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Lisa, as imperfect as we all are, if you worry and stress the need to take care of yourself we are that much more behind in getting started.
Accepting that you have to do something is the first step, next is just do it. You don't have to train for a triathalon or ride a century ride. Just to go out everyday and just walk for 15 minutes, play with your kids (that can be a workout) or make a point of once a month go somewhere and hike small and big places with just you and hubby or the whole family, when six months has pasth you will notice how much more time you have re arranging and didin't event realize it. Breath and tomorrow move.

Lisa, it seems to me that your main problem may be that you'r thinking of taking care of yourself as something that would require a near-overhaul of your daily schedule. It can be very simple, by breaking it down into easy-to-swallow steps.
First, do 15 minutes of vigorous excercise in the morning, and then 15 minutes of vigorous excercise in the afternoon or evening (or more if you have time, but you probably don't). By vigorous, I mean make yourself sweat! Also, be taking a multi-vitamin (if you're not already) to get your daily nutrients. Have fresh fruit and veggies as snacks and meals as often as possible - they're so quick, all you do is peel and eat!
Maybe this will help get you started! Good luck!

Take good care of yourself.

Fix your feet before they get infected. After warm night time shower (close the drain), towel off your feet, apply your favorite goo and then put on sox. Problem solved in two applications usually.

Do whatever you need to do.

Remember it's your job to raise self-sufficient kids, not to do everything for them. Train them to get up in the morning all by themselves. The consequences in real-life can be quite harsh if they don't learn this now. If they can't finish homework, let them NOT do it, esp. when they are in the primary grades, but help them learn now to schedule their own work. Trade off: while I help you with your spelling words or multiplication tables, we can do it together while you sort clean silverware back into the drawer.

I struggled with this question as most moms do. I just had my third and last baby. My body is finally mine again since 2002 and I am fighting to reclaim it through weightloss and exercise. I never buy myself new shoes so my socks are wet in the rain, my hair is always in a bun, my clothes don't follow trends so I don't have to keep up, but my body is all mine and I decided to make time for it. It does mean losing some of my down time during naps or whenever I fit it in, but my husband is supportive(as well as inspired) and takes over so I can go to a weight watchers meeting. More importantly, I realized the other day while my 4 yr old was doing pilates with me that I am passing on an important message about exercise, self esteem, and commitment to my kids. And I tell them that this is MY time and they get it.

You can write, read and think while getting a pedicure, highlights or massage. Don't be mean to yourself. Not only do you deserve it, but it is your obligation to keep your body (and soul) in good working order so it can continue to serve those whom you love.

Late one night about six months ago, I saw a character on a tv show get into bed, sit up, pull out a bottle of hand cream and slather herself before getting back under the covers. Now, I make it a point to do exactly the same thing every night. You could do that to your feet... it takes 3 weeks to make it a habit, so put a bottle near your bed, and go for it. Even something that simple is one way of taking care of you.

Also, and I don't know if this would help you or not, but I put the Tae Bo tape on and let the kids do the workout with me. Maybe that would be helpful for you too.

I feel the pressure more than ever. I'm 36 years old and more than get into shape I want to get healthy. Two years ago my 34-year old husband survived a stroke and in the last two years my two brothers and father have been diagnosed with diabetes. I've learned how important my health is to my husband and children.

Lisa - you only get one body in this lifetime, and if you take care of it, it will let you take care of others. IT only requires a bit of daily care - a little exercise and some quality nutritious foods (fruits/veg/water and all things in moderation). Carve the time out of your day to devote to yourself/your body and you'll have more energy and enthusiasm to share with your family. Good luck. Now get started. One step at a time.

to quote FLYLady, "You can do anything for 15 minutes!" Just take 15 minutes each day to take care of yourself. It doesn't even have to be a full 15 minutes at one time. Take 5 three minute increments to bless yourself, or 3 five minute increments. You must remember that before you were a wife and a mother, there was a woman first. A burned out candle doesn't illuminate a single thing. Likewise a burned out wife and mother doesn't produce anything positive for her family. Your husband will want to dance with you later, not sand your feet for you so they fit into the dancing shoes.

Lisa, I'll hang out with you any time! You have a great sense of humor. Don't *work* on your body, *play* with it. That way, your daily activity becomes a de-stressor. As does playing with makeup (you look great in the photos).

