As most moms know, finding the time to exercise can be a difficult task while raising children. And although maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and a variety of other maladies, it doesn’t make it any easier to balance the demands of motherhood with the achievement of fitness goals.
Authors Kara Thom (remember her?) and Laurie Kocanda know that the challenge for moms is more than just “getting the pre-baby body back.” Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, teaches mothers of all ages and walks of life how to create a fit lifestyle that is compatible with motherhood. Promoting a “take time, make time, share time, and snare time” method of finding ways to work out, the book includes tips on:
- making choices about priorities and managing “mother guilt”
- managing sweat equity in the home for conflict free fitness.
- getting fit as a family with children of different ages and needs
Like a girlfriend’s guide to balancing fitness and motherhood, the honesty and candor of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas make it an ideal handbook for those thinking about starting an exercise program, as well as for those trying to pursue fitness goals. The wit and wisdom offered by Thom and Kocanda, as well as their example, prove that being fit and being a mom are not mutually exclusive.
I have to say I’m kind of obsessed with this book. I have marked so many pages in this book and keep it handy to reference, it’s that great. Not only does the book basically give you a good kick in the pants to get you exercising, it also gives you tons of tips on eating and taking care of your body. The best quote in here is “be as good to your body as you are to your kids”. I think that’s where we as MoM’s can sometimes fail ourselves. I know personally I am more concerned about how my kids eat than how I eat. There is a great section in the book all about making over your pantry and I cannot wait to implement some of the tips. There are also sections on support and working out with your kids.
If weight-loss or healthy eating, or just a healthy lifestyle is one of your goals this year I really recommend picking up a copy. I already looked and you can download it to your Kindle, so there’s no excuse not to get this book!
What are some of your best fit MoM tips or tricks?
I learned I had to get my butt up at 5am, and get my workout done before my day started. If I wait, I come up with an excuse every-time, and then don't follow through with my workout. I like the peace and quiet too, it's "my time" before the house get's busy. =)
If you WANT to change, you have to feel that passion inside…if you don't, chances are you won't follow through with anything you try!!
I have been thinking about trying to take care of my body as well as I take care of my girls'. I would never let them play outside without sunscreen…I shouldn't either! I make sure they get lots of fruits and veggies within a day…I should, too! I would never let them eat three times the number of servings of cookies…I shouldn't, either [at least very often!]!
The hard thing for me is not positioning food to myself as a "reward". If I get an hour of "me" time to get out of the house, my first thought is usually which coffee shop to visit. That can be a slippery slope for me if I'm not careful.
At least right now, our girls are still young enough to enjoy the jogging stroller, so I get lots of exercise that way. I enjoy it…and I know it's setting a good example for them, too.
I get to the gym at least 3 times a week, but our gym has awesome daycare and I don't work. I really worry about what will happen to my little routine when I go back to work…maybe this book will be a good thing for me to read. I LOVE incorporating the family fitness aspect too. That's really important.
I always think about me working out as an example to the Crazies. God knows they're going to need some good examples as they've lost their minds lately!!!