Mommy & Me

If you’re looking for an educational fitness program for your 2 - 5 year old that makes exercise fun, teaches sound nutrition, and incorporates rest and relaxation, you’ve found the perfect blend.

A variety of supplemental activities are also provided such as recipes, coloring and activity pages, classroom projects, and more.

The best part? Parents are encouraged to
participate WITH their child!  

Six Week Session begins April 1
Thursdays @ 10am
Wacky World Kidz—4234 South Reed Avenue

Register online at
www.mommyandmefitness.us
Space is limited! Register early!

Classes taught by certified and specially trained instructors.

Snow and cold go away!

It is currently -19 with the wind chill and snow is falling. So, going out to exercise is out of the question! You can still get a good workout in, though!

Here is your snow day workout for today:

• Begin with a march
• Speed up to a slow jog
• High Knees for 30 sec.
• Fanny Kickers for 30 sec.
• 50 Jumping Jacks
• 10 Squat-thrusts (Click here for a video example of both beginner & advanced versions)
• Grab that band and anchor under both feet. Do 30 squats with resistance.
• Add a military press to the squat for 20 reps.
• Side step-outs with band. Start with one each side, then two each side, continue up to 10 on each side. Then work your way back down from 10 to 1.
• Bicep curls with band anchored under both feet (only one foot anchor for less resistance). 25 regular curls - 25 upper cuts (each side) - 25 hammer curls - 25 lateral curls
• Overhead tricep extensions - anchor band under foot and keep those elbows close to your head. 25 on each arm
  
• Repeat above sequence, if desired
• ABS: 25 regular crunches, 25 frog crunches, 25 crunches to the right knee, 25 to the left knee
• Stretch

Thank you Sarah Jessica Parker!

This Sunday's Parade had an interview with Sarah Jessica Parker. When asked about balancing motherhood (she has a 7 year old and 6 month old twins), Parker said, "I hear a lot of actresses pretend they don't have help, and that can't be true. It's really unfair to working women in this country who read [celebrity news] and think, Why can't I lose weight when I've had a baby? Well, everyone you're reading about has money for a trainer and a chef. That doesn't make it realistic."
Thank you, thank you, thank you, SJP!!!!! While she references working women, it really is true of all of us "normal" moms that don't have a staff to take care of everything so we can take care of ourselves. Heidi Klum walking the Victoria Secret's runway within weeks of giving birth is NOT normal! Most women are still trying to adjust to the fact that there is a new little person in their house and trying to figure out how to just get their teeth brushed and hair in a ponytail - we don't have someone to tend to the baby at night so we can get a good night's sleep, someone to take care of the baby during the day so we can workout, shower, and get ready, someone to plan and cook our meals, and someone else to take care of the daily errands - grocery shopping, bill paying, etc.
Moms, remember, it took 40 weeks for your body to change into that post-pregnancy body, give yourself at least that long to get it back. This isn't saying that you shouldn't be exercising and eating well as soon as you can, but don't get down on yourself for not looking like the latest celebrity who just had a baby 8 weeks ago. Focus on healthy choices and doing the best for you and your baby.

Stroller Strides Moms Rock!!

I just wanted to give a HUGE shout out to my awesome Stroller Strides mommies! The other day at the mall, the maintenance staff had the ramp blocked and without even a moment's hesitation, the moms started grabbing strollers and carrying them up the steps so we could continue our workout. In fact, I was lagging behind and they had already started this by the time I saw the ramp was closed.

(Note: All lifting was carried out in a very safe manner. There are only 3-4 steps to go up and there were 2-4 moms for each stroller. No children (or mom's backs) were in harm's way!)

Hidden ingredients

I was buying Italian diced tomatoes the other day and decided to look at the ingredients. I was shocked! All but one brand included high fructose corn syrup! I must admit that diced tomatoes are an item I had never thought to read the ingredient list for, I guess I just assumed that they would just contain tomatoes.
I realize that they are not really "hidden" as they are listed right on the label. However, there are items that I am not in the habit of reading the ingredients - items that are considered "one ingredient" items. I also found that certain variety of beans have high fructose corn syrup. Ugh!
So, if you are like me and don't always read every label because you think you know what is in it - be warned and start reading each and every label. Know what you are feeding your family!

My new favorite thing

I just got some Yankz! from Ridge Runner Sports and I love them! They are a lacing system for your shoes where you don't have to tie them. I know, I know, it sounds lazy. However, I am often rushing out the door trying to get myself and two kiddos to Stroller Strides on time and tie my shoes quickly. I grew weary of them either coming untied or staying tied, but not pulled tight enough to keep my foot from slipping.
Yankz! solved all of that. You fit them to your foot once & set it and from then on, you just slip your foot in & out. They are wonderful! If you haven't tried these, I would highly recommend it!

What a bargain!!

My husband & I have been discussing putting our toddler in gymnastics, so I have been researching programs. It seems that the standard rate in this area is $40 per month for one 30 minute class per week. The more I thought about it, the more it made me appreciate Stroller Strides. Don't get me wrong, I have always known how great Stroller Strides is and the great value it is. I love that I get to interact with my children, that they are learning about the importance of exercise and how it is fun, and all the benefits for me! However, I really realized what a bargain it is - $45 per month gives you unlimited classes - which currently is 3 hours per week, with more to come in spring. So, for $5 more a month, a mom gets a great workout and much needed social interaction with other moms PLUS the kiddos get exposed to healthy lifestyles, learning opportunities (right now each Monday Stroller Strides focuses on a letter through song, flashcards, activities, and sign), music (we might not be the best singers, but my toddler knows so many children's songs that he's learned at Stroller Strides), and social interaction with other children about the same age. Not only do you get all of those benefits, it is also 6x's more time for only $5 more monthly. WOW! It really makes me appreciate it more.