Lisa, I'll hang out with you any time! You have a great sense of humor. Don't *work* on your body, *play* with it. That way, your daily activity becomes a de-stressor. As does playing with makeup (you look great in the photos).

Lisa,
It was so wonderful to "meet" another mom of 4! I have the exact opposite of you and approx. the same ages. I'll tell you that I found your interview while sitting in a waiting room and couldn't help but laugh at the wonderful responses! I had crayons and tempers flying and your real simple answers to simple questions were a great relief.

I thought the Jacuzzi input was fabulous and totally agree. We just moved into a house that has one in it's master bath and it has been a total joy.

The exercise question I answer totally differently. I hate my husband seeing me exercise! I get very embarrassed and would rather do it while he's at work or late at night if it gets done at all. I would rather him think (even if wrong) that I still have this great body than to actually show off that I don't! Really, I do things like tightening butt/thighs while driving and working on my stomach muscles too. A few plies when I think about it for leg lengthening and that's about all unless I get really motivated to go on the treadmill and do crunches. Lately, I'm getting motivated!

Well, my one question to you is about your work. The article only mentioned that you write. What exactly do you write? Articles, a book, what? I don't work but instead homeschool two of the four kids. Believe me, that feels like work! I do love having them home more and able to interact with all of the other siblings.

That's all for now! It would be great to hear back from you if that is an option with your time restraints!

Sincerely,
Tori Wilson

My advice to Lisa is, try working out in the morning. Also, think of working out as a way of getting healthy instead of losing weight. I work out five times a day at 6am before my three year old gets up, which is usually between 6:30am and 6:45am. I absolutely dread waking up to work out and quite frankly, am one of the laziest people I know when it comes to getting in shape...I have every excuse in the world. I've had high cholesterol for years and when my Dad had major surgery a couple of years ago, it was a red flag for me and knew I had to do something about it. Anyway, after my last physical I found out that I now have normal cholesterol and my doctor said it was because I did cardio in the morning and that working out three times a week has the same results as taking medication to lower cholesterol. I now have a different reason to work out, to keep me healthy and ensure I'm here to enjoy as much as life has to offer. The great thing about waking up early is you get the work-out over with and it starts your day off right, I find I will eat better if I've worked out. Anyway, hope this helps and my hat goes off to you for raising four children...you must be a saint!

Hi Lisa, you look great in your pictures and I'm sure your family views you as the goddess you are. However, the best thing you can do for your children is to set an example of self-care. They can play near you and you can still be with them and do things for yourself. Perhaps, wash your face and moisturize, brush your teeth, put some heel cream (try Jessica's Zen Pedicure Heel Cream, every night with some cotton socks) and put on your comfiest PJs...BEFORE your nightly mommy duties. Let your kids see you caring for yourself--don't wait 'til they're in bed--and they'll see how important it is. Let your husband see you treat yourself like gold and he'll follow your lead. You don't need to go on a huge campaign. Just make a commitment to do something each day to to take care of yourself...the effects are cumulative. More on your heels: a foot file is great. Keep it near the the shower and file the rough spots while you're dry, then do it again while wet if time (the dry filling will make the most impact).

Hi Lisa,
We often get into the habit of thinking that whatever makes us stressed out is out of our control, that we are helpless in the face of demands - but it is not so. It is in our power to change, if not our commitments, then our attitude towards them. Being too busy, all too often makes us stressed and ill.
Balance isn't just a buzzword, it's a human essential. You need to organize your time and priorities in ways that work for you, and not give in to imposing external influences.
You ask if it's worth the added stress. I can assure you from my personal experience, that if you don't make the time now to take care of your body, the stress will come when the damage is already done. I only wish I had the wherewithal at your age to even ask this question. Don't wait for a major crisis before stepping
back and assessing your
priorities.
I wish you the best and trust you will make the right decision.

