As a busy mom in Rhode Island, it is difficult to balance a busy daily schedule while still finding the time to stay in shape.
Often, moms have a particularly hard time taking care of themselves because they are so used to taking care of their families.
But taking care of your body is vital to supporting good overall health and is often the "best medicine" says Dr. Barbara Roberts MD, Clinical Associate Professor Brown Medical School.
"There are several good reasons to exercise regularly as a woman," says Dr. Roberts. "It reduces a woman’s risk of stroke, developing breast cancer, osteoporosis, developing hot flashes during menopause, lowers blood sugar, and lowers your body's natural resistance to the insulin it produces - preventing diabetes."
With all the added health benefits to be gained from exercising, and the temptation to be less active as Old Man Winter begins to settle in - it is important to enjoy the activities you participate in to make getting in shape a fun process.
Here are some fun places and tips on easy, interactive ways for moms to keep healthy during the colder months.
Raffa Yoga in Cranston offers many classes for beginning yogis and women trying to get back into shape.
"We offer stretch classes, power classes, and beginner classes everyday - stretch classes go at a very slow pace to get started [into yoga]" says Stephanie Baker of Raffa Yoga.
Raffa also offers "Urban Sweat" a relaxation area with saunas and steam rooms - a great way to unwind after a workout.
Boston Sports Clubs
131 Pitman St., Riverview Place West, Providence, RI
Boston Sports Clubs in Fox Point offer unique "VBarre" course which fuses both Pilates and ballet techniques for a fun, fat burning class!
They also offer unlimited babysitting for up to 2 children for only $9 a month - much cheaper than your neighborhood babysitter.
Sneaky Exercising Tips
"There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle as a mom," says Dr. Barbara Roberts, MD Clinical Associate Professor Brown Medical School.
"Park far away from a mall and walk to the building as quickly as you can, take the stairs when indoors, and if you have toddlers take them out in a stroller and alternate between jogging and walking."
Synrgy
3 Davol Sq., Providence, RI
Synrgy offers classes for expecting and new moms who want to stay healthy for baby.
"We offer prenatal and postnatal classes along with strength training" says Jerome Collins of Synrgy.
Sign up for their personal training session to get your pre-baby body back!
The Maxx Fitness
622 George Washington Hwy., Lincoln, RI
The Maxx Fitness offers low-impact TRX Suspension Training a technique was born out of training for Navy SEALs.
But don't fret - you use your own body weight - and will help you sculpt and tone your core, improve your flexibility with their low-impact TRX Suspension Training.
You get to control how difficult each class is because the moves are scaled to suit your body's abilities.
Method Fitness Studio
19 S Angell St., Providence, RI
Looking to get some guidance while you get back in shape?
Method Fitness Studio is a personal training gym will help you get the results you want, help you do what's best for your body, and meet personal fitness goals.
They even have an indoor rock climbing wall - who says getting in shape can't be fun?
Photo: Method Fitness Studio
Core
208 Governor St., Providence, RI
Core Center of Real Energy will help you get your body and mind back on track with classes like Pilates Reformer - a blend of low impact cardio and Jumpboard training.
There is even sports training for kids - allowing you both to stay healthy this winter.
Photo: Core Center of Real Energy
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