Make 2015 your best year yet

Are you still under the influence of a Christmas binge fest? Don't give up hope! It only takes a couple of weeks to climb out of your rut and be back with a vengeance! 

Here's my top 5 tips: 

1. Don't panic! You can't change what's happened but you can wipe the slate clean and move on. You can be in total control from this point onwards. 
2. Set goals and get EXCITED about them - make them tangible so they mean something to you. What do you want to achieve and when do you want to achieve them by? Why do you want to do this? How are you going to achieve it?
3. Make the commitment to yourself! You may need to make some sacrifices but looking after yourself is the best gift you can give to your kids! Make a written promise that you will give it 110%, no excuses and that you'll never EVER give up.
4. Believe in yourself and banish negative self talk. If you don't believe you can do it, then most likely, you won't. Replace your negative thoughts or words with positive ones. If you keep on telling yourself that you're fat, hopeless and don't have enough time, then your subconscious will believe it and prevent you from achieving what you want out of life.
5. Above all you need to be consistent AND patient. None of the above will work if you aren't.The number one reason people fail in their attempts to lose weight and live a healthier life is they simply give up too soon! You can't change the way you look or feel overnight, but in 12 weeks you can see some amazing results! 

So no more "buts" - if you're thinking about new ways to move more, check out these tips on 51 ways to be more active.

Power push

Looking to tone up and lose some of the baby belly fat?

This workout is simple and you can do it anytime with your baby in the pram. It's just five exercises with intervals of power walking or gentle jogging, depending on your level of post natal fitness. All exercises are completely safe provided it's six weeks after the birth of your baby (10 weeks for caesarean births), and you have your doctor's OK to exercise.

Start with two sets of 8 exercise repetitions, and build up to 15 as you get stronger. Remember to walk with good posture when pushing the pram and lift your pelvic floor - especially if you're lifting or doing anything strenuous.

Warm up: walk briskly for seven to ten minutes, then power walk for one minute. Briskly walk for 30 seconds, end with another power walk of one minute.

Pram squats: these are great for the butt and thighs.
Start with your feet about one and a half times hip width apart. Bend your knees and lower down into a sitting position keeping your back flat and tummy tight. As you squat, push the stroller away from your body (but don't let go). Make sure your knees come out over your toes. Then return to the start position.

Lunges: from standing position (feet on train tracks) take one step forwards, bend the back knee first and the front will naturally bend too. Push the pram away from your body. Make sure the body is lowering centrally and not lunging forwards. You should be able to see your toes in front of your knee. Return to the start, drawing the pram in towards you. Complete one set and then repeat with the other leg in front.

Push ups: Start on all fours with hands slightly wider than shoulder distance apart and fingers pointing forwards. Place baby between your arms on the ground.Tighten up your tummy and make sure your back is flat and then bend your elbows and lower the body down towards ground/baby. Return to start position.

Bench tricep dips: sit on the edge of a bench with your hands tucked below the sides of your bottom and your arms straight (don't lock out the elbows). Keeping your tummy muscles tight, slide your bum forwards off the bench and bend the elbows to 90 degrees so your body lowers. Make sure your elbows go straight back and not out to the sides. Return to start position.

Heel drops: Lie down on your back with your feet in the air in 'table top' position. Start by slowly lowering one heel to the ground, and bring back up to meet the other leg. Alternative with the other side. If this is too difficult, or if you still have abdominal separation, rest both feet flat on the ground, and slowly slide out one leg, before returning and alternating with the other leg.

Warm down: when you have completed all the exercises, cool down walking briskly for seven to ten minutes and then stretch the legs, chest and arms for about 10-15 seconds each.

Need more info? Check out our website at abloom.com.au

Top 5 tips to keep the kids active this summer

There's no point burying your head in the sand - summer school holidays are definitely here.  Try these sanity savers that will not only keep your family active over the festive season, but boost your energy levels as well. Be active together. If you can't afford the time or money for a summer holiday plan 'mini' trips, such as day's bush or nature walk at Tidbinbilla Nature Park - or one in an area near you. Picnics are great outdoor fun anytime. Try a range of different games and activities. Not only will this help with short attention spans, it will also help your kids develop healthy bones, muscles and joints. Do moderate exercise like brisk walking or vigorous activities that make everyone 'huff and puff - game of footy or cricket in the backyard will get the blood flowing. Be a child yourself and join in. Kids love it when Mum and Dad join in their games. Throw a frisbee or ball together, fly a kite or play hopscotch. Go for a walk together around the block before dinner, climb equipment at the local park with them, try a swim at the local pool, or ride bikes. Reduce inactive leisure time. Limit TV viewing to an hour or two, cut down on overall 'screen time'. Swap these for more active choices and your kids will feel better for it. They will probably sleep better as well! Be a good role model for your kids. If an active lifestyle is part of your life, you're much more likely to pass similar good habits to your kids. Join in the fun at abloom.com.au