Hi Lisa,
I'm on the other end of parenting now as my children are now 18 and 20 and I remember well the days when my children were younger. My friends would all tell you that I always championed taking time for yourself.
I would not worry so much about your "body" but rather taking time for yourself to stay healthy. Time for exercise is time for you in many ways. It is time for you to rejuvinate. You need rejuvination, take care of self time to be the best parent you can be. Exercise is also an investment in your future and your children's future. Health is not something you can put off until later, it is something that needs to be banked now.
Lastly, exercise will decrease your stress. It takes time to build it into your schedule however it is worth every minute you give it!
Best of luck!
Clare

I can relate to you, LIsa. I know exercise is important but I also know getting to it is a stress point and doesn't stress add to belly fat anyway! So, I try to run up my stairs when I need something instead of dragging myself up them. I try to play with my kids for a few minutes - it makes them happy. To exercise like most of the people who responded is not a reality for me. There is always someone else who needs one more thing from me. I want to look well - I too am a mom to 4. Mine are a bit older than yours but they don't get less demanding with age. Their activities have increased requiring more of my time. Plus, 3 of mine are girls and I don't want them to get the "Hollywood" message that only a size 2 or 4 is worthy of being alive. I want them to know that the goal is to be healthy and balanced. I hope when all mine are finally in school for the day I can schedule me time on a regular basis. Until then, I exercise when I can, I try to get exercise in the housework that always needs done and try not to stress out about it. My priority is my family - even my husband counts. My children will only be at home with us for a short while and I want them to look back and remember a home filled with fondness for each other and time together. I don't think they will look back and regret the fun we had together and wish for a more svelte mom. For the record - my girls think I look good for a 40+ mom. It is my recollection of being a size 8 that makes me want to exercise for an hour and lose weight. So, I'm still struggling to be content with my 40+ body, knowing I don't have the time it would take to get it back to it's 25 year old shape.

who cares...i just want to meet her to tell her how much i laughed at her answers and that she just made me crack up and smile...i think she has to be a wonderful person and i wished in october when i was in lancaster ohio i could have found lisa and met her and had coffee or tiried to have coffee and chased her kids around asking them to be quiet "just for a second..."
lisa i wish i could give you the time and the inspiration - it will come to you when there is the opportunity...you get your exercise chasing the kids and doing the housework - it just is not in the conformist way...thank you thank you for making me smile this morning and laugh...and call me for coffee when you have a moment...

The comments below seem insensitive to the finances of most of the families I know. I certainly can't afford an elliptical trainer, a personal trainer or a gym with a sitter. All that stuff sounds anti-fun anyway. I wouldn't have the energy for elliptical nothin', even if my day in the real world was easy.

I like the idea of exercising with the kids. Maybe there is an outdoor sport you could pick up together, like cycling or hiking/orienteering. You could start with backpack picnics in the country roads near Medina. Hit the Cuyahoga for countless adventures on the weekends! Teach your kids outdoor rec, and you will definitely be the cool mom. Experiencing nature also would be more educational than a lot of school stuff and more engaging than obnoxious pee wee sports.

If your kids are too little to manage on outings, maybe you can find a buddy to help you stick to some other goal you can be proud of, like a half-marathon or something. It's fun to watch yourself get better and better at something.

Whatever exercise you can choose, make it fun for yourself. That way you can see it as an indulgence or a chance to impress YOURSELF -- and not just a wifely duty. It definitely should not be stressful or burdensome. Meanwhile, insist your husband is doing his fair share of household work if he's going to criticize your feet. Also, don't let him call the shots for your project. If you start taking the kids to the Cuyahoga on weekends, he's gonna want to pick the trail, decide who carries what, hold the compass and drive there. Let him come along if he wants, but make sure he understands it's YOUR thing.

I thought you looked very pretty in the pictures in the magazine.

To Lisa, re. getting in shape. Lisa, think of it as giving yourself something and taking care of your heath. You're still young (32). I'm 54 and look good and feel good. EXERCISE and MOISTURIZE (spf on face). No kidding. Take care of yourself, no one else will. Join a gym with a childcare center or get a sitter or whatever. You're smart, you'll figure it out. I read while I'm on the Elliptical Trainer. No cell phone, no interruptions.
Best of luck, Susan

