Stroller Srtides

 I've been so frustrated lately with my after baby body, it's not even funny! Maybe some of you can relate. Recently I started going to a workout group for moms called Stroller Strides by FIT4MOM. It has been so wonderful and encouraging! You get to bring baby with you so there's no excuse not to go. Plus they understand that everyone is at a different workout level and they allow you to really tailor the class to you and your pace. I'm not one who has ever enjoyed working out but let me tell you I actually really enjoy going and being with all the moms. Don't be fooled this is not some easy no sweat workout, I leave every time feeling like I worked my butt off (literally), but for the first time I enjoy doing it!

Click on the link below to see if they have a group in your area.
fit4mom.com

If you live near Fort Collins Check out their Facebook page and come join the fun, your first class is free!
Stroller Strides Fort Collins

xoxo-Tara

Fitness Tips for a Busy Mommy

I don't know about you but I feel like I'm almost constantly in a workout rut of some sort. I enjoy exercising and staying active but with a toddler on the loose sometimes its hard to find the time / energy during the day. Here are some tips for the busy mommy (and woman in general) that I have found help to make working out a habit.

1. Make a goal - if you don't have something to work towards it will be almost impossible to make yourself run/walk/jog those 3 miles, hike that mountain, take a bike ride, etc. Your goal can be to simply enjoy the summer weather or it can be something a little more focused like losing 10 lbs. Whatever you choose for your goal, write it down and hang it somewhere you will notice it throughout the day
2. Make a plan - Use a calendar to plan out your weekly/ monthly workout schedule. It is so much easier to get out the door when you have a plan in place, even if its just a walk around the block!
3. Enlist a friend - exercising is so much more enjoyable and manageable when you have someone to do it with you. A friend will help to keep you motivated on those days when you just don't feel like getting out of bed. I have found that someone other than a spouse works best for a workout buddy. 
4. Find your ideal habitat - Some people feel energized when they exercise outdoors, some prefer a gym, and others prefer to do home workouts. Decide which environment is the best for you and dive in! Take advantage of childcare at the gym or find a time to go when your spouse can watch the kids
5. Start out small - I tend to bite off more than I can chew when I do decide to start working out. This mostly leads to exhaustion and lack of motivation. Starting out small is a good thing. Look back at your goal. If you want to run a half marathon next spring and have never run before maybe start out with some walking or slow jogs. 
6. Don't make your baby an excuse - I tend to make my baby an excuse for why its too hard for me to exercise during the day. Don't do it! It is SO easy to exercise with your baby. Take advantage of nap times to do an online workout or some gentle yoga. If your baby is crying and hasn't been napping, get outside with the stroller and go on a walk/run. If your baby is feeding himself you can even take advantage of meal times to get in a quick workout sesh. If you live close to some good hiking trails, invest in a baby carrier so you can take your little one with you on some hikes
7. Join a group/class! - Gina just started her annual Summer Shape up and it is a great way to meet your fitness goals! She provides weekly workouts, menus, and lots of encouragement along the way. Bonus - all of the workouts can be done at home with just a few props. There are also tons of fun giveaways! Sign up now for great workouts and amazing results. Other groups/classes to consider joining: yoga, barre3, and stroller strides are just a few of the many venues available for staying active.

good luck mamas! 

Teething cures + Baltic Amber teething necklaces

Teething can be an uncomfortable and frustrating time for you and your baby. Here are a few simple things to help with the pain and discomfort

1. Frozen washcloths - just wet a few wash cloths, wring out the excess water, and put each one into an individual bag in the freezer. Your baby will love the soothing effect of the cold ice 
2. Ice cubes/frozen fruit in a mesh teether bag (try bananas)
3. Baltic amber teething necklace - I was skeptical of this at first but after reading reviews online and talking to various friends I decided to order one to give it a try. Lewis started teething very early, at 4 months, and has since been plagued with excessive amounts of drool and discomfort. I was excited to try a more natural approach to curing his pain. After trying it out for a few weeks I wasn't sure that I could tell a difference in his overall mood/drool level so I decided to take it off for a few days. A day or two after I removed it I noticed a marked increase in his drool levels! He even lost his voice for a few days because of all of his drool. Only a few hours after putting his necklace back on his drool cleared up and his temperament improved. I would definitely recommend getting a necklace before turning to medication. It is a safe and natural way to deal with teething discomfort. Many necklaces have breakaway clasps if you are worried about your little one wearing a necklace while sleeping. Lewis doesn't even notice that he is wearing his, it usually just stays underneath his clothing. 

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