fitness friday.

now that we live an hour away from the beach and my parents have a house in the hill country on the frio river, it's inevitable i will be in a bathing suit for a good chunk of the summer. oh, and did i mention we have a three-ring blow up pool in the back yard. yeah, we're big time.

we've already spent a weekend at the river house and i have to say, i felt more comfortable than i thought i would in this post-baby body of mine...and i did end up sporting the bikini. i must say, i kind of rocked it for an almost-thirty-year-old mama. not like when i was honeymooning in jamaica but i'll take it.

i am so thankful for what my body has done for me in giving me my sweet boy but body issues always seem to creep up when i'm in a bikini. last summer wasn't so much of a concern because i was nursing and i was the smallest i have ever been. i actually purchased my first one-piece this year so i can worry more about having fun with my guys than the little bit of belly fat i just can't get rid of. i thought i would hate it but i kind of love it.

superficiality aside, i think it's super important we care for these bodies God gave us. we only have one and we should respect it. and once you get past the hurdle of starting the workout, those endorphins really get you going for the day and improve your mood greatly.

the word and endorphins. i just can't have a good day without those two things.

i recently (as in this past monday) started a new fitness plan to get my booty ready for bathing suit season. as with #shereadstruth, i started a little late but i guess that's just who i am. i'm really liking it, though, and it's something i can do at home. during nap time. those are two requirements for this mama right here.

head on over to fitnessista's page and check it out.

fitness friday.

baby weights = using your baby as weights to take off that baby weight

commercial workout = working out during commercials throughout your favorite shows

yes people, this all sounds like mumbo jumbo. but you have to use what you've got when you're a mama and you're trying to get that leftover baby weight off. and what you've got is a baby and small segments of time here and there.

when you're watching kathie lee and hoda (or whatever hour long show you like), grab your little one and tone that tush. i usually  do one or two leg workouts and an ab workout each morning. make a game out of it by singing, making silly noises, anything to make it fun for your little one. when my little guy gets fussy, sometimes this is the only thing that will get him to calm down. and he thinks it's hi-larious when i count my reps out loud in a silly voice.

let's start with the basics: squats and crunches.

for squats, stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. hold your little one in your arms (you can cradle if you have a tiny baby or face her outward if he has good head control) and slowly squat down, as if you are going to sit in a chair. then slowly return to the starting position. make sure you keep your knees soft and don't let them go past your toes either.

for crunches, lie on the floor, knees bent, with feet flat on the floor. sit your little one on your tummy (depending on how well he sits, you may have to use both hands to hold him or let him lean back on your legs) and bring your shoulders off the ground a few inches. hold for two seconds. slowly return your shoulders to the ground.

PLAN: when a commercial comes on, do 10-15 squats and then immediately do 20-30 crunches (or however many you can do at first, working up to this amount per commercial). when you're done, you should have enough time to gulp some water before your show starts up again and then repeat for the remainder of the commercials making sure to do at least 3 sets. try to fit this in 5 days a week and you will definitely have stronger abs and a more toned tush.

EQUIPMENT: you can do this workout in your pajamas (don't worry, i won't tell anyone ;) ) so all you need is your kiddo.

COST: free!!!

fitness friday.

(on a saturday)

oh the bliss of being able to pull off that extra 40 pounds while you were growing that sweet baby in your belly. but that bump just isn't as cute when it's not a baby bump. so many moms i talk to say one of the biggest reasons they don't feel like themselves after having a baby is the baby weight they just can't get rid of.

every friday i will be sharing with you little things you can do EVERYDAY to get back in shape, regardless of if your baby never naps or if you've only had a few hours of sleep. now keep in mind, these are tips to get fit, not to fit back into your pre-baby jeans. remember, even if you have dropped all of your baby weight, your body has been completely transformed and things may never settle back in the same spot. what is important is that mamas are in the best shape to take care of their little ones.

** most mamas are cleared to start working out 6 weeks postpartum so make sure your doctor gives you the go ahead before you start any fitness routine.

one of the easiest things for a mama to start doing, most often before her 6 week postpartum checkup, is walking. you can do it anywhere, in any weather, with your baby in tow. not only does getting out for a walk get your endorphins up (so you feel amazing), it gets your blood flowing (which gives you energy), and it gives you a little down time from taking care of the little one (usually a walk will calm your little one so it gives you time to at least think).

if my little guy is getting fussy and i'm starting to lose my patience, i just strap him in the stroller and hit the path behind our apartment to give myself some time to think and gather myself. i actually do my best thinking on walks and my little guy is always guaranteed to be happy on walk. in fact, it used to be the only way i could get him to nap so it was a double bonus for me!

and for you baby-wearing mamas, carrying that extra weight when you're walking burns extra calories. score! side note, if you're looking for a recommendation for baby wraps, i highly recommend the sleepy wrap. LOVED IT!

and the locations are endless: parks, malls, target, hiking trails, the list goes on.

PLAN: make walking part of your daily activities. morning and evening are best in the summer to avoid the heat. find a walking buddy to help keep you on track.

EQUIPMENT: loose shorts that won't chafe, a tank that will wick away sweat, a good sports bra, and a good pair of walking shoes

COST: free!