You're already doing it!

Almost everything I see online these days has to do with exercising and getting in shape as we start this new year. But the truth of the matter is, as moms we don't always have time to do the things that are suggested. Or, if we are pregnant, we don't have a ton of energy or are limited in what we can do.

So if you are feeling bad that you aren't able to get to the gym to burn some calories, or if you want to feel better knowing that you are already doing "simple" things right at home that are burning calories, here's a list for you:

Vacuuming -- 25 minutes of vacuuming around your home will burn just about 100 calories.

Gardening -- Like to garden? It's the digging and raking that will reap the most fitness benefits. These are the bigger calorie burners when it comes to gardening. In fact, you can burn up to 100 in just 15 minutes with these movements.

Dancing -- 20 minutes of dancing at a moderate pace will burn 100 calories.

My son loves to have dance parties during the day. It's an easy, fun way to do it while playing and interacting with your kids. Even as a baby, he loved when I'd hold him and dance around the room with him.

Ironing clothes -- If you have to do it for the whole family you might as well know the calories you're burning. Just a bit more than 100 calories in 25 minutes. (Hopefully my husband doesn't read this or he'll try to use it as motivation to get me to iron his work shirts!)

Housework -- Vigorous housework for 20 minutes will burn a little more than 100 calories. You have to do it, so why not make it count?

Stand up! Don't sit when you can be on your feet-you'll burn about 40% more calories. So just take a stand-when you're on the phone, watching kids at the playground, making small talk at a party.

Pushing baby stroller -- Pushing a stroller burns approximately 60 calories in 20 minutes. No problem, two nice and easy 20-minute strolls per day will get the job done without even breaking a sweat.

And might I add, from my own experience, pushing a stroller with a flat tire--most definitely will help you burn more calories. I wouldn't suggest doing it if you just want a nice leisurely walk, but if it happens on accident, you have to look at the bright side, right?

Laugh: Watch something that's consistently funny and you could burn about 40 calories if you guffaw for 10 to 15 minutes straight.

Now, don't you feel better??

**list compiled from articles on ediets.com and shine.yahoo.com

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Prenatal exercise: If I can do it, anyone can!

One thing you will probably never hear me say is "I LOVE exercising!" Not because I don't exercise, but because I just don't have a love for it. For me, exercise is a way to fulfill my desire to try to be healthy. And since having children, it has become a bit of an escape.

When I was pregnant I would exercise because I'm convinced that the professionals are right, that it will help me have endurance and strength for labor.

I am now the proud owner of 3 prenatal exercise DVDs. And if I can actually get myself together to do some kind of physical activity during pregnancy, you can, too! And if you have just one workout routine and are getting bored and losing the desire to do it, try getting a couple more so you can mix things up.

The first one is Prenatal Yoga With Shiva Rea. I know there are some people who don't really consider yoga a good work out, but it is!!! This one isn't as intense as others, but this was the only exercise I did with my first pregnancy and I know it helped during labor. There are 3 different levels for each trimester, and you will need a yoga block and yoga strap for the second and third trimester. (Unless you are super yoga woman, which I am not. And perhaps if you don't gain over 50 lbs like I did, you won't need them either. In which case, GO YOU!)
You can buy Prenatal Yoga With Shiva Rea here for only $5.69.


The second two DVDs I got at the end of my second trimester with my second pregnancy (I get bored doing the same thing, so I needed some more to mix things up) and I really wish I had them sooner.

Denise Austin: Fit & Firm Pregnancy was better than I expected. (Confession: the way Denise Austin talks drives me up the wall. But the workouts were worth it.) It has different segments which are Breathing and Core Awareness, Cardio Workout, 1st - 2nd Trimester Toning, 3rd Trimester Toning, and a bonus Post Bounce-Back Workout. This DVD left me feeling like I was really getting a good workout. You can get it here for $8.86.





The final DVD is Summer Sanders' Prenatal Workout. And let me tell you, it is a workout!!! At least that is my opinion. I was exercising regularly before I started doing this video and still found it quite challenging. There are workouts for each trimester, and you can choose to do the full length workout or an express workout. You will also need resistance bands for this one. If you only get one of these that I have mentioned, I hate to pass up yoga, but this would be the one. You can get it here for $11.96.






Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before doing any of these workouts to make sure it's safe for your pregnancy. And whatever exercise you choose to do is good. If you have any suggestions of ones you've tried and like, we'd love to hear about them! I know next time around I could use even more variety.

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