Spring Fever? Bustin' Through the Last Cold Days Indoors.

Spring is here, but looking out the window to a driveway of snow or wintry cold rain means another day indoors for Mom and the gang. I didn't understand how long the winter could feel until I had two toddlers underfoot. Trying to stay active and entertain the children in doors really tests the limits of creativity. How's a mom to stay fit and channel the children's energy for another day indoors?

Two components determine the action plan needed to beat the final days of winter.

1. Staying fit by involving the children helps them also expend energy while you have fun.
2. Finding ways to workout without the children is decidedly more difficult and requires scheduling in advanced, but making your fitness a priority is a must.

The first step is to mentally commit to staying fit despite the dreary, cold days of Spring. You can do it!

But, how?

Action Plan #1: A fun activity for the whole house regardless of the children's ages is to set up Family Fun Station Time.

By attaching different zones around the house to exercises, the whole family can play. Start out by making Station Signs with the activity drawn on the sign. Let one of the kiddos spread the signs around to the different rooms in the house.

Let the children help pick out the music (or even make it a station of its own). Start one child with the timer and set it for a minute. When he says go, everyone finds a room with a station and starts to exercise. Continue until everyone has hit a station or for the total amount of time You want to exercise. Yes, running is allowed (even encouraged) during Family Fun Station Time.

Here is a sample set of exercises and stations in the house:

1.Around the Couch: Side Step Slide
2.Family Room: Jumping Jacks
3.Dining Room: Chair Squats (use the back of the chair as a support)
4.Kitchen: Kicks
5.Stairs: Run Up/Walk Down
6.Living Room: Wall Jumps (jump as high as possible and touch the wall or reach for a door frame)
7.Kid's Bedroom: Sit ups
8.Mom's Bedroom: Push ups (regular or wall)
9.Hall Way: Lunges
10.Timer: Shout Start and Stop!

For little babies and small toddlers, create an activity center in the kitchen or family room with pots, pans, cups, spoons, or colors and crayons. They can jump in and play the activities or go back to the interesting group of things you brought together for them during “Family Fun Station Time.” A great way to keep the little one's entertained is to bring out something special or new, such as a pot of water with a sponge or dried beans and measuring cups.

What exercises or Home Station activities have you done with the little ones? Any favorites?

Action Plan #2: Find a Workout DVD that includes children. Increase intensities and difficulty levels for yourself while the children dance along. Do you know of any good dance, children workout DVDs? Do you have a favorite workout DVD that the kids will do with you?

Action Plan #3: Splurge on a Wii. I haven't had the opportunity to try the Wii, but I have heard a lot of good things about some of the games and activities for getting the whole family moving. Anyone have any favorites or experiences you'd like to share?

Action Plan #4: Head out the door and find a local Indoor Gym or Jumpy Place. I was surprised at how quickly I started sweating by following my son around at a Pump It Up, an inflatables indoor play area. You're not allowed to hang out by the shoe bin! You have to go chase your children. Don't worry they will make sure you get your full workout.

The following Action Plans are designed to work without the children.

Action Plan #5: A gym with child care is an excellent investment. If at all possible, try to realign your budget to set up a gym membership that you will use. The time spent focused on you will re energize a mom home with the children all day. For moms working away from home, you'll gain hours in the increased energy levels from working out rather than being exhausted into the late evening.

Action Plan #6: Set aside early morning or late evenings to workout. No excuses allowed.

Action Plan #7: During nap or quiet time, throw in a DVD or complete a home routine.

Action Plan #8: Make a deal with husband or a neighbor to get an hour's worth of uninterrupted time to focus on a workout.

Action Plan #9: Complete what ever you can until interrupted and pick up where you left off the next free moment! It's not ideal, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do!

Action Plan #10: Don't give up! Keep making fitness your priority and be creative. I'm sure you already have a few tricks up your sleeves. What has worked for you? It might be the perfect suggestion for a struggling mom.

Riding out the last days of wintry, cold weather is going to be fun! Spring is here, and the warmer days are coming. Don't worry, Mom, soon you'll be standing in the park wondering when the unrelenting heat will let up and searching for an A/C.