So to help you solve the how-to-get-in-shape-despite-my-busy-life dilemma, we chatted with Lisa Druxman, an expert in pre/postnatal fitness and founder of the mommy-and-me fitness franchise, Stroller Strides. A published author, certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, Lisa is a wife and mother of two who is encouraging other moms to take “me” time. It’s her belief that “fitness will help energize and invigorate women for motherhood.” We couldn’t agree more.

To overcome the challenge of fitting fitness into your day, heed Lisa’s advice. “Fitness does not have to be a traditional hour workout in a gym. Fit it in anywhere–on the playroom floor with baby, lunges in the kitchen, squats while brushing teeth.” And of course, be inspired by Stroller Strides and head outside for a workout with your kiddos. When it comes to healthy eats, Lisa emphasizes preparation. The toned mama suggests having bagged veggies, pre-cooked chicken breast, washed lettuce and more on hand. “Make double batches of healthy meals and freeze half so you are always ready,” she added. “The key to healthy eating is to have lots of healthy choices readily at hand.”

She makes it sound so easy, we know, but it starts with baby steps: some crunches here, 20 lunges there, a game of tag while outside with your kids. Get creative, get inspired, try a Stroller Strides class or simply gather a couple moms and tote your tots together–you’ll get fit, gab with friends and get your kiddo some fresh air … even we can make time for that!

www.strollerstrides.com

photos Lisa Druxman

Editor’s Note:  Join us this month as we take a look back at some of our top posts from the past!

If this seems a little overwhelming to your already packed schedule, there is hope. According to the March 2010 issue of Parents magazine, The International Journal of Obesity reports that women who did three 20-minute sessions of interval training a week lost three times more weight over a four month period than those who worked out at a steady rate for twice as long.

Interval training combines short, intense bursts of exercise with longer, lower intensity recovery periods. Along with the physical benefits, it helps add some variety to your standard workout when it starts to get stale.

Interested in adding a little interval training spice to your workout? Ingrid Marcum, championship bodybuilder and member of the US bobsled team says, “The easiest way that I tell people to do it is to start off at a good pace for 5 minutes. Then take up the intensity on the machine and go as hard and as fast as you possibly can for a minute and then bring it back down for a minute or two — however long it takes for you to recover enough to do it again. Another easy way to introduce yourself to this kind of cardio without killing yourself right off the bat is simply to keep changing your speed and intensity level every two minutes or so — go up and down — challenge yourself.”

Maybe hitting the gym three times a week isn’t for you. Here are a few examples of moderate and vigorous exercises, as categorized by the CDC:

Next time you go out for your morning walk, add several intervals of jogging to help boost your heart rate and challenge your body. If you already jog or ride a bike, add a few hills or sprints to your route for a harder workout. If your weekends include mowing the lawn, pause periodically for a little one-on-one basketball with your kids.

Whatever you choose to do, the key isn’t working out longer, it’s working out smarter. It’s taking the time you carve out for physical activity and making it both more efficient and more effective.

photo istockphoto.com