Feeling blue today?  It’s predicted that today, January 21st, will be the most depressing day of the year for many of us.  Why?  Failed New Year’s resolutions are partly to blame.

If your resolution was to shed some extra pounds or simply get moving more (especially with the kids in tow), and you’re quickly losing hope on that goal, don’t despair.  Instead, like Nike says, “just do it.” 

Seize the moment.  Pick up the phone, call a friend and set up a stroller walk date.  Go find your sneakers and put them by the door, so you don’t have to dig around for them tomorrow.  Make tomorrow the day you walk your child to preschool or to the park, instead of taking the car. 

Grab a pen and paper, and take five minutes to write down the things that are holding you back from reaching your goal.  You might be surprised to discover that something small, and fairly easy to change, is standing in the way to achieving your goal.  For instance, maybe you’ve discovered that your stroller is too heavy to drag up and down the stairs, and the thought of carrying it deters you from getting out the door.  Perhaps you need a lightweight replacement.  Or, maybe you dread putting on that sports bra because it’s too tight.  Perhaps a new, properly fitting one could make a world of difference and get you moving.

If you feel like you’ve already “failed” at your resolution, keep in mind that each new day is a new beginning.  You can do it!

Are you keeping up with your New Year’s resolution?  If so, what’s your secret?   

“Wow, exercise is so much fun!”  Those are the words my preschooler uttered when we finished a “run” around the block.  I couldn’t agree more, especially when exercise involves my children. 

As a mom of three, I know that finding time for myself during the day is a rare event–certainly too rare to steal time for a predictable exercise routine.  At least, so I thought until I realized that exercising with my children is entirely possible with a little planning and the right equipment.  For me, planning includes integrating a walk or run into ”afternoon outside playtime”–and setting aside appropriate fitness clothing sometime during the day, so I have fewer excuses to get moving.  Equipment includes good walking/running shoes, but most importantly the double jogging stroller.  I pack my two youngest into the stroller–who usually fall into a deep sleep as soon as I get going–and my preschooler walks or jogs alongside me.

While I know my preschooler gets the bulk of her enjoyment from the energy release of moving about, we add more fun to our exercise activities by engaging in fun conversation (think, “I Spy” games on the run) and learning activities (like shouting out directions, “left” or “right,” and steering the stroller together in the direction called).  My enjoyment comes from knowing that I’m doing something good for “me” (yeah!) and for my children, while spending quality time with them.  Thanks to my children, I’ve learned that exercise really can be so much fun!