I can't exercise: I have kids

Hop-scotch is a great kid-friendly exercise for moms.Credit: morguefile.com/kakisky, morguefile.com

With four children running around the house all summer, I am constantly aware of my motherly duties. Child one wants to play outside while child two is reading quietly. Child three wants to play video games in the living room and child four is hungry and thirsty. With a constant stream of "Mommy, mommy, mommy," how am I ever supposed to find time to exercise? The key with one, four or ten children is to dedicate time to exercise just as you would any other activity.

Make workouts kid-friendly and take your little ones along. Moms with small children often have the hardest time taking a few spare moments for a quick workout. Instead of putting off daily exercise, create kid-friendly workouts and take the kids along for the ride. Basketball, hop-scotch, swimming and bike riding are fantastic choices for kid-friendly exercise. Just because the kids are exercising with mom does not mean she cannot work up a sweat. Shoot more, jump higher, swim faster and ride circles around your children and keep that heart pumping.

Step out at night when dad is home. After dinner and baths are complete, mom can quietly slip out the front door for a quiet walk or run to gather her thoughts and get in exercise without the kids. If time is pressed, or guilt is a major factor keeping you from leaving the house, try for 10 or 15 minutes at first. As the guilt fades or more free time surfaces, increase exercise time to 30 or 45 minutes.

Plan a mommy group with friends and family who have kids. You are not the only mother in the neighborhood with children at home. Chances are another mother in the local area is feeling the same way about exercising with kids. Research a local mommy's group or ask friends if they would like to plan a daily mommy workout session. Hold the workout at a nearby park so the location is convenient to everyone and the kids have something to do while mom gets her workout on.

Plan a babysitting exchange program. If local moms do not have free time at the same time you do, discuss a babysitting exchange program. One mother watches children during workout time in the morning and the other mom watches children in the evening during workout time. Variations on the babysitting exchange program include switching every other day or weekly, as schedule permit.

There is no excuse not to get in a little exercise each day. Children need exercise just as much as moms, so take them outside, dance around the living room or make some guilt-free time by calling in a few favors. Exercise builds bone density, improves sleep and makes for a happier mom.