You don't need a miracle to get in shape…and you don't need lots 
of free time.  You can get in shape and start losing weight 
working out just 12 minutes per day. 

Moms are busy.  Most have very little time to dedicate to a 
solid fitness regimen.  In fact, most mothers deserve an award 
just for showing up on the job every day.  Taking care of the 
kids is hard work, and it's difficult to find time to eat right 
and work out when the children are constantly in need of 
personalized attention. 

So what can busy moms do to get in shape?


Get in Shape in 12 Minutes Per Day

Take 12 minutes out of every day.  If you need to, you can 
even get up 12 minutes early.  Most people can find at least 
12 minutes every day.  

There are several strength training routines that can be 
accomplished in just 12 minutes.  Consider investing in a set 
of free weight and home gym equipment if you don't already have 
some.  The key to fast fitness is attention to form.  When you 
are working out in just 12 minutes, you must perform each set 
of exercise you do flawlessly to get an effective work out.  
When lifting weights, take 4 full seconds to raise the weight, 
and 4 full seconds to lower the weight.  This is critical to 
the effectiveness of a 12 minute workout.  

By slowing down your movement, you take out any momentum and 
without momentum, only your muscle is working to move the 
weight. 

Anybody can easily perform 4 exercises with perfect form in 12 
minutes.  If you add just 12 minutes of cardio vascular activity, 
even jogging in place, you'll get fitter even faster.  You don't 
have to work out each 12 minutes consecutively; consider 12 
minutes in the morning and 12 minutes in the evening. 


Strategies for Losing Weight

There are many lifestyle changes that you can incorporate into 
your life that will also help promote fitness in time crunched 
times.  When going to the grocery store, rather than drive 
around for hours searching for the closest parking spot, park 
in the one farthest away.  You're body will appreciate the 
extra effort it takes to get to the store and you'll be 
exercising without even thinking about it. 

Also take the stairs whenever possible, particularly if you are 
just going to the second floor.  This little bit of activity 
will also act as a mini energy re-charger.  Stairs are 
everywhere.  If you are near an escalator, chances are the 
stairs are right around the corner.  You might even have some 
in hour house.  Have the kids climb them with you. 

Don't forget to engage the children in fitness.  Take the kids 
outside for a walk, you'll all benefit from the fresh air and 
extra exercise.  If you are watching a television program 
together, commit to doing crunches or stretching on commercial 
breaks.  By doing so, fitness becomes a game, one that will 
change your life and start instilling healthy habits in your 
children from an early age.