Your dilemma touches me. I too have found myself struggling to make time to take care of myself firs, as a newly married, forty-ish woman without no children. I'm sure you're having a challenge since you are married and have children to raise. I believe that as women we are conditioned somehow to care for everything concerning our families and homes before we care for ourselves. It seems backwards in that if we allow ourselves to get run down or burnt out or ill, who then takes care of our family? I've observed that many women who are happiest with ourselves find ways to care for our own health and well-being and pamper ourselves when possible. I am disciplining myself now to get out of the house and into the gym and work on my personal health and fitness goals, regardless of any household turmoil. I feel good when I do it because I'm honoring a commitment to myself, and both I and my husband like the physical and mental results.
For you I'd say to please remember that you only get one body -- you (and your family) only get one you. It is crucial for you to get your body fit while youth and time are on your side because your longterm health and quality of life depend on it. Do you want to dance at your children's weddings? Play with your grandchildren? Would you want to spend valuable time and money being treated for high blood pressure or heart disease when you could be traveling with your husband in ten years? Those are the questions that you should think about, and the answers will show you your priorities. Presenting your best self to your family will most likely help them be at their best and teach your children to value their own health, and good health is a blessing that we cannot afford to take for granted. Many wealthy people who are ill would give their wealth away to only be healthy and strong again. I only wish that my own mother would have valued her health more than she did twenty years ago, and that she would have made time to excercise and reduce her stress level. She is now a recovering stroke victim in nursing care at 76 years old, taking physical therapy and medications to treat her long term high blood pressure. I don't know when or if she'll be strong enough to travel the miles to visit me in my home or let me take her on a trip.
Perhaps your husband can help you set and stick to some personal care and fitness goals. He could give you personal training sessions as a gift, and stay home with the children while you go out and use the gift. He might also do the same for spa pedicures, massages, and beauty salon sessions for you. Perhaps if you take the initiative to do these things for yourself he'll be an enthusiastic supporter and do all that he can to help you manage your time. That way you and your family would have a better you to count on.

Lisa,

I've never responded to one of these~ this is cool!

First, your family is gorgeous! Second, your dilema is all to familiar to any mom/wife. I have 3 teenage daughters, ages 18, 16 adn 16(twins!) and I still wrestle with the "where do I make time for me?" question. We too own our own business, which I think makes it even harder! But one thing I know for sure is(isn't that an Oprah thing?) is that when I do carve out a little time for me-whether it's to walk the dogs, go to yoga, paint my toes or lunch with a dear friend- I am a BETTER mom and wife than the days I don't take time out. When our kids were younger, like yours are now, my husband I traded off so that we each got a little "me" time every day~ I'd go for a run in the am, before the kids were up and he'd go before dinner. We rarely got to exercise together, but we gave each the the break to do it alone.One of the happiest days was when our oldest daughter was of legal age(12 in our state) to babysit, because that meant we could both go for a run together, while she was in charge for an hour! And believe me that day will be there in a blink.

So, I guess my advice is carve out whatever time you can each day to do something meaningful for yourself......one day it might be a walk, another giving yourself that pedicure(nothing is better than looking down at pretty, painted toes!) another a bubble bath. Try not to put the focus on exercise, because some days you might need emional/spiritual nurturing more than the physical. Balance it out adn listen to your inner needs.

I always joke with my husband that "a happy wife is a good wife". But there's some truth to that. I can't be the best to anyone else unless I am giving that to myself first. And that's NOT selfish!

I wish you well in your journey and hope something in my babble helps.

Blessings,
Lisbeth LaBellarte

I had the exact same epiphany minus the children but owned a small PR firm that was growing quickly and so was my waistline. My body was a mess, hair cut? Just throw my hair into a bun, makeup was a quick 5 minutes in the car and my weight skyrocketed, 20 pounds turned into 40 pounds very very quickly! After speaking to my husband candidly about everything…even my self esteem I decided it was my turn. Sold my company and applied for my dream job and I am now working for an amazing non-profit. Hired a personal trainer, a housekeeper and I now take weekends off exploring Colorado with my husband and our two dogs. It took me over four months and I am still struggling to leave the office or housework and do something for me. I have scheduled in ‘me’ time three times a week on my physical schedule. So far I have learned to knit and swim underwater without holding my nose! My advice is just breathe and you are worth it…we all are!

I'm a 68 yr old woman who has never exercized, never dieted and never used beauty products. As a matter of fact, I now believe that all those things negatively affect your joints and internal organs...chemically treat your skin and increase aging and take valuable time away from the real meaning of life.I do eat well and get plenty of sleep and being happy means everything. Physical beauty is a very shallow goal and Hollywood sets the standards. Lest you wonder..I'm 5'3" and weigh about 145lbs...I'm not sure as I have never owned a scale. Your husband could give you a warm,scented- oil foot rub every night instead of criticizing.Though you are justifiably tired at the end of each day....value your time of contemplation in this fast-paced world today.You're wiser for it!

