One of the most common complaints I hear from moms who are trying to get in shape is that they simply don’t have the time to exercise on a regular basis. Let’s face it: as moms, we often spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. I am no exception. When I began a daily exercise regimen last year, no one in my family was very cooperative.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that I couldn’t work out when my daughter was awake. She was one at the time, and she would play quietly by herself for about 10 minutes before she started wailing and demanding my undivided attention. For a while, I was able to get up at the crack of dawn and work out before the kids woke up, but my attempts were thwarted. After about two weeks of pleasant early morning exercise, the kids somehow instinctively sensed that I was enjoying myself while they snoozed, which caused them to wake up earlier each day. I didn’t give up, though. Instead, I tried exercising at nap time, since I was lucky enough to have two kids that napped at the same time. Then, when my son turned five he gave up his naps. I couldn’t possibly continue my nap time exercise regimen, because I would be sacrificing the only one-on-one time I had with my son. Once again, I was stymied.

I started to think that I would never be able to exercise on a regular basis, which was terribly discouraging. I feel so good about myself after a workout, and it was frustrating to realize that even though my workouts were so important to me, my family couldn’t have cared less. My exercise time dwindled from four days a week to the occasional evening when I had the dishes washed on time and everyone was in a good enough mood to play together without me for half an hour. Let’s just say it didn’t happen very often!

I shared my frustrations with a few of my online writing buddies, and my friend, Karrie, mentioned that she sometimes turns on some music, closes the curtains and dances with her kids. I felt like one of those cartoon characters who has an idea, and a light bulb turns on above his head! I didn’t have anything to lose, so I decided to give it a try.

For the last few months, my kids and I have been having "dance parties" every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I turn on the computer, select some inspiring tracks with quick beats, and we move our bodies for half an hour. The results of this new workout technique have been surprisingly positive. My kids absolutely love our "dance parties!" In fact, they’d like to have a "dance party" every day, if I would allow it, but I don’t want anyone to get burned out. I want "dance parties" to be special, something the kids look forward to.

Since this healthy new ritual began, I have come to love it just as much as my kids do. Not only am I able to consistently exercise, but I am also doing something very beneficial for my children. Our "dance parties" are teaching them that exercising can be fun, and is something that should be done on a regular basis. When they grow up, I want exercising to be something that is second-nature to them. I want it to be something they do on a regular basis without thinking about it, like brushing their hair or making their beds (we’re still working on this one!).

You can have regular "dance parties" too! Below are the basic rules I’ve set up for my family. Tailor them to suit your children and their needs.

• "Dance parties" occur Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, no matter what.
• Everyone must keep moving for half an hour.
• Everyone must use the restroom before the music begins.
• Watch out for furniture, walls, and other people while dancing.
• When a song says the word "jump," you are required to do so.
• Make up your own dances.
• Close the curtains, if necessary.
• No fighting over song choices.
• Most importantly: Have fun!