a stroller along, so as long as we’re talking fantasy-land here, the kids would be back at the hotel being cared for by Mary Poppins while my husband and I go exploring during the day. Oh, and we all arrive via teleportation so we don’t have to take a 3-year-old and a baby on a 12 hour flight. Also, there are ponies. And
calorie-free tiramisu.

Great job Linda on becoming such a fit mommy and thanks for allowing me to feature you! I too am a huge fan of Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred, it is a GREAT workout that does not take up much time or space.

Linda has proven that you can decide at any point in your life to make a change and GET FIT! It’s not easy, but then again, neither is being a mommy!

So get up and get moving gang. No excuses!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

This week’s fit mommy is Rachel, who blogs over at Fitness For Mommies. She has two young boys, works as a PE teacher, and still has time to bike, do yoga, lift weights, and train for a marathon! That definitely makes her “One Fit Mommy”!

Please read on for more about Rachel:

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

Yes, I have always worked at being fit. Started running in middle school and have been an endurance athlete my whole life.

My dad inspired me! At the age of 8, my parents got divorced, and that’s when my dad took up running and triathlons. He was already active in the Sierra Club but participated in his first triathlon at age 43. I remember just planning on going out for cross country as a freshman because that’s what my dad did. I used to ride my bike next to him when he was running or we’d take our bikes to the beach with the girl scouts. He would tell you as would I that that was the best time of our young lives- when he and we all (I have two brothers) were competing in local races. My bro, Rob, has qualified and competed in the Hawaii Ironman five times. Dad influenced him too!

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

You need to make yourself a priority in your own life. Most of the time, I run, lift, and do yoga when everybody is asleep at 5or 6 in the morning. I feel better, which makes me a happier mommy.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

At the moment, it ISN’T running! Ha! Training for my fourth marathon (on October 4th), and I would rather do anything else right now, then run! I love yoga and I love cycling. In college, I spent 3 memorable years racing bikes and loved every minute of it. I also love competing the local 5, 10km and sprint triathlons.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

Hubby says I am a cardio mommy, however, I have learned only recently about how much results I get from lifting heavy weights. We have a weight bench in the garage, and so as the kids run up and down the street, I can grab my 15 or 20 pounders and crank out three sets of a chest press, or butterfly or tricep pull downs, or anything else fairly quickly!

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

No, I love to sweat. Very rarely don’t feel the urge to do something! Even if it’s only an 8 minute routine.

Q: Random question: favorite brand of running shoes? brands of clothing?

Used to be Asics. Currently trying out a sweet pair of New Balance and the jury is still out since I haven’t been running much lately. My newest favorite products: I love be present.net yoga clothes! I wash, dry and wear every third day. Can’t get enough.

Thank you Rachel and GOOD LUCK this weekend with your marathon! I’ll be virtually cheering for you!

If you, (or someone you know), would like to be featured as
“One Fit Mommy”, please send me an email and let me know!