| When you're busy balancing work, kids, and home life | | | | Some examples of aerobic fitness activities include |
| in general, you might feel that there's not enough time | | | | fast walking or jogging, cycling, dancing, swimming, |
| in the day for health and fitness. The word "exercise" | | | | skating, skiing, step aerobics, or racket sports. You can |
| just doesn't seem to fit into your vocabulary. But | | | | also enroll in an aerobics class if you feel you're ready |
| there's good news. With just a little daily commitment, | | | | to commit to it several times per week. Or, there are |
| you can achieve good health and fitness in no time | | | | DVDs that teach you to do aerobic workouts at |
| without adding stress to your already busy schedule. | | | | home. |
| Start with Slow Exercise and Build Strength | | | | Another way to increase fitness activity is to invest in |
| Get started with slow, easy exercises that you can | | | | exercise equipment such as a treadmill, fitness band, |
| handle. Do about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise or | | | | yoga mat, ab wheel, workout weights, row machine, or |
| activity each day or at least several times per week. | | | | stationary bike. These allow you to workout in the |
| Start with less strenuous activities and then work your | | | | comfort of your own home with the same results as |
| way up to more strenuous exercises as you build | | | | outdoor fitness activities. |
| muscle strength. This will improve your fitness and | | | | Pamper Your Muscles |
| health without putting too much strain on your body, | | | | Be sure to pamper your muscles a little before and |
| especially if you've been inactive for a while. | | | | after workouts. Do stretches before working out and |
| Some examples of low fitness activities you might try | | | | then "cool down" afterwards to allow your muscles to |
| include walking, playing outdoor games with your kids | | | | relax. Also, take soothing baths after a workout or in |
| (ball, tag, volleyball, badminton, flying a kite, etc.), walking | | | | the evening before bedtime to help your muscles and |
| the dog, mowing the lawn or gardening, housework, | | | | body to relax. This will make workouts more enjoyable |
| walking stairs, or riding a bike. When you want to have | | | | and give you something to look forward to each day. |
| fun with your kids, opt for the park instead of the ice | | | | Supplement Your Diet for Better Fitness and Health |
| cream shop. Be mindful of physical activity in | | | | To enhance your fitness efforts, supplement your diet |
| everything you do. This will help your kids get exercise | | | | with nutritious items such as protein and amino acids or |
| as well without feeling pressured about it. | | | | other vitamins and minerals. There are nutritional |
| If you work outside the home, you can take walks | | | | shakes, protein shakes, vitamin supplement pills, nutrition |
| during your breaks. Even a daily 15-minute walk can | | | | bars, and other items to enhance your diet as you |
| make a big difference! | | | | increase your fitness activity. These will also enhance |
| Increasing Activity | | | | your overall health. Look for vitamins that are |
| As your body grows stronger, you might choose to | | | | specifically designed for women. |
| add some aerobic exercise to your daily routine. Do | | | | As a busy mom, don't neglect one of the most |
| this slowly and increase the intensity and time of your | | | | important tasks of all - taking care of your own health. |
| aerobic activity in short increments so you won't | | | | With good health and fitness, you'll be able to keep up |
| overdo it. Aerobic exercise helps you burn more | | | | with your kids and share activities with them like never |
| calories and improve heart health. | | | | before! |