HI Lisa - as a mom myself and also a full time career woman, I can relate to your problem with lack of time for working out. However, I also wanted to mention the fact that exercise is not only doing things physically for your outward appearance, it is doing loads more for your health and mental function. One thing I have learned about mother hood is that WE need to take care of ourselves and not always focus upon everyone else. For me working out is how I meditate and clear my mind. Try yoga or pilates or even find a gym that offers daycare. Bottom line is you need to it for yourself.
Be well,
Meg Moran

I have more than one child too. (2) My youngest is 13 mos old and at one time I too had a flat stomach. We do the best we can with the time we have. Tips on the feet- Moisturize right after toweling off. (The moisture from the bath or shower will stay better)Methalateum is a good repairer too. (Apply every other day and put socks on to keep it on you and not your floors) For the once flat belly- I have the same problem no time and someone always asking when I'm gonna take the time. I remind my husband that if he could pry himself off the computer when he's home to give me an hour everyday to do something about it then I could probably get my dancer's body back. Until then.....ya know. (Try getting a little more active in some way and drinking a ton of water -30 oz- a day....10lbs or more lost) We just moved from the cleveland area. Ya we miss it! Hope I helped!!!!!

Its definitely worth it! One of the best things about excercising is that it relieves stress. I, too am a stay-at-home mother of four, and instead of taking away from my life, the pilates routine that I do adds so much to the quailty of my life. It gives me the energy I need to chase kids around, and makes me feel better about myself. It may be difficult to add getting in shape into your busy schedule, but as someone who has recently lost 25 pounds, it is worth it. My house is cleaner, my jeans fit better, my skin is clearer, and I am confident about my body and my role as wife and mother. There is nothing bad about showing our kids that eating right and getting exercise should be a priority.
It isnt' going to get any easier as our kids get older and even more busy, and you owe it to yourself to be healthy and feel your best right now.

I felt the same way and then I started reading about all the things that can happen to you as you age if you are overweight like having a greater chance of getting type II diabetes, knee problems and other health related issues including alzheimers desease (!). I started to diet and get into shape becuase I want to feel healthy and energetic when I hit 50, 60, 70, 80 etc... and I put the "I want to look good" thoughts in the background (although it does feel really good to get into those old jeans : ) I've lost 15 pounds since July and have 10 more to go. My goal is to lose the next 10 by my birthday in February - I'll be 44. Good luck!!!

Hi Lisa,
As you said, "No alarms or bells go off when I'm about to make a huge mistake. It just happens." The huge mistake you are now making is not taking the time to exercise and to look your best. Moms of young children are always busy but you need to delegate, accept help, or just change your standards. Taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of your children and your husband. Your stress will be down; people respond more favorably toward you; you will be calmer; and your health, well-being, and self esteem will improve when you take the necessary time to exercise and be well-groomed. Look at it as an investment in your marriage and your family.

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my son was born in 2001 and now I am due in April with our second in April. So, grooming is not the top of my list. I wash my hair every other day and rarely wear make-up. My husband even says I look best not ll done up. I do splurge on creams for my skin and hair. Now that I am in my 30's it is all about skin protection and realizing that what is most important is not keeping up with the latest trends. One thing I do enjoy in my once a year pedicure done in a spa. It is better the chocolate.

Lisa,
I've been raising my two kids for over 15 years now and I can tell you that it is really important to fit time in for yourself, be it an hour for a pedicure or a 30 minute walk twice a week. It's been important for me to teach my kids that being their mother, chauffeur, nursemaid, cook, laundress, sports fan, etc. isn't the only "job" I have. I'm also a wife, volunteer, daughter and friend to the other mommys they know.
I think kids need to understand that time spent on myself is just as important to me as my carpooling them to their activities and friends/sports/school events are to them.
My mother once gave me an important bit of advice when I first started working (for pay in the corporate world eons ago) and that was, to be sure to take a lunch break everyday even if it was only to leave the office and go to my car to eat my sandwich. The reason being that if I didn't, I'd set a precedent with my employer and fellow workers that I would sacrifice my lunchtime for their needs. The same advice applies to you and me. Do what you can to carve out time for yourself. It doesn't have to be going to the gym (which can in itself feel insurmountable). Grab a coffee at a local shop and take your RealSimple along or get that pedicure or wander up and down the drugstore checking out makeup and shampoo. Whatever you choose make sure you set the precedent now with your kids AND HUSBAND so that they can understand the and appreciate the value of you.

