It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Sarah, who blogs over at Free Woman Fitness. Sarah is personal trainer and a busy mom of one. She understands the difficulties in balancing work and fitness and believes that exercise is equally as important for the mind as it is for the body.

Please read on for more about Sarah and why she is definitely “One fit mommy”!

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

No!!! I certainly have not always been fit. I mean, I have never been more than 15 or so pounds overweight but looking back at how sedentary I was in high school and in college just makes me cringe. I also smoked cigarettes for about 6 years and drank… a lot. I can’t imagine how unhealthy my body truly was with everything I was putting into it. So now my habits are 100 times better and more consistent. I got my personal training certification after college, so I was working out a lot, but I still had some bad habits hanging around. They are really hard to break when it’s been your lifestyle for so long. Having a child has really motivated me to eat healthy and exercise on most days of the week. I need the release now that I’m taking care of someone 24/7. Working out is not an option for me anymore. It’s a survival technique.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
Something is always better than nothing when it comes to working out. On days when I think I can’t get a workout in, I say “I’m just going to exercise for 15 minutes.” 9 times out of 10, once I get started, I stretch it to 20 or 25, if my 2 year old allows me to. There are usually 100 things to do during naptime, but on the days I tell myself, “you NEED this workout” and I get it done, it’s always a better day. Making yourself a priority is so hard for moms. That’s my biggest struggle. It won’t get done every day. But you have to keep telling yourself that it’s important. It’s your health. It’s your life. It’s your kid’s lives.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?
I have to mix it up a lot more. I used to be so particular about my workouts, when I did them, what I was going to do. No more! You can’t be picky when you’re a mom, or exercise just won’t happen. Some days it’s an OnDemand workout or a DVD, some days it’s an evening jog. It’s actually a very effective way to workout because I’m always doing something different so I continue to challenge my body.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
I used to be a total treadmill junkie. Now I’m a bit more into strength training and yoga. My favorite workout it hot vinyasa yoga. It’s a total mind and body release for me which is so incredibly necessary. I do still like to jog, but most of the time, it’s outside instead of on the treadmill.

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
I have to say, probably push-ups. Like most women, I have great lower body strength, but I’ve had to work really hard to develop upper body strength. I can do push-ups, but I really don’t like to.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
Sometimes I have to just start without thinking about it. The beginning is always the hardest.

Q: Random question: what is your go-to snack food?
We always buy Pirate’s Booty. It’s healthier than chips or pretzels so I don’t feel bad eating it. My toddler loves it, too!

Thank you Sarah for being an inspiration to all moms!

Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out all the other fit moms that have been featured on Workout Mommy!

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This fit mom reminds us to make ourselves a priority

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Jamima, who blogs over at Sweat Style.  Jamima is a busy mom of 2 who is obsessed with fitness and fashion.  She knows her stuff as she is a former professional triathlete and triathlon coach!   Jamima has created two triathlon apps for iPhone (First Time Triathlon and Triathlon Trainer) and has generously offered to give  TEN lucky readers one of her apps!   Please read on for more about Jamima and leave a comment below to be entered to win.

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
I’ve always been athletic and grew up playing many different sports (ballet, softball, diving, basketball, track, gymnastics). I competed in gymnastics for many years and then ran cross country in high school and college. Both of my parents were always supportive of any sport I did, cheering me on from the sidelines. My dad in particular encouraged me to try running and then triathlons. Whatever I was passionate about, they were both encouraging and supportive.
Now I am inspired by my two girls to stay fit as I want to teach them that women can be strong, fit and healthy. I love how I feel after a great workout and love to be outdoors. I will be that granny who is still exercising when she’s 90!

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
I am truly a better mom when I take time for myself. We are so busy taking care of everyone else that we often forget about ourselves – but you need to make it a priority. Also, I want to be around for my girls and their kids for as long as I can and I know that staying fit is an important part of that. I make it non-negotiable mommy-time so that it is as important as a business appointment.

