I’m often asked for suggestions about exercises to do indoors.  Now more than ever if you live where there were fires, it’s important to exercise indoors to avoid inhaling the poor air quality. 

Try this simple exercise to tone your buttocks and thighs.

Squat and Back Kick: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.  Sit back like you’re sitting in a chair.  As you stand up, kick your left leg straight back behind you.  Repeat on that side 10-15 reps then switch sides.  Work up to 3 sets on each leg.

After a week of being evacuated from the fires here in Poway, CA, I have learned so much about what is truly important.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily stresses of life, business, etc….but when it comes down to it there is NOTHING more important than our family.  In the week I’ve spent with my two beautiful boys, I’ve been filled with more joy and laughter than I’ve felt over the entire year!  Even though I didn’t know if our house would be standing, I wanted to keep it as stress-free as possible for my boys so we made up games.  One day we went to a mall and my 4 year old son went up and down the escalator with my husband while I helped my toddler learn how to climb up and down stairs. In the week away from our home they matured more than they do in a month.  After my husband installed a generator so we could return home yesterday, my 4 yr. old said, “Thank you so much Daddy, you made my day!  I love my family!  Let’s do a group hug.”  We both sensed my son’s security in being home and back to “normal”.

As I pass my burned neighbors homes, I’m filled with sadness.  In many areas it looks like a war zone.  Yet, everyone moves on filled with being blessed that they have their family and friends safe and together.

Did you know that you can still keep your abs in good shape while you’re pregnant?  The best part is, you don’t even need to do a single sit up.  I’ve found that prenatal yoga is excellent for maintaining and even improving muscle tone and strength.  Yoga of any type uses the “core” muscles or abdominals to maintain good posture, body alignment, and strength for key yoga poses.  Other benefits of prenatal yoga include easier labor, less muscle pain and a deeper connection to your baby.

For information about prenatal yoga visit: http://fitbysara.com/prenatal-yoga.php

Believe me, I know how busy life can be.  We’re so busy that many of us eat while on the go.  The problem with eating on the go is were not conscious of the taste nore when we’ve had enough.  Thus, if you have to eat while on the go I recommend that you pack small portions in baggies.  I personally pack a couple handfuls of almonds or walnuts mixed with raisins, a couple handfuls of cereal, or an energy bar like “Balance Bar” or “Cliff Bar” or “Kashi Go Lean”.  When you have set portions you’ll eat just the right amount.  Simple changes like this can have a great impact towards your weight loss goals.

One BIG reason to get motivated to exercise is that it can actually make your labor easier.  The reason why is because exercise gives you the strength, energy, and endurance to endure your labor.  If you do prenatal yoga you will also have the added benefit of learning postures that open up the pelvis as well as breathing to reduce anxiety.

For more information about prenatal yoga visit: http://fitbysara.com/prenatal-yoga.php