Guest Post by: Denise Mestanza-Taylor
Here in the Sunshine State, our best outdoor fitness days happen during the cooler months. Once summer slips in (some time around late April), Floridians have to find creative ways to beat the heat while squeezing in work-outs, especially when you’re a SAHM. Like many other SAHMs surviving on hubby’s income, we can’t afford the luxury of a gym membership. This is simply another factor in the equation to find creative, inexpensive ways to work-out. Plus, in our glorious SAHM lives between wiping bottoms and the Backyardigans, it can be difficult to find time for fitness. So, here are some simple and quick beat-the-heat work-outs to help you get ready in time for bikini season:

Crank Dat Jump Rope No rope required to jump rope! Just rotate your arms as if you’re a cranking a rope. By jumping an invisible jump rope, you are adding resistance and strengthening your arms while working your leg muscles. However, after popping out a kid or two or more, some moms can’t quite jump like they did BC (before children). Not to worry! Rather than jumping rope like you’re Rocky Balboa, keep your feet shoulder with apart and land on alternate feet instead of landing on your two feet together. Try five to ten 30-second sets.

Pump You Up No need to run out and buy a set of weights! Instead, be green and refill empty water bottles with tap water or sand on your next visit to the playground or beach. Using your new handy-dandy homemade weights, do three sets of biceps curls, triceps curls and lateral lifts. Remember to rest for 60 seconds between each set of 10.

Dancing Queen I set my DVR to record exercise programs from Fit TV, but my kids often control of the television, which means my fitness programs are held hostage while they watch their shows. That’s when it’s time to peel those couch potatoes off their comfy spud sofa! Turn off the TV and find some great tunes to make your kids bust some moves. A dance party will surely get your heart rate going while working on gross motor skills with your kids. For your living room Romper Room dance party, simply skip, gallop and twist to your favorite songs.

Treading Water As moms, treading water seems to be a daily occurrence! However, during the summer months, you will more than likely find yourself at a pool at some point and swimming is a great way to beat the heat. Since swimming laps with the kids around seems highly unlikely, try treading water instead while your kids splash around in the pool. Treading water offers great resistance training. Start with two minute intervals and try building up to five minutes. Longer intervals are a great goal to achieve before the end of summer. Set aside a few minutes each day for these beat-the-heat fitness tips and you’ll be hot in your swimsuit in no time!

Run DMT

Denise Mestanza-Taylor is the author of Run DMT. She is a SAHM and organizer of the mommy group, Moms on the Go. Check out her lively blog!