Don't Wanna Workout? Been There! Here are some tips ...

With an infant and a toddler in tow, it can be a challenge getting motivated enough to bundle them up for the cold weather to get to StrollerFit class at Pinnacle Sports or Summit Mall (though we all LOVE it), and sometimes I really have to talk myself into hopping on the treadmill or doing some strength work at 9p with all the verve I had mid-day while the kiddies were awake!

We all have our reasons why we say "but I don't want to" or "I can do it tomorrow ..."

BUT HERE ARE A FEW OF THE TOP REASONS I USE TO JUST DO IT. Put a few of these in your mind-file next time you start excusing yourself from that planned workout. They help!

1. I know it’ll make me feel better physically and mentally. Maybe lessen the intensity or duration, but just get that workout in. The post workout high is worth it

2. I like to set goals and create a plan. Small goals are great steps, and a plan helps me to stay focused and committed.

3. The dishes in the sink aren't going anywhere, neither are the dustbunnies on the floor. Get the workout in ... I'll feel better when I'm folding laundry and sweeping later.

4. Some days, I'll pass someone using a cane and I just think "Katie, use your body today… because you CAN"

5. If I don’t feel like doing whatever I have scheduled (run, cardio, strength, StrollerFit class, core work, you name it) I tell myself to at least do it for ~10 minutes, then if I feel like quitting I can. And most times I end up doing the whole workout. Sometimes I'm so happy I did it, I add a bit more!

DID YOU KNOW? 4lbs in 2 months? Uugh!

The average American will gain four pounds between Halloween and New Year's Day. Doesn't sound like much? It's just about enough to push you up to the next clothing size!

YOU don't have be average! You can have that extra cookie, you just need to work for it! The bottom line for keeping weight off this holiday is remembering that you have to work off what you put in. Make it fun - something you look forward to - a place and time where you can be social as well as burn calories, have fun, special time with your child ... Think of fitness as the holiday gift you give yourself.

In order to keep us all motivated, StrollerFit is holding a special event Nov 23-Dec 31 called Fitness Takes No Holiday. We're giving away prizes for highest attendance (as if not seeing your waistline grow is not reward enough). Check it out at our site! We're sending weekly emails out with great motivating tips, too. If you haven't already received the first one, email us, and we'll put you on our list.

You and your family will be super-proud. A happy mama makes for a very happy family!

The Month of Motivation!

OK! Fall is coming up on us,and it's been way too long since my last post. My sincerest apologies, it won't happen again. As we move forward into this sweet smelling season, it encourages me tor reflect on the year so far ... happenings, events, milestones, and more. I've loved watching my family grow, and know that with each new step my son takes, I'm growing too!

After all, I never imagined myself doing the all-limbs-flailing potty dance in the kitchen for all my neighbors to see with more confidence than a Solid Gold Dancer (dating myself here) to encourage pee-pee in the potty. Now, that takes confidence!

This month we're all about motivation and goals as we move into the last quarter of 2009 and begin looking forward to 2010. What motivates us as moms? As women? What goals did we have for ourselves this year (formally or informally set ... lose weight, build strength, save just a few more dinero each month, explore some new cooking styles, paint the trim on the house, build resistance to brownies, whatever!)? Have we worked towards achieving them? Note - I did not ask "have we met them", this is not a time to beat ourselves up if "life" has taken over and we haven't quite reached the precipice to plant the flag of goal-reaching-success. My question is have we taken at least a few small steps in the right direction. If so, fabulous!

Now is a time to regroup and re-evaluate what we can do to find success personally (physically and mentally) and as moms, professionals, or in whatever other capacity our desire lies. Little things like "I WILL work out at least 4 days a week" or "I WILL try a new dinner once every two weeks" or "I WILL go on a date with my husband this month!" or "I WILL try Restore the Core (yes - blatant advertising) class this month" are great ways to start! Be realistic, and you'll find success. Find success and you'll feel fabulous and want to set more!

So, I now commission all of my readers to chime in! Set a goal, find some motivation, and share it with us! Tapping the sentence out on the keyboard may make it a bit more real ... and let's see how we do!

I'll start: I WILL organize my office this month AND incorporate5 new moves into our StrollerFit classes.

Now it's your turn - let's hear it! We can inspire and motivate each other.

Remember that strong, confident KIDS are raised by strong, confident MOMS!

Health and Happiness,

Katie

Picnic, Parade & Pilates

Hi All! It's a rainy morning in Ohioland!

We had the annual Family Picnic on Sunday, what a blast. I officially discovered that it takes 20+ family members to wear my son out for the afternoon, but he sure did have fun! I've put some pics up of him swimming & going down a waterslide all by himself, and one of my Great Aunt Jerry eating a grilled jalapeno popper! Gotta love that spunk! Hopefully you have someone just like her in your family, too.

We're looking forward to the Bath Community Day Parade this Saturday (Aug 1 - can you believe it's almost August?)! Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? Come to the Community Day parade and festival! Looking for something even MORE fun to do? March in the parade with StrollerFit & StrollerFriends! Our kids love it ... I think Lohen has the parade wave down. It'll be so much fun! Post-parade the fire department will be putting on water shows, there will be a dunking booth, home made goodies, fresh roasted corn, free inflatable rides, and all kinds of traditional, summer, small town fun. Call me at 330.903.1317 with questions, if you'd like.

Oh, and I must say great job last night ladies! We had a fabulous Restore The Core mat workout, hope you are all feeling it this morning! Way to widdle the middle!

Have a happy and healthy day!

Katie

My 20-month old plays the harmonica better than I do!

OK - I've known all along my son had some mad skills just waiting to blossom ... but when I greeted him at Grannies yesterday evening, he was standing in his diaper playing the harmonica wiggling his bootie, expecting me to do the same!

While he plays better than I do, it would still be a stretch to refer to it as music, but as his mom, I just couldn't be prouder of the little guy for figuring this out (at least until he gets one at home and proceeds to make me crazy). So, for the mean time, I'll bask in the glory of his first and early dive into musical culture.

I'd love to hear of any party tricks your babies have (human or pets - after all, our babies are our babies!).

-Kate

LOVE YOUR NEW MOM BODY!

Check out these moves from our president, Mary Beth Knight! StrollerFit has partnered with BabyTalk and Parenting, the early years magazines, to bring some fitness inspiration to new moms!

10 Minute Mommy Workout

We're thrilled to be a part of such an awesome program. Anyone who is curious about even the idea of feeling great about your post-baby body, getting more energy, and instilling the importance of activity in your baby at an early age totally should visit a StrollerFit class.

It's free to explore, so you have nothing to lose except those pounds .. and there's lots to gain in friendship, confidence, and bonding with your baby.

Springtime

Hi everyone,
I am so excited about blogging. I have never done it before and I think it's going to be fun! The weather is so nice today. Joey (my 1 yr old) and I went to the playground for the first time today and I think he really enjoyed it. Joey swung on the swing an went down the slide. He enjoyed seeing the other children and he really likes babies. Tomorrow morning we have stroller class and he gets to see his friends. Maybe it will be outside since it is so nice. I hope everyone gets to enjoy this fantastic weather with their families!
Wendi