As you know, we’re currently very interested in how to make fitness a part of an everyday routine. That’s a hard enough task during the year, but it can seem near impossible during busy times like the holidays–and for families and parents, carving out time to hit the gym or the running/biking trails can seem like a joke. But it doesn’t have to be! To figure out how to fit it all in, we consulted with an expert. In addition to being a teacher,  Rachel of Fit Mom’s Blog is a mother of 2 who still finds time to make fitness a part of her family’s daily routine. She very nicely agreed to let us in on her tips for making fitness part of every day, during the holidays and all year round!

Rachel makes fitness a family affair!

What was your fitness routine before you became a mom? How did it change when you become one? I was both a runner and a cyclist competing regularly in events. I had run 2 marathons prior to my first child and raced competitively as a road cyclist in local criteriums. After baby number 1, I signed up and trained for my third marathon within 6 months of his birth. I run San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon with Team in Training. I finished in 4 hours 11 minutes and had to leave to breast feed immediately after finishing!

With baby number one, I was still able to run (with a jogger) and cycle in the garage on the trainer (I pulled his pack n’ play into the garage so that I could get a quickie workout.) But, my training was “on the go” and minimal at best. 30 minutes here or there…

What was the best fitness advice you ever received from someone else? Just do what you can!

What’s the best fitness advice you’ve ever given? Do what you love.

What do you do to make sure you take time for yourself during busy times of year? I am now working out with a trainer at my local Cross Fit gym. We start at either 5 or 6 in the morning and I’m out the door in one hour. On off days, I continue to practice yoga, trail running or cycling. When you love so many things, it’s hard to give up a day for rest!

Tell us about your favorite fitness activity the whole family can do together. We bike ride together or we (the kids and I) do yoga together. My oldest is now six and can ride his own bike and I can carry my youngest (at 3) in a Burley.

Describe your favorite quick exercise! If I only have 15 minutes to work out, I can do a high interval workout using only a kettlebell and my body weight. I will alternate squats, swings with pushups or burpees!

Do you have any advice or tips for moms hoping to keep their fitness schedules on track during busy times like the holidays? Make fitness a priority in your life and make huge efforts to have it on your calendar before any other event can take it’s place. Have a “go to” workout buddy to keep you accountable. Work hard during the workout so you can relax at the party later!

Earning the party…good advice if we ever heard it. Thanks, Rachel! You can follow her on-the-go advice on her Twitter, and be sure to check back with us for more on Michelle’s fitness journey with Equinox gyms.

 In the comments, let us know how you find time for fitness during busy times of year!

We feel very strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy the spa, regardless of shape or size, and that’s why we are pleased to welcome guest blogger Sara Bartlett of Bombshell Beauty Blog, a community that celebrates plus-size fashion and beauty. Sara’s addressing some concerns that many plus-size women have about going to the spa.

I’ve heard from many of you that your favorite product reviews are those that recreate spa-like results in your own bathroom. You’ve told me you like them because of the convenience and affordability, and also because the thought of going to an actual spa is really intimidating.

Going into a public place, taking off your clothes and paying a stranger to touch your skin is intimidating to a lot of women, no matter their size. But there are a few elements to the experience that are plus-size specific.

• Will the robe fit me?

• Is the equipment sturdy, or am I going to go flying off the massage table as it collapses beneath me?

• Am I supposed to hang out naked in a steam room with a bunch of hard bodied women, sipping cucumber water?

• Will the technician who performs my treatment act weird about touching my curves?

I completely agree that it’s convenient to slap on a hydrating mask in your bathroom, in between brushing your teeth and shaving your legs. But it doesn’t begin to compare to putting yourself in the hands of a professional, getting away from all the sounds and distractions of home, and letting someone else take care of you for an hour.

To get a professional opinion on how a Bombshell can make the spa experience more serene than anxious, I chatted with Mitchell Wherley, CEO and owner of Spalon Montage – one of the Twin Cities’ premier spas. The first thing he told me? “Our mission at Spalon Montage is to embrace diversity.”

This includes clients of all shapes and sizes. To that end, Spalon Montage (and most all reputable spas around the country) educates its staff on how to interact with diverse clients. For plus size clientele, that means ensuring they have robes on hand that will fit. Their treatment rooms and equipment are all built to accommodate any person.

Another stressor at the spa is not knowing what you’re supposed to do once you get there – should you take off your clothes and slip into the robe now? Or should you wait for someone to give you directions?

“We assume every client is brand new to any treatment,” Mitchell said. “We always explain what’s going to happen next, from the concierge who greets you in the lobby to the treatment specialist who works with you.”

If you’re new to spa treatments, Mitchell suggests booking one that doesn’t require you to remove much (if any) clothing. A pedicure or facial are both good options – a facial in particular is relaxing and beneficial. If you’d like to dip your toes into the world of massage, see if your spa offers a specialty treatment like Spalon Montage’s Thai Yoga massage.

Unlike traditional massage, in which you’d remove most of (or all) your clothing before being rubbed with oils and lotions, Thai Yoga massage requires you to wear your own yoga clothes while being stretched by a therapist. In Spalon Montage’s case, that therapist is the very sweet, extremely knowledgeable Kathryn – completely unintimidating.

I received the most invigorating massage and a boatload of general yoga knowledge from her during our 60-minute session. The experience was calming and relaxing; Kathryn was able to stretch my body more deeply than I ever could on my own. She used a series of yoga moves and deep tissue massage, using her own body weight and mine for leverage. The best part? I was able to lay back on a warm, cushy floor mat in a gorgeous, dimly lit room and just enjoy the entire process.

At the end of the massage, I sprang up with energy coursing through my body. Traditional massage typically leaves me lethargic and ready for a nap (and a shower to get all those oils off) – a great experience in its own way. But the next time I need to re-center and gather some energy, I’m going for the Thai Yoga massage.

By all means, keep enjoying all the products available for at-home use. But treat yourself to a true spa experience, too! Here are three tips that might ease your anxiety as you look forward to that treatment:

1. Get to know the spa. Book a non-threatening treatment, like a pedicure or facial, your first go-around so you can get a feel for the place.

2. Ask questions. Does this treatment require any nudity? Do you have robes in 3X?

3. Go with your gut. If you feel anything less than completely welcomed and comfortable, cancel the appointment. Even if you’re already at the spa.