exercise is a huge part of my life and has been for many years.  without it, i definitely wouldn't be a 'sane' mommy!  exercise gets me through my day, feeling as though i have done something for myself.  in order for me to be the best mom, wife, friend, sister and any other hat i may wear...i have to exercise.  without exercise it's safe to say i might just be plain old mean!  it gives me a chance to clear my head, get my endorphins going, helps me to look and feel my best, which is not only good for me, but also my marriage!  if you know what i mean..wink, wink!!!

during both of my pregnancies i exercised up until the day before i delivered.  i walked uphill on the treadmill, outside, jogged in the beginning, and did weight/cardio classes.  by doing this i helped maintain a healthy pregnancy weight which is not only healthy for me, but also my baby.  it also helped lose my baby weight that much easier.  the exercise made me feel good.  helped me maintain my strength which was positive for parenting my first born during my second pregnancy, my daily mental state, and my overall health.  the exercise played a huge role in my deliveries as mentally it made me feel my strongest and physically my body could handle the pain and stress that much more.  here i have a link to a great article from "Baby Center"  that discusses 7 reasons to exercise during your pregnancy to help keep you healthy! 

exercising during your pregnancy doesn't only benefit you, but it also benefits your unborn child.  it helps with your stress which directly relates to your baby's health. there are many reasons it can benefit your unborn child such as a decreased chance of obesity later in life and fetal heart rate.  the benefits to your baby's heart will continue to play a role even after birth.  this great article from Time: Healthland "When Mom Exercises During Pregnancy, Her Baby's Heart Benefits" shows the results from a research study performed with moms whom exercised during pregnancy and those whom did not and the benefits it had on creating a stronger heart in their unborn children. 

we all know how important exercise is, but sometimes actually doing it is the problem. i know exercise isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if it's not already part of your routine.  but, lets face it...our baby's are the most important thing in the world.  if you can't get up and do it for yourself, than get up and do it for your baby!  the results will pay off and who knows...you may end up actually enjoying it!  you have to create a schedule and stick to it.  it's an important life-long commitment for you and your family.  physical activity for your family is the key to a healthy life.  teach your kids from the beginning that you make it a priority.  start exercising today for a better tomorrow!!

click this link to subscribe to mommy secrets and get the latest post sent direct to you!!