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32 Hudson Valley Parent n December 2018 Set realistic goals and keep yourself accountable Stacy Cameron is an ultra-marathon runner who trains clients and teaches classes out of her Montgomery home. She offers her top tips to help local families stay healthy and fit over the winter. Her top tip is to sign up for a spring event. Cameron says, "I encourage my clients who are runners to sign up for a race in the spring. This way they have to train over the winter. Even if it's negative degrees outside, they have to get out there and do it. The goal is on the calendar." Latsch took this advice and signed up for a springtime race to help keep her on track with her fitness goals. Cameron insists, "If you don't run, sign up for a charity walk, a kayaking trip or an organized hike." By JOAN MILLER I t's that time of year again. Snow falls quietly, a warm fire is roaring, and we are snuggled up on the couch under a blanket, planning holiday parties, making gift lists, and getting ready to work out. Well, maybe not that last thing. After all, who wants to go for a walk in sub-zero temperatures or get into a freezing car to get to the gym or a class? How can we stay in shape over the long, cold months? Tips from a busy mom Rebekah Latsch of Montgomery is a busy mom well acquainted with the challenges of staying fit. Earlier this year, Latsch entered the Gold's Gym Transformation 90-Day Challenge and, at 39 years of age, won her age group (30-39). "I felt amazing. Every day I woke up full of energy." Since then, she became very busy driving her ten-year-old daughter Adrianna to softball practices and games, and her team made the all-stars. "It was a whole month of traveling, grabbing junk food and not exercising because I was away." Now Latsch wants to regain the level of fitness and health she enjoyed earlier but is faced with months of cold weather ahead. "I have a plan, and I'm setting a schedule," Latsch decides. "This will help me stay focused and determined." She plans to attend cardio classes at the gym and pencil each one into her calendar. "Meal planning is also important, especially with a full-time job and two kids at home." The trick is to set challenging goals that are realistic. "It doesn't have to be all at once," says Cameron. Another tip is to sign up for prepaid classes. "If you pay for it ahead of time, someone is in the gym waiting for you, so you go," insists Cameron. Finding a buddy to workout with can also be the perfect motivation with that same sense of accountability. Target your whole body with at home workouts If you decide to go it alone in your home, there are some great exercises you can do that will work your whole body efficiently. Cardio is key and Cameron insists on doing something that will get your heartrate up. "Try jumping jacks or jumping rope," she suggests. Your core should be another main focus. "Push-ups are a great upper- body and core exercise," Cameron points out. If push-ups are too difficult in the beginning, start with a plank and work your way up. If you jump your feet forward at the end and turn it into a burpee, you'll work your entire body and burn a lot of calories. Target your lower body with squats and lunges using just your body weight to strengthen and shape your lower half. Use commercials to your benefit Joe Wiles of Marlboro is a certified personal trainer, boot camp instructor and father of two active kids. Wiles contends it is easier than you think to stay fit over the winter using equipment that is both inexpensive and portable. One of his favorites is a yoga ball. 6 tips to stay fit this winter Healthy ways to get through the colder weather Turn your living room into a gym and workout during the commercials.