Shape up Mama!

Do you know Google Pedometer?

I love this Google innovation! It allows you to zero in on your city, neighborhood, or vacation spot, draw a route, calculate the distance, and then save it!

I discovered this site during my maternity leave, and it allowed me to explore different areas of my neighborhood, and know exactly how much distance I had covered. I live in an area that has multiple adjacent subdivisions. It's fun to explore and look at the different houses, but (a) I have a terrible sense of direction, and (b) with a tiny new chippamunk, I never wanted to be super far from home base.

So enter Google pedometer! Each morning, I'd plot a circuitous, multi-mile walk in our neighborhood, print out the map, and stuff it in the stroller. I got lots of exercise, and I never got lost!

Now go outside!
Anna

Shape up Mama!

My new favorite fitness video is Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. It's a less than 30 minute workout that combines toning, cardio, and ab-work in a circuit style. These are simple, no nonsense moves; I'm talking jumping jacks, lunges, military presses and running in place. There are three different workouts on the video.

You do 3 minutes of toning (light handweights are needed), 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abwork. You repeat this circuit three times. It is a great workout, and it is very easy to fit in while your little chippamunk is napping. Really, no excuses!

Now if you don't care for Jillian's in-your-face style on her show, The Biggest Loser, don't discount this tape. She's actually pretty chill -- it's like working out with a really athletic girlfriend at the gym. And the two other gals on the tape are quite inspiring to look at, in a Greek goddess/athleta sort of way, not a starved supermodel way.

Some extra cardio (and a healthy diet) will still be needed to shed those extra pounds, but this is a workout you can do everyday. It gets you moving, meets your basic toning needs, and you feel great because you worked out!

Now go outside! (after you do this workout)
Anna