Each week, Debbie will share her goals, challenges, successes and tips on how to fit in fitness when caring for a rambunctious toddler.

The longer I do this renewed fitness thing, the more I realize that there really are no excuses for doing absolutely nothing. Man, was I lame! Now that I have crossed back over to the other side after an exercise hiatus, I am dumbfounded as to how I could have let life get in the way so much that I completely stopped everything.

Really? You think you are so busy that you don't have time for any exercise at all? I say . . . impossible! I really haven't made exercise a top priority; I merely added it to the long list and I make sure that I am sticking with the pieces I have made routine and that I think about how to fit in more every day. So in that spirit . . .

One thing I have noticed through the years is that if you only do one thing, your body tends to get used to it and you have to work all that much harder to get any results. That is why cross training is important, but it is even more important to surprise your body with unexpected exercise.

So now that I have successfully incorporated 30-45 minute walks about three times a week into my routine (and can I just say, they feel great; I even run some of the way!), I am ready to plan some sneak attacks. Here are some things I have either been doing or have decided to add into my day whenever I can:

• leg lifts while brushing my teeth -- Try lifting to the side for outer thigh work and to the back for butt. This helps you brush your teeth longer, too!
  
• funny walks -- These are a big hit with the toddler; sometimes I stay in a half-squat while I walk for the quads, and sometimes I incorporate leg lifts with each step.
  
• toddler lifts -- More fun than dumbbells; try hanging toddler upside down, swinging him up and down or side to side. The giggles will be your motivation to keep going!
  
• vacuum more -- We have a German Shepherd, so we always need to vacuum. If you do it with gusto, it's a pretty good workout and you get a clean house to boot.
  
• dance -- From "Ring around the Rosie" to the Curious George Soundtrack, you are sure to find some music both you and the toddler can live with.

I'll be sure to keep thinking of more of these exercise "sneak attacks," and post them when I think of them. Do you do any sneaky fitness moves?