Top 5 Exercises for Stay-at-Home Moms

Having a child is the best experience anyone could go though; but it's also one of the toughest. For stay at home moms, taking the time you need for yourself seems impossible. Naturally we put our children's needs above our own. Sometimes boosting self-confidence is hard when your focus is elsewhere, which is why I am going to bring some helpful advice. For me working out is one of the best ways to relieve stress, stay in shape, and boost energy. Fortunately, these can all be achieved while you're caring for the little ones. For those that can't make it to the gym, take advantage of exercising at home. It can be done, I promise!

First and foremost, write out your goals. Planning a routine is key, and executing your agenda is important. Stick to it! Some days may seem tough, but in the end you'll commend yourself for putting forth the effort because you'll get the results you desire.

Let's Exercise!

Always start off by stretching! I cannot stress to you how important it is. The last thing you want to do is feel more sore even worse pull a muscle.

For some simple stretches go to: http://www.womensheart.org/content/Exercise/stretching_exercise.asp

1. Walking or Running- which ever you prefer, both are fantastic forms of cardio. If you choose to walk, always walk at a fast pace. We aren't strolling through the mall, were boosting our heart rates to burn calories and work our muscles. Flex your rear! When it starts to hurt, think firm because that's what's happening to it!

Choose a fun environment, this will keep the young ones happy and you motivated. Whether it's a park, the beach, or even around the neighborhood, all will keep them satisfied because there will be new stuff to look at. If you are able choose a location that offers steep inclines, take advantage. Hills are the best way to work out your lower body quicker and more effectively. (For me, I drive to the community park and walk the hill located right next to it. Then I make my way down to the beach and back. The whole trip is a couple miles. When were finished, I reward my son by letting him play on the play ground and feeding the ducks. This way you can give to yourself and them.) Look around your town, find your favorite route.

2. Legs- Since you have warmed your body up it's time to work out specific muscle groups. Your legs have just gotten a great work-out, but finish them off by doing a couple sets of lunges and squats. This can be done in the comfort of your own home. To maximize results use a set of 3-8 pound dumbbells (if you can't get them, choose something from around that house that you feel comfortable holding.) Start off slowly. Another great work-out is leg raises, this can be done by lying on your side and lifting your leg. To up the intensity keep it below your shoulders and hold it in place. Flex your foot as well, it helps.

Proper Lunges: Hold two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. Step forward with one leg and lower your upper body down, bending your leg (don't let your knee extend past your toe when lowering.) Keep your legs hip distance apart. Push up and back into standing position. Do this a couple times then switch. Keep your body straight, do not slouch. Have firm control and lower at a slow pace.

Proper Squats: Stand with your feet a little further then hip distance apart. Keep toes pointing forward and lower until your knees are at a 90 degree angle. Lift back up slowly while flexing your rear. Keep your back straight as you lower.

If you have stairs utilize them. Go up and down a couple times until you feel the burn. Concentrate on each movement. You can even stop at the edge of the stair and proceed with calf raises (Stand on your toes and lift yourself, do this in repetitions until you feel the burn.) Once again, flex your butt! You'll achieve a better work-out.

3. Arms- Depending on how much toning you want to do, arms can be done a couple different ways. Try starting off with arm circles. Hold you arms out to the side at shoulder height and proceed with circular motions. You can raise the intensity by making them bigger and smaller. Do this for about a minute or more if you're comfortable. Holding a small weight in both hands is another great way to up the intensity. Start off slow, you don't want to hurt back or shoulders.

Push-ups are known for working out your chest and arms. Although they seem tough at first, they are effective. For females, doing pushups on your knees makes it a little easier. Keep your arms a little further then shoulder length apart, but don't go out to far. Try doing 5-10 at first and see how you like it. If you do not feel comfortable with doing push-ups, you can always use dumbbells. Work-out your biceps and triceps and chest.

4. Abs- Due to the fact that you carried a baby for 9 months, sometimes your belly doesn't want to respond like it used to. For a lot of women it becomes there most troubled area. Don't let it stop you! Start off with some simple abdominal work-outs to help strengthen those muscles again. If you just had a child, take it extremely slow for it's been a while. Start off with sit ups and crunches. Don't push yourself by doing an abdominal workout that can pull too much like butterfly kicks or bicycle. These are simple starters, go at your own pace.

5. Work-out video- There are so many varieties of exercise videos, they are even available on cable TV. If you do not feel comfortable with making your own schedule, or simply can't come up with one that works best for you then purchase a video. I can't tell you how many times I've taken advantage of them. For me personally, it's quick and easy. You'll have a personal trainer on screen for you. I personally enjoy the Quick Fix Video. It's a complete total body workout system for your abs, arms, legs and buns. You have the choice of the Quick Fix Blender which allows you create your own customized routine, or you can just follow along with them. All exercises are 30 min, so when you don't have much time this video is perfect.

Now that we have gone over the different kinds of exercises, I want you all to know that nothing is impossible. Take some time out for you. Remember that you are one hot mama! Feeling sexy doesn't seem to go hand in hand when your changing diapers, but don't allow yourself to become bored with who you are, because you are sexy. Becoming a mother is a major highlight in life. Take the pride you feel as a mom and apply that same amount of pride to your confidence within.