FITNESS: Solutions for busy moms

"I don't even know what to do in a workout."
Mom Squad fix: There are three main components to getting fit (don't worry, you don't have to do them all every day!), says fitness expert Sharon Monplaisir:

Stretching
How: Think body parts (thighs, calves, arms, back, hips), and hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
When: Always after cardio, and every day if you can.
Why: Stay injury-free and improve your mobility.

Cardio
How: Walk, run, bike, jump rope, hopscotch, whatever makes you happy (or least miserable!).
When: Try to work up to 30 minutes of heart pumping a few times a week (and, if you can swing it, one longer effort -- like an hour -- once a week).
Why: Burn those calories! Plus, it's a great mood booster.

Strengthening
How: Monplaisir likes elastic resistance bands (like the one from SPRI) for strength training: all the benefits, no heavy weights.
When: Three days a week after cardio (but never two days in a row).
Why: Intensify your calorie-burning.

"I can't get to a gym."
Mom Squad fix: You don't need to! Walking or jogging outside is one of the best ways to work out. If, as for Florida-based Conklin, it's too hot (or too cold) where you live, try fitness DVDs or a treadmill (see the one Monplaisir picked for Conklin). The key is giving yourself a block of time.

"I lose steam after a week or so."
Mom Squad fix: Thinking "I'll try to work out this week" makes it easy to skip it. Better: Create small, specific goals ("Walk thirty minutes on Saturday") and avoid the general, daunting ones ("Work out more and lose ten pounds"). See Monplaisir's schedule for Conklin at Parenting.com/momsquad, and then write down a week's worth of workouts. (Be sure to include days that say "No workout!")