As a mom, you’d think running around after your kids all day, picking them up from school and carting them to and from activities would burn a ton of calories, right? Unfortunately, for most busy moms, day-to-day activity just isn’t enough to keep the pounds off and stay in shape. And with such a chaotic schedule, it can be hard to find the time – or energy – to commit to a fitness regimen.

That’s why the growing trend of women-targeted niche gyms is a blessing for moms everywhere. And with your New Year’s resolution to get back in shape still fresh in your memory, now is the perfect time to get started on a fitness and nutrition regimen that you can actually fit into your life.

Suzanne Rich, manager of Get In Shape For Women in Warren, a local women-only gym that offers small-group personal training and nutrition consultation, has some helpful insider tips for sticking to your New Year’s resolution and getting back on the fitness wagon. Even if your time is limited, some simple changes can help you incorporate exercise into your daily routine and encourage the whole family to make healthy choices.

• Incorporate workouts into your existing tasks. Activities like cleaning the house and walking the dog already get your body moving and your heart pumping. Step up the intensity to make it even more beneficial – exercises like squats and jumping jacks don’t require any special equipment and you can do short sets in between chores. When walking the dog, pick up the pace or incorporate short jogging intervals – it’s good for both of you!
• Get active as a family. Sure, it’s cold now, but as spring blooms and the weather warms up, why not take the kids to the park instead of playing at home? Run around the playground or push them on the swing – it’s a way to get the whole family moving. Or, take a family trip on the weekends – or just explore new places in your own hometown! Take a hike or go skiing or snowboarding for an invigorating weekend and a chance to bond with your kids.
• Encourage healthy food choices. When your schedule is hectic and you barely have time to breathe, it’s often all too easy to choose fast food or quick meals that may not be nutritionally sound, but it only takes a few more minutes to make much smarter selections. Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean protein – grilled, not fried – to cut calories and fill you up with wholesome nutrients. Healthy snacks like cut-up veggies, whole-grain crackers and tasty dips like protein-packed hummus will keep you full between meals and reduce temptation for fattening sweets. If you’re short on time, prepare meals and snacks on the weekend and keep them in the fridge or freezer for easy access all week. And don’t forget to drink water! In addition to being calorie-free, water helps flush out toxins and fills you up.
• Get outside help. For many women, the best source of help comes from outside. Hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym and attending some workout classes may provide you with the external motivation you need to get back in shape. It can be highly beneficial to be surrounded by like-minded women – why not bring a friend along for the ride? Personal trainers are a solid choice because they know your personal goals and can customize a fitness regimen just for you. Plus, unlike classes at big-box gyms, trainers can accommodate your busy schedule and hold you accountable to help you meet your goals.

To help women learn more about their fitness options, Get In Shape For Women, located at 9 Mount Bethel Rd. in Warren, will host an open house on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1-3 p.m. At the event, which will feature refreshments, raffles and giveaways, visitors can learn more about the studio and sign up to receive $100 off their program.

Suzanne Rich is the manager of Get In Shape For Women, located at 9 Mount Bethel Rd in Warren, N.J. Get In Shape For Women offers small-group, personal training for women in a private, upscale studio. Clients experience weight training, cardio, nutrition support and accountability for a complete fitness program for women. For more information, visit www.getinshapeforwomen.com or contact Suzanne at (908) 834-8240.


One lucky Macaroni Kid Warren subscriber will win an amazing prize from Get In Shape For Women in Warren - a 4-pack of Personal Training Sessions including Nutrition, a protein shake and a protein bar!  To enter, leave a comment below telling us how your family gets exercise together! 

YOU MUST BE A MACKID WARREN SUBSCRIBER TO WIN!  One entry per subscriber, all entries must be received by 11:59pm on Jan. 22, 2013.  Winners will be chosen by random.org based on comment number and announced on Jan. 23, 2013.  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AS OF JAN. 9, 2013 AND A LEGAL RESIDENT OF AND CURRENTLY RESIDING IN ONE OF THE FIFTY (50) UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.  CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RULES.

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