Does this sound like you? Every week you plan to workout, but every week it just slips away. There just never seems to be enough time to do anything between packing lunches, cleaning up spilled milk, driving from one kid’s class to another, and work. By the time you get to the end of your week, your spent and well, another week passed by and few hours were logged at the gym. 

For all the wonderful changes  a child brings to your life (and there are many) there are some things that are just, well, painfully different, such as your body. Getting back in shape is both a test of your multi-tasking abilities and your will. In both my personal and professional life I see so many women who just can’t seem to find the time to workout and they have no idea where to begin. These two obstacles alone are enough to push the task off to another day. It doesn’t have to be that difficult. You just need to think differently.

1. Break it up: A lot of moms think that they might as well not exercise at all if they can’t do it all at once. If the only way you can get cardio and strength training in is to piece it together, then do it. For instance, you might run/walk in the morning, do lunges, squats and core for 15 minutes at lunch, and do some push ups and stretching while watching TV at night.
2. Get your partner involved: Your spouse is most likely as eager to hit the gym as you, so work out a deal. Two days a week you go to the gym after work and two days he goes. Yes, that means you have to do dinner later or someone has to get up earlier and man the a.m. hours, but it’s important “me” time for both of you that will also teach your children through example that fitness is important. 
3. Schedule it: Think of exercise as you would brushing your teeth or taking your vitamins. It’s just something you do everyday for your health. Put a note in your Crackberry, on your refrigerator or on your mirror so that you remember to do it. 
4. Be realistic: I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you need to do it everyday. That’s not possible. Start with a goal, create a plan that works with your schedule, post the plan EVERYWHERE and then go with it. If all you can really do in a week is 20 minutes three times a week, then start there. 
5. Start small: Don’t create a plan that is so elaborate and time intensive that you can’t complete it. Failure is the biggest reason people don’t continue with a program. 
6. Incorporate your child: Most people think that to workout they have to leave the child behind. I say, no, include the kid. There are so many things you can do with a child from age 6-weeks-old to the teen years. You just have to be patient, realize that your efforts may be interrupted and make it fun for them. I saw a woman running with her 3-year-old the other day. The kid was on a bike and she was running next to him. I thought that was brilliant. She says that she runs three miles while he bikes and everybody is happy. I’ve sketched out some workouts below that can be done in your backyard or even your living room. Most gyms also have daycare for kids starting at age six months. 
7. Multi-task: Plan your weekend family events around exercise. For instance, instead of hanging out in a crowded museum, head out for a hike or run. Deer Hollow Farms in Rancho San Antonio is an awesome place with something for the whole family: a small farm (full of animals) and miles of hiking trails. You can also try Vasona Park in Los Gatos, where you’ll find a great park with a steam engine and carousel and miles of hiking and running paths. Or, in summer months, head to a community pool with lap lanes. Your spouse can watch the kids while you swim laps and then you can switch.