Is there such thing as the “perfect workout”? There are an endless number of books, DVDs, websites and infomercials that offer the perfect plan to whip you into shape in record time.

Which one is really the perfect one?

What would your perfect workout be? Really, it would be the one that you enjoy and can commit to doing on a regular basis.

Is it a stroll in the park, taking a class, a rigorous hour of tennis, or using the stairmaster during your favorite TV show? Maybe it means focusing on your breath in a yoga class, stretching your muscles with pilates or running to your favorite songs. The choices go on for workouts that can benefit your body, mind and soul.

But many moms don’t exercise at all. In fact, the only exercise they’re getting is exercising their right not to exercise.

Now like many moms, let’s say you haven’t exercised in an embarrassingly long time. Your never-ending to-do list got the best of you and the only way you could get everything done was by cutting your own self care right off your list. So unfortunately, exercise was one of the things to go. At some point, you began to feel sluggish, lethargic and unfit. Maybe you noticed that your clothes weren’t fitting as well as they used to. You may have realized that while you used to sprint up the steps, now you’re huffing and puffing as you near the top. Whatever causes you to see that you need exercise in your life doesn’t matter, as long as you use that information to get going.

If this sounds like you, it’s time to find your perfect workout.

Even if you haven’t worked out in weeks, months, even years -  you need to find something that you can enjoy. If you’re starting out from a long period of not exercising, it is also important that you begin at a level that’s just slightly more challenging than what you feel you can easily do. This way, you don’t scare yourself off from beginning and sticking with a new routine. It’s also a great way to build confidence in yourself.

By setting a goal that’s reasonable, then achieving that goal, you gain the confidence to keep trying. It’s an empowering feeling to take back the reins and know that your fitness, health and priorities are up to you.

You can always start with walking. You know how to do it, you don’t need to be exceptionally coordinated and all you need is a properly fitting pair of walking shoes. Just getting outside, looking at the changing leaves or noticing the beauty that surrounds you may be enough to keep you motivated to walk. If that’s not enough, you can bring an iPod or MP3 player to listen to your favorite music. There are also some great services which enable you to download walking workouts according to your workout level and needs. You can even download podcasts of programs you enjoy, recordings of audio books, or just use the quiet time as an opportunity to clear your head.

Another convenient option is to use exercise DVDs.  There are so many options available that you are sure to find something that you enjoy.  You can try starting out with easy workouts and then as you progress, move up to longer or more challenging choices.  A great resource for exercise DVDs is Collage Video.  This website includes video clips of each DVD and lots of detailed information about the different videos. You could also check out SwapADVD.com for a great source of (practically free) DVDs.

For moms of babies and toddlers, you might want to check out Stroller Strides.  This is like an exercise club for moms where the stroller and your child are used as exercise equipment.  This can be a great way to incorporate time with your kids, socializing with other moms, and exercise!

Once you have an idea of what kind of exercise makes sense for you, the next challenge is finding time to do it.  You may work outside the home, have a newborn, or whatever. You can justify or make excuses for anything you don’t want to do. The idea is to find a way to get it done so you can feel good again.

If you work outside the home, you can have a gym bag packed and ready, and head to the gym before work or before you come home. If you feel guilty about taking extra time away from your kids, maybe realizing that the happier mom is, the better she is for everyone else is enough to change your mind. You can also try exercising during your lunch break, taking a short walking break every hour or find an exercise buddy you can walk with and be accountable to.

If you are at home with young children, there are some other strategies you may want to try. Get on that treadmill in your home, pop in that DVD or just tune into your local exercise channel. Just put your baby in an safe area nearby. Your baby may even get a real kick out of watching his or her mommy working out. If not, he or she can use the time to sleep, snack or play. If your children are a little older, give them a special activity that they only get to do while mommy works out. They’ll look forward to the activity while you get your workout in.

If you want to workout outside, there are great exercise joggers that allow you to walk, jog or run with your child safely strapped in. You can also wear your baby in a Baby Bjorn or baby backpack. This adds weighted resistance to your workout while taking away any excuse you may have! Your baby will also love the special time feeling close to you while getting some fresh air. Another option is to join a class for moms and their kids. If that doesn’t work for you, many health clubs offer babysitting for a small fee. Lastly, you can hire a babysitter or find a friend that is willing to take turns babysitting each others children so you can both make the time for much needed self care.

It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do something. The key is to find a way to incorporate exercise back into your life. If you do nothing now and exercise for fifteen minutes tomorrow, you’re moving in the right direction. What’s most important is that you give your body, mind and soul what they so rightfully deserve.

And as you begin to feel better about your body and your commitment to take better care of yourself, your body will gratefully respond by slowly getting back to being the finely tuned machine it is meant to be.

So take some time to think about how exercise can fit into your life, and take the first steps toward a new, healthy habit and a fit and happy you!

Suggestions? Comments? Ideas?  Please leave a comment or send me a note!  Spread that Mojo!!