If you are really limited on time, just figure out a way to get only 20 minutes in. There are so many great fitness apps available on smartphones that you can sneak in a pilates or other type workout before the kids wake up or are napping. My almost 7 month old thinks it’s great fun when I get down on the ground and start counting while doing ab exercises. Invest in a piece of exercise equipment so you can hop on during naps or buy a jogging stroller and get your kids used to going out on a walk/run. When I take my 3 year old on a run I make sure to pack lots of snacks for her and plan a fun stop for her along the way to a special park or something so that she has something to look forward to.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?
Prior to having kids I was a professional triathlete and was training for the Ironman distance so as you can imagine I was beating my body up and often training for hours at a time.
I’m lucky these days to get in a workout that’s longer than an hour once or twice a week but I feel like it’s a healthier balance now. Also, I have a much different perspective on working out after having developed a chronic hip injury while pregnant with my first daughter that went undiagnosed for over a year. It got so bad that I couldn’t do any exercise at all or even walk for very long without pain. I wasn’t sure the surgery would fix the problem, but it did. And so I feel lucky that I can exercise pain free now. Because I know my time is limited, I try to make my workouts count by doing a quality workout and pushing myself (unless it’s a planned easy workout).

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
Definitely a cardio mommy. I especially love to run, bike and push my lungs to their limits! I do incorporate strength training 2-3 days a week as I think it’s a really important component to staying injury free and combating bone and muscle loss as we age.

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
Probably swimming. It was my weakness in triathlons and I just never enjoyed looking at the bottom of a pool for long periods of time. I especially loathe it in the winter time-I am a total cold wimp. Since retiring from triathlons I have barely set foot in a lap pool but wish I enjoyed it more because it’s a great low-impact workout.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
Having gone through a major hip surgery and not knowing what the outcome would be I am just thankful to be able to workout pain free so I often just think about how lucky I am to be able to be active as many people are not.
But, on those days I’m really lacking motivation, I’ll change into my workout clothes and once I have them on my mind set changes. If I still don’t feel like doing it, I tell myself to just start my workout and if after 10-15 minutes if I still feel unmotivated, I can leave.

Q: Random question: what is your go-to snack food?
Lately it’s been a handful of nuts or veggies dipped in hummus. On occasion, I indulge in dark swiss chocolate as I’m from Switzerland originally and can’t live without it!

Thank you Jamima for being an inspiration to moms everywhere!

Ok gang, want to win one of her fantastic triathlon apps (for iPhone)?

Leave a comment below and be entered to win! Ten winners will be chosen on Saturday, December 10 at 9pm EST. Be sure to leave a valid email address so I can contact you!

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One fit triathlete (mommy)!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mom is Amanda, who blogs over at Sistas of Strength. She is new mommy (to an adorable little boy!) who finds time for early morning workouts despite a busy full time schedule. She also loves her kettlebells and is training to get her RKC. (which means she is now added to my girl crush list!)

Please read on for more about Amanda and why she is definitely  “One fit mommy”!:

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

I’ve always been active, but not always ‘fit’. Growing up I was constantly outside playing with the other kids in my neighborhood and in high school I played soccer until I was sidelined by 2 knee injuries/surgeries. I joined a gym and started running once my knee was better.

In college and during my early twenties I ran often and went to the gym (I was a cardio queen!), but my nutrition habits were less than stellar. I always had plenty of veggies because I loved big salads, but during that time I also included candy, frozen yogurt and beer as staples in my diet. Looking back at pictures I can’t believe how much my weight fluctuated!

I remember going to the doctors when I was 23 or 24 and seeing a number on the scale I didn’t like at all. I looked at him and told him I was going to lose some weight. I made myself accountable by telling everyone I worked with (and ate lunch with everyday) about my goal. I started taking care of my body and over the last 7 or 8 years I have continued to learn more about fitness and nutrition. I became a personal trainer, kettlebell instructor (HKC) and nutrition expert through a Precision Nutrition. I also got married and had a baby!

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

I have to admit that being a mom is much busier than I ever could have imagined. I knew it would be busy, but I thought I was busy before so no big deal, right? Wrong. Having someone who depends on you 24 hours a day is a lot of work and creates a whole new level of busy in your life.

In addition to taking care of my little one I also work full time, blog and help my husband with our company. If I can find time to train, you can too! I shared a few tips about fitting in workouts with a newborn on my blog, but I think the main things that help moms fit in exercise are the following:

• Schedule your workouts just like any other appointment that you can’t miss.
• Really think about what time works best for you so it’s not as easy to make up excuses or find something more important to do. Whether you go to a gym with childcare, exercise at a time when your husband or someone else is around to watch the baby or train at home while your baby naps/plays is up to you!
• Set realistic goals so that you don’t get discouraged. If you’re busy, it’s probably not realistic to train seven days a week (and you don’t need to anyway!). Shoot for three or four workouts and make them count.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having a child?

