Mission Possible Interview with Krys

1.How many children do you have?
Two boys. Logan, 4, and Jordan, 5 1/2 months.

2. How long have you lead an active lifestyle?
Ive always been pretty active. I played outside every day as a child, was interested in roller skating and gymnastics in elementary school, cheer leading in middle school; roller blading, weight lifting and cheer leading in high school, roller blading and aerobics classes in college, and running, backpacking, weight lifting and chasing children since then.

3 .What is your favorite type of exercise?
My absolute favorite is backpacking, because although it's tough to carry a big heavy pack over challenging terrain, it doesn't really feel like work and you get to see beautiful, wild places. Plus, it's quality time with my family.
4. What have you taught your children about exercise?
My husband Chris and I make it clear to our sons that exercise is an important part of being healthy and vital. Sometimes our oldest doesn't really understand why Mommy is leaving the house at 8 p.m. to go to the gym and he'll beg me to stay, but I tell him Mommy needs to exercise to live a healthy, happy life. When I was pregnant with Jordan, Logan and I went to watch Chris run a race, and Logan was inspired after that to join a local kids' race. He got hooked and did it again this year. We are teaching our kids that exercise is not only necessary, it's fun.

5. How do you stay motivated to keep fit?
I definitely have days that I would much rather just stay home and watch some TV after dinner instead of heading out to the gym, but I know that I will feel much better if I go--both physically and emotionally. Somehow a good session at the gym erases the stresses of the day and makes me feel happier and stronger.

6. Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?
I don't have one yet, but I'm working on learning how to blog. I hope to get one up and running as soon as I possibly can. I have a lot to say! I plan to write about my daily life, in general, while focusing on small steps we, as moms, can take to improve the quality of our days, our relationships, our parenting skills and our impact on the planet.

7. One tip or piece of advice you can offer other moms to get their kids moving?
Make it fun. Keep in mind that kids don't exercise like adults do. For them, it's not a "have to" it's a "get to." Kids don't force themselves to pump iron or run on a treadmill. They run, laugh, climb trees, ride bikes, dig in the dirt, etc. With that in mind, just do it! Take your kids outside. Go for a walk, race them to the swing set, visit the local pool for open swim, take a family karate class, whatever. Exercise doesn't have to be--and shouldn't be--torture for anyone. If you aren't enjoying it, do something else, as long as you're in motion.

Thanks Krys! Looking forward to reading your blog!

Mission Possible Interview with Samantha

1. How many children do you have?
   I have one son who is 4 months old.
   
2. How long have you lead an active lifestyle?
   Most of my life!
   
3. What is your favorite type of exercise?
   I have a love/hate relationship with running. For the most part I like running, I love swimming laps in the outdoor pool during the hot summer months, and I love lifting weights.
   
4. What have you taught your children about exercise?
   Make it apart of your every day life! Exercise does not have to be hard or boring- it can be fun! Going on a walk, playing basketball in your driveway, racing to the mailbox down the street.. those are all ways to be active without feeling like you're exercising. Exercising is fun!!
   
5. How do you stay motivated to keep fit?
   I want to feel good and be happy and I know I am the happiest when I am active and eating healthy. I want to be a good example for my children and I want to be in awesome shape! I want to be able to run around with my kids!
   
6. Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?
   My blog is Mama Notes- www.mamanotes.com It's a super fun blog for moms and moms to be. I write about everything from parenting, to my crazy motherhood moments, to children's health issues, to exercise/nutrition, pregnancy and lots more! Come say hi!
   
7. One tip or piece of advice you can offer other moms to get their kids moving?
   My advice would be to be an example of activity and get active with them. It's hard when you say, " go for a bike ride," or "go run around outside" or whatever but if you go on a bike ride with them, go for a walk with them, kick the ball outside with them, you're going to be an example of what activity is and you're kids are much more likely to follow!

Mission Possible Interview with Elena

1. How many children do you have? - I have two girls - ages 12 and 10
   
2. How long have you lead an active lifestyle? - I grew up a swimmer but got away from it after high school. I gained weight in my 20s but after I got engaged I stopped the junk food and started exercising. I lost about 20-25 pounds. I stayed thin after that but really got into working out when my girls were around 2 and 4. Been hooked ever since!
   
3. What is your favorite type of exercise? - I LOVE weights!!!! Cardio is a close second. I also love outdoor activities with the family. Anything on, in or near the water rates high!
   
4. What have you taught your children about exercise? - I emphasize - Health is always first! It doesn't matter so much what type of exercise as long as you move! I try to motivate them by example as well. They have known no different than "mom works out"!!!
   
5. How do you stay motivated to keep fit? - I simply feel great. If I start my day with exercise and a healthful meal the day is always better. I get grumpy if I miss a workout or have a poor breakfast - it is sort of downhill from there. Of course, looking youthful and fit doesn't hurt either!
   
6. Do you have a blog? What do you blog about? I had started one about "Live Life" as in "enjoy the moment" or "carpe diem" , etc. but it has kind of fallen by the wayside with my move. I hope to resurrect it when I am settled in my new home.
   One tip or piece of advice you can offer other moms to get their kids moving? The best advice I can give is LEAD BY EXAMPLE and get out there with them!!!