Fitness Tips for Busy Thirty-Something Moms

For many women, the thirties are the busiest time of life. Pregnancy, raising children and juggling career and family leaves little energy for fitness. Here are exercise tips for thirty-something women.

Play with children - I struggled with weight as a teen. As an adult I had no trouble staying fit, however. Even after birthing my children, I had no trouble shedding baby fat. Why? Because I was so busy chasing kids. Take your children to the playground, beach, pool, ball field and sled hill. Play with them. If you don't have children, volunteer as a coach. Apply to teach dance, swimming or organized games. You'll get a great free workout.

Walk the dog and the children - I have friends who make time to walk the dog together every evening. This provides bonding time for busy parents. Got little ones? Get a jogging stroller or a baby sling. I logged many miles with a child in the sling.

Invest in bikes for the family - We had four children. One of our favorite family activities was our evening bike ride. The youngest rode in the bike seat, the second youngest rode on a tag-along child's bike attached to my bike. the older children rode their bikes. Got two little ones? Put a bike seat on both adult bikes. We rode with one parent in the front and the other in back, with children between us.

Enjoy community bike paths - Many communities are building bike paths. In our area, we could ride all the way around Spring Lake on a bike path. No bike paths in your town? Look for a community park, mobile home park, nature preserve, condo or apartment complex or subdivision. Typically, these secluded locations have lower speed limits and are safer for moms with kids.

Sign up for family sports and exercise programs - Working moms don't need another big monthly bill, like YMCA, gym or fitness club membership. You can apply for a low-income scholarship. Community recreation departments offer inexpensive sports, classes and exercise programs. These are priced far less than athletic clubs. Look for community free days. These places offer scholarships for families who can't afford it.

Skip the video games and invest in family exercise memberships - Instead of spending money on that new game console or latest game, save the money and buy a gym or water park membership. I don't advocate families spending big money on gaming systems. If you absolutely have to play video games, get a fitness gaming platform.

Pick up an inexpensive exercise machine. One of the reasons most moms can't exercise more is that they can't get out of the house. An exercise bike or multi-use fitness machine provides a great at-home workout. Check Ebay, Amazon or Craigslist for great prices on inexpensive, secondhand machines.

Do Pilates and yoga as a family - Yoga and Pilates are excellent family-friendly exercise. No time for yoga classes? Pick up a cheap DVD. Secondhand stores sell exercise videos.

Take advantage of free online exercise programs.

Jack Lalanne

Exercise TV

Spark People

Workoutz

Physical Fit Net