I have to be much more efficient with my workouts since having a child. I have found that strength training and kettlebell training give me the biggest bang for my buck. I mostly stay away from easier, more time-consuming workouts like jogging or training with lighter weights. I also take two rest days a week whereas I used to take just one day off. I usually aim for three real butt-kicker workouts and two easier/recovery days.

That said, I was able to get back into working out shortly after having my son and I truly believe that staying fit during my pregnancy helped me bounce back into shape (and gain back my strength) much sooner than I would have otherwise.

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

Strength training is where it’s at. I’m currently training for the RKC so most of my workouts right now are with kettlebells, but I also use barbells, dumbbells and do tons of body weight exercises like pull-ups, chin-ups and pushups. For my conditioning, I do kettlebell swings and kettlebell snatches as well as some jog/sprint intervals or intervals on the Arc Trainer.

I don’t know how I used to be a cardio queen. These days staying on any type of cardio machine for more than 20 minutes (and that is really pushing it) bores me like crazy!

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?

Running used to be my favorite exercise, but I just don’t feel the love anymore. Not only does running not feel particularly comfortable (even 5 months after giving birth), it just feels too time consuming and not efficient enough.

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

I have a few mental tricks that I use when I don’t feel like working out. Usually I think about how lucky I am that I am physically able to work out (so many people are not!). I also think about how blessed I am to have a healthy baby boy and great husband. I want to stay healthy and fit for my family.

If that doesn’t work, good music does the trick pretty darn well too.

Q: Random question:  what is your go-to snack food?

I have a few go-to snacks. Right now, I love apples with almond butter. Or really…anything with almond butter.

Thank you Amanda for allowing me to feature you and for being an inspiration to moms everywhere.

Ok gang, now that you have read about this fit mommy, how are YOU going to make the most of today?

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Strength training makes Amanda one fit mommy!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”!  As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness.

From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Lauren, who blogs over at Ultra Lauren. Please read on for more about Lauren and how she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

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

A: I’ve been overweight since I was about 8. I’ve lost weight but always gained it back, and then some. This cycle has repeated itself many times through my life. I’ve tried plenty of weight loss programs and fad diets and they all worked…for a while.

I was 23 or so when I hit my highest weight of 261 pounds. I remember seeing that number and being disgusted. It was a wake up call. So I started walking. And walking.

Later that year I started dating a boy who was training to run a marathon. I expressed interest and he told me I was too fat and out of shape to even consider running a marathon. From that point it was on. I started running little by little.

The LA marathon was my first and it took me almost 8 hours to complete. I was 241 pounds at the time. I was proud of my accomplishments but still felt I had so far to go. One day, while walking with my mom she suggested I try Lindora.

Less than a year after starting Lindora I was down to 164 pounds and within a healthy weight range for my height. But Lindora is a fairly expensive program and since I had reached a healthy weight, I just quit. And one thing leads to another and the weight starts to creep back on.

Luckily, this time it didn’t all creep back because I continued to run. 4 marathons in 2 years.

Fast forward to 2009. I had gained back almost half the weight I lost then I got pregnant. Although I walked every day during my pregnancy I still managed to gain almost 40 pounds. The day before I had my son I had reached a very round 250.

I saw this perfect little face and realized my health no longer affected only me. At 8 weeks postpartum I began running again and 2 months after that I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I continued to exercise and by January 2011 was down another 20 pounds.

In February I started weight training and tracked my calories (similar to the Weight Watchers point system.) And the weight really came off. By the beginning of May I was down to a healthy weight.

I’m about 10 pounds below that now and have grand ideas of losing another 10 but I’m absolutely happy with where I’m at today

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

A:I was this mom. Finding time in a busy day can be sooo hard, especially if you’re new to working out. But I strongly believe that every minute, every step, every rep counts. Quite often people blow off exercise because they can only find 15-20 minutes to work out. But if you walk for 15 minutes you can burn close to 100 calories which translates to close to a pound lost a month. Run or train at a high intensity you can nearly double those numbers in a relatively short amount of time. So my advice is to do what you can when you can, but just do it. You can’t beat the physical or emotional pay off of a good sweat session.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?