I have three kids and if I didnt work out I would be a wreck!!! It gives you peace if you make it a priority not a chore. Plus you mention more than once it is important to your husband. In the end the kids all grow up and even leave the house and you need the relationship with your husband. I think you and your husband should work out or exercise together...make it fun! You will feel better, look better and have more energy for your kids and your husband....most importantly....for yourself! Good luck!

Lisa,
I know how you feel. I have three kids, a husband and a dog. My needs are always the last met. But exercise is so important for your sanity, and it sets a good example for your children. I still don't exercise nearly as much as I would like to, but I did join a gym that has a nursery, and the kids enjoy going there as much as I do. Good luck!

Lisa, I know doing anything for yourself must seem selfish and more hassle than it's worth. I can't imagine having four children!! But you know what? Taking care of yourself is not selfish, nor is it optional if you want to be healthy (and alive!) to see your children start their own families. Remember - your body is not like a car you can trade in; you're stuck with it for life. I have two kids, ages 3 & 6, plus two businesses, and I volunteer as the head of an inner city youth project. On top of all that, I've now become a triathlete. The way I do it is to get up before anyone else and while it seems like torture to get up at 5am, I've come to look forward to that time as it's ME time, when I'm done I sip my skim latte in peace, and I'm ready to face the day full of energy and knowing I've already done something great. If you start working out, think of the positive message it sends your kids - Mommy IS important to Mommy; and working out is vital to being healthy. Kids need to learn both those messages, especially in this day of self-entitlement and sloth! Find something you enjoy doing, do it with friends, and set up goals to keep you on track (a local 5k race, where you family can cheer you on!). Good luck!

I love your magazine, but is it possible to have larger print. I cannot read most of the article which looks so interesting without a maganifying glass and that is most unsatisfactory. This was a gift to me and I do enjoy it. Thanks. helen

My mom always says, "Look nice. feel nice."
Like all great moms, she has been right every time she's said it!!!!!

I am in the same boat! I try to do a little bit more each month for me. I try for each week but time flies and a month has gone by!!! I try to do the best I can and not beat myself up when I can't exercise/scrub my feet/pluck my eyebrows/read a book often as I should. The beating yourself is easy to do. Baby steps!

I think that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family. Excercise has so many benefits, not only does it improve self-image, but it increases energy, improves overall health, decreases the risk of certain diseases, and parents who excercise set a very good example for their children. All parents need to take the time to care for themselves because without parents who would care for the children.

I wish I had thought, when I was 32, that fitness and caring for myself was important. I was blessed by always being skinny so I had no idea exercise would ever be important. Fast-forward to age 50 - I was 35 lbs overweight and HATED it. It was hard work but I lost the weight and have managed to keep 30 lbs of it off. Now that I'm 60, I work out four mornings a week and watch what I eat. Sure, it's easier now that I don't have kids at home to take care of but it would be easier now if I had made fitness a priority all my life.

Yes. It is well worth the effort to get back in shape now at your age because it'll only get harder in the future. I thought the same thing you did and I lost the weight and felt great because of it. The only thing is I let it go and now 10 years later, I'm trying to do it again and it's a lot harder!! So go for it while you can and the good thing is you have four workout partners, your kids. You can work out and have quality time with them to boot. Good Luck!

For those crackly dry feet: Take a foot file with you into the shower each morning before the children are up. File your feet and after your shower put petrolium jelly on your feet and wear white socks. In the evening put the petrolium jelly on your feet again with the white socks. Once a month treat yourself to a pedicure at a beauty college to keep the cost down. You deserve an hour away and any healthy male can look after their own children for an hour. ;0) If you take care of your feet now they will look good well into your 50's and up.

I would recommend working out early in the morning. Say the kids r up by 6am, then i would suggest getting up 1 hr earlier...u need to make some time for u, .getting into shape will not only help you loose some wiehgt but it will surely boost your spirits.it will make u feel better /give you extra strenght and u will thank heaven that u did it after its all over.....try it!

How about walking? That way everybody gets to go along. You time is important. As a formally single mom of two teens, Me time was vital to my sanity. Sometimes it was an extended bath, or just a few minutes reading YOUR book. Believe me the dividends you will reap by taking care of yourself will pay off for everyone sooner rather than later. Good luck!

Have your children exercise with you! Use it as an opportunity to bond with them and build good habits early. I wish I would have developed the desire AND discipline to exercise regularly when I was younger; it is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks in my late 40's!

