staying fit as a new mommy :: 7x7xmommy {guest blogger}

I want to introduce 7x7xMommy today as our guest blogger.  She is also the owner and CEO of Mini Me Papers who currently has a live giveaway on SIMPLE! Go check it out and enter to win.

Staying Fit as a New Mommy
Between working as a SAHM or in an office, excessive diaper changes, food preparation, and taking care of everyone else first, how on earth are we supposed to make working out and staying in shape (not to mention, getting back in shape post-baby) a priority?!?
Well, it’s going to be a challenge but I promise it’s doable…here are 5 tips that have worked for me thus far (officially 1 year into this whole crazy thing we call motherhood):

• Consistency
 :: I’m pretty sure everyone’s going to say “ugh” or “so obvious” with this first tip…but that’s okay. You can dislike me now and thank me later. It’s all about consistency when it comes to staying in shape. Whether your daily routine includes a brisk walk, a simple free-weight routine or a trip to the gym, doing something consistently is key (no matter what it is that works for you). I also believe in taking a day (or two) off consistently…figure out which day(s) you want to be your down days and enjoy them. After all, you deserve a day or two off after being active for the majority of the week!
• Find a Yoga Mat :: I have many days where the only activity I get (other than lifting my daughter off the ground countless times) is by pulling out my yoga mat and doing some crunches and push-ups (or actual yoga moves). And guess what? I’ve never taken a yoga class in my life! I’ve heard wonderful things about them, but I’ve just never been. That being said, I utilize my mat as often as possible (and as often as necessary). It’s the perfect prop to make me feel like I’m doing something important and to encourage me to kick my own butt. Find one and put it somewhere that’ll inspire you to unroll it and put it to use.
• Play with your Kids
 :: This one may seem obvious, but I honestly feel like it’s been one of my best workouts since high school (something about running “liners” during basketball practice over and over again that’ll stick with me forever). Anyway, play with your kids! Toss them in the air…crawl with them on the floor…chase them down the hallway…run with them at the park…just do what they do! I promise, based on experience, that’ll keep you in better shape than hopping on the treadmill for 30 minutes. More muscles are being utilized. More energy is being expelled. It’s simple…parenting actively is exhausting work!
• Invest in some Free Weights :: 
This one goes along with #2. You can pick up your yoga mat and your free weights in the same place. My place of choice? Ross or Marshalls or some other discount store where they sell last year’s perfectly acceptable mat and free weights for next to nothing (because this year’s version is apparently way more awesome). As with the yoga mat, weights are another quick and convenient solution to your days that are quite possibly too busy to manage. A quick weight workout will take you 15-20 minutes and provide you with an incredible amount of energy, muscle tone and pride. Try it, I promise you’ll feel invigorated.
• Join a Team / Class :: 
Last but not least, I recommend joining a team and/or signing up for a class. Maybe you love to dance…try Zumba! Maybe your thing is cycling…try a spin class. Or maybe, like me, you’re a competitive athlete and you still love playing on a team…join one! I play basketball and I love my nights where I get to go to practice or play in a game and enjoy my baby-free time. More than that, signing up for something like that holds you accountable. You get inspired by your teammates/classmates…you get energized by your time with those people…and in the end, you get the results you’re hoping for. Just give it a shot.

In the end, I can’t say I’m a health or fitness expert. I can, however, say that I’m a Mom who cares about not only my family, but myself…and to me, staying fit means a LONG life with my family. And in order to stay fit, it takes some effort. And I’m more than okay with that because I plan on sticking around for a long time.
Here’s to setting great examples for our children.

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