A:Having my son was the big turning point in my quest for a healthy life style. So in my case my workouts after having my son became more consistent and more effective. The main difference is that my schedule now is based on my son’s needs. So he runs with me 4 times a week and often on long runs up to 10 miles. I fit in strength training during naps and when I feel like I have no time I do some quick intervals of weights and cardio to get the best workout I can in a short amount of time. My workouts are my me time so I try to fit them in every day.

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

A: I love my runs, they feed my soul so I would have to say I’m a cardio mom. But I’m really starting to love weight training and how strong it makes me feel (and look!)

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
A: I do lunges quite often and although I can’t say I hate them, I am definitely not a fan, but my butt is!

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

A: When I’m really unmotivated I just tell myself “20 minutes.” If I still don’t want to work out then I probably need that rest day but I usually don’t quit. I’ve also learned that what burns me out is a too predictable exercise routine so if I just try a new workout or go for a hike it usually gets me all fired up again.

Thank you Lauren for being an inspiration to moms everywhere!

Need more inspiration? Check out my other fit mommy (and daddy!) interviews here.

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Fit mommy Lauren

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy Daddy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit daddy is Dan, who is also known as @cubicledad.    He is a busy dad of 2 little ones who decided last year to change his life and run the Chicago Marathon. Since then he has lost 100 pounds,  (yes, 100 pounds!) and blogs about his running and fitness adventures over on Cubicle Dad Runs.

Please read on for more about Dan and why he is definitely “One Fit Daddy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
I’ve been heavy, well heavier than I should have been for most of my life. From junior high on I was the chubby kid, though I played basketball a lot, mostly pick up games with my friends.

When I got to college I packed on the pounds, and in 2009 I was at my heaviest…around 330lbs. On October 14, 2009 I decided I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon. I sent an email that day that changed my life. By the end of the day I had a coach (Jen Harrison), mentor (Dave Wallach), a sponsor and a charity picked out. I had to sell my wife on the idea of running as she was in her second year of pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy. You can imagine how well the conversation went.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve undergone some major changes.   (see the slideshow at the bottom!)

Q: What advice do you have for parents who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
You have to make time. My story, the last year and a half…is proof. I worked full-time, we have 2 daughters ages 2 and 6, and my wife just graduated with her Doctorate of Pharmacy. After the initial conversation my wife came around and as of today, combined, we’ve lost a total of 187lbs! It’s hard work and you have to set aside time, but you can do it.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?
I’m a runner. I run 5 -6 times a week. And then I hit the gym with a trainer once a week.

I love running because it’s my me time, my time to get lost in my head and think. I can think things out, problem solve and running provides me with an outlet to blow off stress.

I don’t run with music, I enjoy listening to the sounds around me, to my breathing and foot strikes…it’s very soothing,

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

I’m more of a runner, but I know strength training plays a key role. Last year I hit the gym on my own, I was flying blind. Working with a trainer helps a lot!

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

I look at the old pair of work pants I kept from my heaviest weight and get moving. OR I’ll think about why and who I run for…kiss them and go run.

Q: Random question: what’s your favorite brand of workout clothing and why?

I am all over with what I wear. I own a lot of Under Armour and Adidas stuff, and the brand that Target carries. I LOVE my Brooks gear too!

Thank you Dan for being an inspiration to dads everywhere!

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If Dan can do it, so can you!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Tina, who blogs over at Faith Fitness Fun. Tina is a busy mom of two who blogs about the 3 basic components of true health.

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

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

I have always been athletic. I cheered and did gymnastics for 14 years and always loved doing active things with friends, such as hikes. I would not say I was always fit. I didn’t eat nutritiously, battled binge eating and depression, and certainly did not have a healthy relationship with my body. After high school, I spent two years without exercise and it showed. It wasn’t until the last 7 or 8 years that I truly became “fit”.

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

You NEED that time. Exercise will revitalize you. I promise it provides you with extra energy! It allows you a break to have time solely for yourself – to reflect and feel empowered. You don’t need to devote an hour or more to reap these benefits. Simply 20 or 30 minutes can do so much. Every little bit adds up. Find an option that will work for you and just do it. A workout DVD. A walk/jog with a friend. A group fitness class. Some yoga in the morning. Anything!

