We all know that we need to exercise in order to stay healthy, but the reality is that mothers today have very full schedules - taking care of the family, the house, their career, the community. Is it any wonder that taking care of yourself often gets overlooked? But just like scheduling time for everything else, your personal time needs to get calendared, too, especially personal time to exercise. By taking just 20-30 minutes three days a week for a workout, your energy level will increase by such leaps and bounds that you'll probably find that you get through the rest of your day's obligations much more quickly and efficiently.

For those of you with new babies, finding the energy to exercise may seem like a daunting task. Sleep deprivation, feedings, and caring for the newest member of your family can sure take their toll! By finding ways to exercise with your baby, instead of waiting until baby's naptime (which should be your down-time, too), you can make your workout a fun time for both of you.

The First Step
So the question remains: what can you do with your baby to get an effective workout that will help you lose the baby weight, increase your energy level, and re-tone those muscles stretched out during the nine months of your pregnancy? The simplest exercise to do with baby in tow is walking. You can either put your little darling in a stroller or, my preference, wear Junior in a baby sling and use the extra weight to your advantage. Either way, you'll both get some fresh air and sunshine while you get the added benefit of burning that baby fat. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen, put a hat on your walking partner, and take along plenty of water so that you stay well-hydrated. As your stamina and endurance increase, try adding some hilly terrain to your walk route to challenge yourself a little further.

Mom and Baby Classes
Another good choice is to join an aerobics class specially designed for moms and their babies. Make sure the class is taught by a certified aerobics instructor who is trained in post-partum fitness. The class should include cardiovascular exercise such as low-impact or step aerobics; strength training such as sit-ups, bicep curls, and side leg raises; and flexibility exercises to lengthen the muscles and reduce the risk of muscular injury. All of the exercises should include modifications to fit the needs of new mothers. The instructor should keep the choreography very basic since new moms are often sleep-deprived and therefore at increased risk of injuring themselves, and she should design the strength training exercises to strengthen muscles while protecting the new mom's loosened joints and shortened muscles.

Not only will you get a great workout, but you'll also have the advantage being with other moms who can share their parenting tips with you. Many of the women who participate in these specialized classes form play groups, meet their exercise buddies for lunch, and invite each other's babies for birthday parties. It's a great way to commune with other new mothers while getting your body in shape.

Playing Games
As your baby moves into toddlerhood, you have more exercise options. Take some time outside to play an energetic game of tag. Turn on some dance music and let loose with your young dance partner. Play hopscotch or jump rope together. Set up an obstacle course in your living room and take turns navigating it. Get out a stop watch and time each other doing sprints up the driveway.

Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure to do it on a regular basis. Not only are you getting the benefit of burning calories and toning your body, but you're teaching your child the importance of making exercise an integral part of everyday life.

About the Author: Lisa Stone, ACE-certified pre- & post-natal fitness specialist, is the creator of Fit For 2, a pre- & post-natal fitness program. She is also the producer of the Fit For 2 Step Aerobic Workout For Pregnancy video. For information on Fit For 2 classes or the video, call 770/509-8078 or check out the Fit For 2 web site at http://www.fitfor2.com.