Making Working Out Work

Beyond the usual excuses, there are some real reasons that us moms don't work out like we should. Time is in short supply, it's tough to find sitters, and we're reluctant to put our very young children in childcare so we can exercise. But some moms do make taking care of their bodies a priority. We talked with Healthy Moms' Marybeth Winstead to learn just how these moms make working out work.

Make working out a priority.

"The moms that make exercise a priority, usually schedule it like they would a doctor or hair appointment. They write it down on their calendars or program it into their blackberries," says Marybeth. "Once they get on a regular exercise schedule, their bodies crave the activity! When a session is missed, moms have less energy and don't sleep as well."

Exercise with a buddy.

"Many moms find it easier to take a class or exercise with a friend," says Marybeth. "Friends and group classes provide support and encouragement to keep it up!"

Choose a class you can do WITH baby.

"New moms are often nervous about leaving their babies with anyone," reports Marybeth, "even their husbands sometimes! But due to germs and illnesses, they are especially nervous when it comes to leaving them in childcare at gyms. At HealthyMoms they offer classes that new moms can do WITH their babies including Mom&Baby Yoga, Aquamoms & Baby, and PowerStroll circuit interval class. Even if moms can't get out of the house with baby, they can use exercise DVDs while baby naps."

If you don't make exercise a priority, plan to give up your pre-pregnancy jeans. Here are some other repercussions, according to Marybeth.

• You won't sleep as well.
• You won't handle daily stress well.
• You'll have problems with urinary incontinence.