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?

Recognizing how valuable that “me” time is has actually made me more consistent with workouts. I look forward to my time at the gym or in our basement with a cardio DVD. Getting that time to myself motivates me more than ever. Besides the extra consistency, my workouts have changed to where I workout smarter. I keep more balance in my routine and try to use as much intensity as possible to get all that I can out of my precious, limited time. I go in with a purpose and get the job done!

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

Well, my two passions are running and weight lifting. Don’t ask me to choose! My first love was strength training. I have worked out with weights since the beginning of my fitness ventures. I even went on to compete in a fitness competition a year after giving birth to my daughter. Then, after having my son in January of this year (in an ice storm no less), I picked up the Couch to 5K program and fell in love with running. I now am training for my first half marathon in November. I thrive with both of these styles of training because they each provide such a personal challenge. I love to set and achieve fitness related goals, like a faster pace or unassisted pull-ups. In short, I equally love both.

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?

Hmmmm….I guess I would have to say Zumba. I was not made to shake my tailfeather.

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

I always remind myself how I will feel after I finish. I will also make compromises. I will tell myself to just do 20 minutes instead of 30 minutes of my planned cardio. Or 2 sets instead of 3 sets of my strength training. That helps relieve some of the stress, but I usually end up feeling so good I complete my workout fully. However, if I’m really not feeling it, I don’t stress taking a mental rest day – just as long as it’s not a regular occurrence.

I would love for you to stop by my blog, Faith Fitness Fun. I can assure you I share openly and honestly on all things. From post-baby progress and body image to motherhood and keeping positive to workout ideas and recipes. Hope to see you there!

Thanks Tina for being an inspiration!
Ok gang, it is time to GET UP AND GET MOVING today! No excuses!

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Tina is One Fit Mommy!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Colleen, who blogs over at Bee Fit. She is a very busy mama who juggles a full time outside of the home job along with college classes. She has an amazing story in that she has lost over 120 pounds!

I met Colleen in person at Fitbloggin and let me just tell you that she has some serious quad MUSCLES! She looks fantastic and is definitely “one fit mommy”!

Please read on for more about Colleen:

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

Nope I was not fit growing up. I did color guard in high school but hated running in gym class and avoided it at all costs. After I had my daughter I decided that it was time to start changing my life because I wanted to set a better example for her.

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

You have to make time period. I know it is not easy but once you start realizing that exercise is important for your mental as well as physical health it will get easier. Also every mom works so hard it is important to give yourself a break sometimes too and exercise is a great way to treat yourself to some much deserved me time. There are so many options and creative ways to get some exercise in so there really is no room for excuses I will run up and down my stairs, shadow box, and do burpees and pushups in my living room if I have my daughter and the weather does not allow us to get out. Also exercise TV has some great videos as well. That is how I began my journey with a new born and working full time as a store manager while going to school part time, exercise TV during her naps!

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Running, I believe in my heart I was born to run

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

Both really, from day 1 I started doing cardio and strength intervals and still I do cardio and weight training each and every week. I owe my body to weights I know this and make no secret of it. Cardio is helpful for weight loss and weights are helpful for shaping. I love both!

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

Oh yes. I yell at myself in my head a lot. If I am really feeling rutty I will go pull out the size 18 pants and 2xl shirt I wore to my first weight watchers meeting and just remind myself why I need to keep going forward and stay away from moving backward. And there is a family picture we took our first Christmas as a family and I was 265 pounds in it. Looking at that helps keep me going too.

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

I would go to Italy and see the distant relatives we have there and then I would bring my daughter to Nigeria to meet the other half of her family. It would be a country hopping experience but I would love that and love bringing her! She is my little side kick

Thank you Colleen for being an inspiration to us all!
Now gang, get up and get moving! No excuses!

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Colleen is one fit mommy!

Today’s fit mommy is Maria, a very busy mom with two little boys. Maria’s blog, Fitness Cure, is one of the first blogs I started reading and she continues to inspire me every single day.

Not only does she make fitness a priority for herself, but she goes out of her way to help others make fitness a priority for themselves.

