Cardiovascular Exercise

After having a baby, who really wants to exercise??? You're tired, have a new little one to take care of, and did I mention, you're TIRED. Ok, so let's get beyond the excuses! To achieve the goal, you must get started!

Here's the deal: I had a very complicated pregnancy toward the end of my pregnancy. I was put on bed rest for 4 weeks, then I lost too much blood after my c-section, and was not allowed to do anything for another 4 weeks. Then to top it off, at that check-up, they decided I had a blood clot in my abdomen and was not able to exercise for another 4 weeks. So, now I'm 8 weeks postpartum and just beginning to exercise. Now, granted, I am below my pre-pregnancy weight now, but only because I'm nursing my newborn. So, due to not exercising for 3 months, we must start at the beginning!

First step, cardio exercise. Cardio exercise burns the most calories. And, if you didn't already know, your calories out should be less than your calories in to achieve weight loss. For heart health, you should accomplish a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio workouts at least 3 days per week (daily is best). BUT, there is a misconception out there that this has to be a solid 30 minutes....WRONG!! It can be 10 minutes 3 times a day, or 15 minutes twice a day, or 20 minutes once and 10 minutes once. You get the idea, right. But, it needs to at least be 10 minutes of moderate to heavy exercise.

So, for me, I am a stay at home mom to two young girls so exercise outside the home (in a gym) is out of the question. Plus, add in the economy right now, and the price of a gym membership and childcare is just not an option. So, I have found a great video that I can do in my den while my girls sleep! I walk for 45 minutes and can walk 3 miles and work out my arms and abs at the same time! I think this is completely doable for most people, I think most people have 45 minutes that they can spare to exercise! If you only walk one mile, it only takes about 20 minutes. To get a better workout for some other problem areas, get some 2 pound dumbbells from Wal-Mart and keep going!

Check back another day for some more suggestions for at home exercise for those postpartum (and mostly female) trouble areas.

Welcome to Momma-Versity

First and foremost, I am a mom to two beautiful little girls! Caleigh is 3 years old and Peyton is 2 months old. I am well versed in being a mom, but I am still learning new things every day! I also have my master's degree in exercise physiology. I worked in the healthcare field for 5 years before I decided to be a stay at home mom with my oldest daughter.

This blog is devoted to several different things. First, I am in the process of learning how to use coupons to save money for my family. This economy is horrendous!! I think we all can use some extra cash back in our pockets! As I learn how to make the most out of my coupons and store sales, I'll post my tips.

Second, is exercise! My first love, before I got married and had children, was exercise. So, in an effort to take some of this "baby weight" off, I am going to post different exercises that I am doing at home to help this issue. Also, again, since the economy is horrendous and it's hard to go to a gym if you're a full-time mom, I'm going to offer some different exercises targeting specific "mom-related" problem areas that can be done at home while your kids are napping!

Lastly, but maybe not totally last, I am going to tell of my adventures with stains! All families experience stains of some sort! If you have small children, you probably experience stains more often than not. We will discuss products, as well as home remedies for removing some of the most common stains, but also some of the most annoying and stubborn ones as well.

Hope you enjoy my blog! Please leave me some comments, and enjoy the reading!