Lisa, tell your husband you have decided to spend time, as much he thinks would be beneficial, working out. The only caveat must be that he must spent that exact same time taking a turn tending to home and children.

believe me it is not added stress. It will help you cope with everything that is on your plate!! It will make you a better wife, mother, etc.. you will feel GREAT!!!

I have 3 kids and live in a small town - no gyms with childcare here. I've started walking my son to school then my daughter to preschool 2 mornings a week. That's all I do but it makes such a difference. When you look at all of the "me" things you want to do, don't feel overwhelmed if you see a list longer than your oldest child is tall. Just do one thing. Keep doing it until it becomes habit then add the next thing. A radio talk show host is fond of asking his overwhelmed listeners, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." You can do this - one thing at a time. Plus it will make you feel really good.

I read your big decision and thought to myself that I had to write to you because exercising is so important and I am so happy to see how many people think the same thing! Exercising is so good for energy, stress relief, and overall well-being. Regardless of weight, being active everyday can help stave off cancers, arthritis, Alzheimer's, dementia, and I could go on. Get going! :)

I read your big decision and thought to myself that I had to write to you because exercising is so important and I am so happy to see how many people think the same thing! Exercising is so good for energy, stress relief, and overall well-being. Regardless of weight, being active everyday can help stave off cancers, arthritis, Alzheimer's, dementia, and I could go on. Get going! :)

I read advice a while back that seemed to make the most sense of any I'd ever read: before you can take care of others, you must take care of yourself. One doesn't need to be svelt to be able to care for one's family, but one needs to be healthy.

One of the best things I've done for myself is getting a membership at our local YMCA. They have free child watch with the membership. For $50 a month I can work out for an hour or so everyday while my toddlers are having fun. And as an added bonus I can shower every day without wee ones pestering me:)

I went nearly a decade without exercising. I had a big move, career changes, gave birth to my two children--exercising was last on my priority list. One day, about 4 years ago, I realized that I needed an outlet a stress reliever, and wanted to tone my body, so I went to the gym with a friend. I was surprised at how just a couple workouts made me feel better about myself. I have been an avid exerciser ever since and now make it a priority to squeeze in 30 minutes every day to do either some cardio or body sculpting. Not only do I look better than I did 10 years ago, my health and my disposition have greatly improved. The key to exercising effectively and being successful at it: you have to do it for YOURSELF. You can't simply do it to please your husband. A committment to exercising is a life change and what a great time to do it--with the new year approaching. Think of it as your resolution and enlist your husband, family, and friends as supporters. It's harder to fall back on resolutions if you have others watching. Best of luck and know that if you fully commit to this, you will not regret it. It is truly a win-win situation.

Try St. Ives Vitamin E on those sandpaper feet. Rich, greaseless, no scent, and it's cheap. After a week of this under white cotton socks at night, you will have new feet.

No matter how busy you are, see your doctor once a year for screenings and a check-up.

With small children, this is definitely something I struggle with on a weekly basis. There are two things - First, you have to have time to yourself - If you don't take care of you, then you won't be able to take care of everyone around you. Second, if exercising is not your definition of "self-time", and you only have time to do one - either exercise, or take self-time- then in my opinion, taking time for you wins. You have to have perspective - this time in your life is short-term - your children will only be very little/dependant for a short time more, once they are all in school, then you will have school mornings to work out and have self-time. For now, you can exercise with your children/playing games/living actively, and get plenty of fresh air. Exercising will add energy to your life, so if you feel fatigued by the end of the day - it's something you should make time for - really 30mins/day will make a difference. But mama-chill-time is important, too. If you have time for both, then go for it! And if exercise time is self-time for you, then you can do both and feel better too! Good luck with your decision!

Yes you shouldn't put it off another day. Hire a babysitter if you must (that's what I had to do, since I couldn't count on my husband to watch our daughter consistently) and get yourself outside, to the gym, anywhere for a walk, jog, bike, etc. I suggest not exercising in the evening -- you will get too jazzed up and it will be harder to fall asleep. Reading and writing is such a nice way to end the day!

Lisa - I think you need to find time to get into shape, for you! Just 30 minutes/day will make all the difference and you'll have energy to do so much more with your kids. Find someone to watch the young'uns or heck, take them to the park with you. Your body is yours for life, invest in it!