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

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I’ve always been drawn to fitness ever since I was seven years old dancing around my parent’s house in my stockings and bathing suit to the song, “Let’s get Physical!” In high school I volunteered as a step instructor and in college I became a personal trainer. I was never involved in sports because I was very shy, but I was a cheerleader, which provided a great physical outlet in my younger years. I’d say my biggest influence was my mother because she suffered from a lot of health-related diseases due to her sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. I decided that I wanted to prevent the same things happen to myself, as well as make a difference in the lives of other people who also struggled with an unhealthy lifestyle. This passion led me to found Fitness without Borders (www.fitnesswithoutborders.org), a nonprofit that promotes fitness programs in middle and high schools.

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

I am a freelance writer, nonprofit director and business owner of a residential care home for the elderly, Comforts of Home. Besides my professional job, I also have two small kids at home currently ages 21 months and 6 months. It’s definitely hard to incorporate fitness when you are a stay-at-home working mom because once the kids awake it’s really all about them. I fit exercise into my schedule by training at 5am in the morning. Training early gets that priority out of the way and decreases the guilt I often have for leaving them when they are awake. I also started a Mom-Me fitness club (www.mommyfitnessclub.com) in my area where we meet at a local park 1-2 times a week to run with our strollers and perform exercises with our young kids. It’s a great way to get outside, get active and meet other moms. The kids watch and emulate us too, which makes it a great opportunity to set a strong, healthy example for our family.

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

I’m both. I try to run at least ten miles a week. Sometimes, I like to join a dance or kickboxing class. I also try to incorporate glute training twice a week (since my butt has changed since giving birth!) and work on each muscle group at least once throughout the week.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

That’s a tough one as I have been strength training for over ten years and enjoy a lot of different exercises. However, if I had to choose one, I think the good old fashion deadlift is the best exercise for your back, butt and hamstrings. It get’s your heart rate up and makes you feel strong and powerful.

Q: How about your least favorite?

I detest the squat. It’s tough, but it’s a great exercise to improve your overall body. I also hate running. But I do both because my body loves it.

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

Yes I do! If I don’t feel like training the first thing I tell myself is to not think about and just “Take Action!” Sometimes thinking too much can get you into trouble…and I mean lazy trouble. I also give myself a minimum of 20 minutes on a cardio machine and tell myself that if I want to leave afterwards, I can. (I usually don’t.) Lastly, I have a ton of things I can do at home like run on the treadmill, perform plyometrics in the backyard or pop in a DVD if I don’t want to go to the gym. There are definitely no excuses in my household.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

It depends what I’m in the mood for. If I want something salty, my oldest son and I like snacking on veggies straws. If I want something sweeter, I like to eat blueberries.

Thank you Maria for being a fitness inspiration!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

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Maria Kang is one fit mommy!

Today’s fit mom is Rachel, who blogs over at Running Rachel.  Again, it’s another mommy in the 3 boys crazy club! Rachel’s little boys are pretty much the same age as my three so I can fully understand just how crazy her life really is. She gets it done though and just recently ran another half marathon!

Please read on for more about Rachel and why she is definitely ‘one fit mommy’!

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I have always been an athlete and very active. However, it wasn’t until college when I began seeing the number on the scale start to increase. Again, I was very active so I was able to control it for a few years. After having children, I really struggled to lose the pregnancy weight. I am STILL trying to lose the pregnancy weight from my first child (he is 4.5 years old).

I believe my children and husband have inspired me to revive my healthy fit lifestyle.

I am the female role model for my children. I want my boys to be proud of me and (years down the road) pick their future spouse who values health and fitness. I want my boys to also value healthy living and grow to love sports and all things active/fitness.

I know my husband loves me – no matter what number the scale says. I want to feel and LOOK good, not only for myself, but also for him. I want to be the arm candy that I was back in college when we first met and fell in love.

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

I am a stay at home mom who never seems to be at home. My advice goes to all stay at home moms (because that is where I can relate). I know that we have a lot on our plates, but there is ALWAYS time to squeeze in exercise… no matter how old your child(ren) are! Make it routine… if you consistently do the same activity each day your children will expect that as your normal thing.

If you always go for a morning walk, your children (and your body) will begin to expect that as your normal routine! (I know mine do!!)

My two biggest pieces of advice for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise is to invest in these two items:

(1) baby/infant carrier (like a MOBY or ERGO)
(2) jogging stroller

You can always strap your child on you in the carrier and go about your normal routine – cleaning, errand running, walking, etc. You add strength training to your current activities while keeping your little one close.

