Staying (getting) in shape

Since mothers of young children are usually on-call all day, it's sometimes difficult to find time for exercise. I never could figure out how to get to the gym or go walking without getting up at 4 a.m. or staying up until midnight. That's what I do, of course. I have finally joined a gym and I go at 9 p.m. every night. I tried doing it the morning but it was just too much. If you don't want to go to the gym though, there are a few creative alternatives you could consider.

• Watch your children and do what they do - children are in constant movement; wiggling, bouncing, climbing, rolling, lifting their legs, bending, swaying.
• Do an exercise video or DVD with your child. If he/she is cooperative, you can do something like yoga or Taibo together. Your child might get a kick out of it.
• Chase after a ball or play on the playground with your child.
• Play games like tag or follow the leader, or dance to a CD in the living room

The only rule about losing weight and staying in shape is; if you use more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. You might as well have fun while you're at it!