- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting fitness articles
- iparenting fitness q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Feminine, Firm and Fit
A Healthy Lifestyle Choice
By Kelly Burgess
Feminine, Fit & Firm is a highly adaptable program that is easily individualized for the needs of the woman using is, regardless of age, weight or physical ability. "This program has been designed to fit a woman regardless of why she's chosen to begin it," says Calabrese. "Whether she is already in pretty good shape and just wants to fix trouble spots, or just feels as if she's hit bottom with her health and fitness, it is highly individualized." 
To make the program so flexible, Hickey and Calabrese have packaged together the elements of health and fitness that the best studies have shown help people succeed, including journaling, coaching and gradual progressions. They encourage realistic behaviors, which is why there is no official "diet" associated with the program. Rather, they talk about nutrition in a realistic way to help women make better choices. It's about a balanced diet and a good working knowledge of portion size rather than breaking down foods into good and bad. Also, as parents and busy women themselves, they understand that you can't stick with something 100 percent of the time, thus the 90/10 rule – the only rule in the program.
"We do have one day a week that we call treat day – not cheat day because that sounds bad – but one day when you should have whatever you would like," says Hickey. "If you're being good 90 percent of the time, then you're doing great. Perfection is not the goal here, because that's just one more stressor."
Hickey recommends exercises in 15-minute increments several times a day rather than trying to do an hour at a time. She also says that women with families and children can try to incorporate the entire family – walks after dinner for example – rather than it being an issue of the family waiting for her to return from her walk.
"I was in the situation myself of being too busy to exercise," says Hickey. "But, looking back, I see ways in which I could have fit exercise into my life. We understand where women are at."