A good jogging stroller is a great way to get your steps in, get fresh air, and believe me when I say this – enjoy a LITTLE bit of quiet time too!!

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

Cardio! I love breaking a good sweat from running or power walking. Strength training is like a foreign language to me. I do it… but not very fluent with it.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

My favorite exercise is running.
I love running because of the way I feel when I am doing it – and how I feel afterwards.
I love running because it is FREE!
I love running (espically when my husband watches the boys) because it is the precious few moments/minutes/hours when I am ALONE with my thoughts.
I love running because it is something that I am comfortable with.
I love running because it is outdoors (and I love all activities outdoors).
I have been a runner all my life.

Q: How about your least favorite?

I dislike workout videos… something about sweating INDOORS in my livingroom just doesn’t appeal to me. Adding to the fact that my children find it a perfect time to steal my hand weights, use me as a personal jungle gym, and decide that at that.precise.moment they NEED something.

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

I tell myself that I will be more awake and glad I worked out – afterwards. Plus, there is always the incentive of knowing I burned extra calories from my workout for a sinful treat (cake, cookies, icecream).

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate chip cookies… or cookies in general.
Healthy Snack Food? String Cheese and Fruit (the simple grab and go snacks that I can enjoy – and my children can eat too)

Thanks Rachel for being an inspiration to moms/women everywhere!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

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Running Rachel is one fit mommy!

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”

Today’s fit mom is Heather, who blogs over at The Crazy World of a Running Mom. I always love to meet other running moms but especially when they also have 3 little boys.  I feel like we are in some kind of (crazy) club together!     If Heather can find time to workout and train for marathons, there really is no excuse for the rest of us!

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

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

Before I trained for and ran my first (and only) marathon 6 years ago I had never run before in my life, other than being forced to in gym class in high school (which I did not like). In 2003, I was 33 years old and smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. My husband and I wanted to start a family and I knew that I wanted and needed to quit smoking first. I had tried to quit in the past to no avail. One day I just got it in my head that I’d quit smoking and start running. I knew you couldn’t do both!

Really, my husband was my inspiration. I had seen him run several marathons in the past. The most inspirational one being in Paris where they played the Chariots of Fire song at the start of the marathon! He motivated me to get dressed in my running clothes and get out there…he coached me as I struggled to run/walk even a mile at first. After a couple of weeks it became a habit and I wasn’t smoking anymore or even thinking about it. We both signed up for the Marine Corps marathon and ran it in 2004, less than a year after I had started running. After crossing the finish line I knew I could do anything I set my mind to. I also knew that someday I would run another marathon.

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

Very soon after we ran the marathon I got pregnant with our first son and although I ran for awhile after finding out but I didn’t keep up with it and once the baby was born I took even more time off. Well, to make a long story short I took a lot of time off to take care of my family and was happy doing it.

I really started to miss running though and wanted to start again, but after my 3rd son was born I was up a lot at night and still needed to get up and go to work the next day. I didn’t feel like I had much energy to do anything other than what I was already doing. Once the baby started sleeping through the night I decided I needed to start doing something for myself again. I wanted to find the time to run. I started getting up at 5am and running and it felt great! I knew as soon as I started running again that I wanted to sign up for either a half or full marathon because it would give me a goal to focus on and it would get me out there each day working towards something and would also be a way for me to have time to myself!

I know how hard it can be to find time for yourself but you will feel so much better once you put yourself on the priority list! I think you need to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.

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

I’m definitely more of a cardio mom because I love running so much, but I would like to start incorporating some strength training as well.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

My favorite exercise is running because I like the way it makes me feel and the way it clears my mind. I feel really strong and powerful when I’m running and I like the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a long run or a race.

Q: How about your least favorite?

Right now I’m running and going to spin classes and I like both. I don’t do any exercises that I don’t like.

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

I try to get my workouts done in the morning when I’m more likely to do it. I just get dressed and tell myself that I’ll go and do what I can do and if I feel like stopping later I will…but once I get out there I’m usually feeling good and finish the workout.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

Cheese, all kinds of cheese!

Thank you Heather for being an inspiration to moms everywhere! Good luck with your next race!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

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