HANDS IN THE AIR: IS FITNESS YOUR PRIORITY?

Wow! If you're busy this time of year, raise your hand.

If you have trouble finding time to work out, raise your other hand.

So now that both of your hands are in the air, touch your toes 20 times. Go!

While at the salon the other day, I overheard some ladies chatting about how difficult it is to stay in shape with the day-to-day hustle of transporting children, getting dinner on the table, and managing their own careers. Yet, these women somehow were able to fit in a highlight and a pedicure. Before their appointments ended, they had agreed to meet the following weekend for a glass of wine to watch So You Think You Can Dance. Interesting.

There are always excuses to steering clear of those dusty running shoes. If we want to be healthy and fit, which I'm sure we ALL do, we simply must make fitness a priority. By exercising, we benefit from higher energy to keep up with the kids, we make more nutritious food choices for ourselves and family, and we think more clearly at work.

Easier said than done! Exactly HOW do we fit in fitness?

- Park at the back of the parking lot at work and take the stairs. You've just added 10 minutes of cardio to and from your desk at the beginning and end of the day.

- Schedule a walking lunch date with a co-worker. From 12-12:30 walk everywhere, up the stairs, down the stairs, across the office, head to a local mall, anything! Then enjoy your lunch when you complete your 30 minutes.

- Bring your gym clothes to work, and change before you leave! Schedule to meet a friend there for a fun class, at least three times a week and on Saturday.

- Taking a call from your mom after dinner? Stand up to chat! Do squats, lunges, side leans. You know she does most of the talking anyway. :)

- Work out WITH the kids! You'd be surprised how much they love fitness videos before dinner. Have a little one? Check out YogaKids videos that involve babies and toddlers.

- Schedule a 4-week program with a personal trainer. Yes, this motivation does not come free, but she can help you establish healthy habits and a schedule.

- Wake up 15 minutes early. Run your stop watch for 2-minute intervals, alternating high knee runs, push ups, tricep dips, planks, overhead claps (think of your cheerleader days). Before you know it those 15 minutes have passed, and you are energized to hit the shower. Do the same thing just before bedtime, but be sure to allow for another 30 minutes to calm your brain before hitting the sack.

Finally, however you decide to get active, believe in yourself, and make a commitment!! Write it down and post it somewhere visible every day. Tell a friend, co-worker or family member. Schedule your workout on your calendar.

Remember, it takes 3 weeks to form a habit, so don't give up! The first week will be energizing. The second week will be a struggle. The third week you will start to see results, and you'll be happy you pushed through those 3 weeks!

Cheers to you and your health! - Laura

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Laura Eilers has cheered for two NFL squads and an MLS squad. She is a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and directs kids fitness, yoga, dance and cheer programs in St Louis. Laura represents Eurotard dance and activewear and Going Pro Entertainment. A graduate of William Jewell College, Laura was a UDA head instructor and has coached, choreographed and judged at the professional, collegiate and high school level.

Laura will contribute a bit of knowledge or a story of motivation on Alumni Cheerleaders. If you have insight, a great story, or questions, don’t hesitate to contact her! You can reach her at laura@ultimatepotentialfitness.com.