I think each person faces a slightly different challenge when it comes to living healthy and getting fitness results. Some people struggle to balance family, work, health and leisure time while others face the psychological challenge of overcoming lifelong obesity. While the nature of our challenges and even the path we choose can be vastly different, hopefully the end result is the same: feeling great about how you look, living long, and being healthy.

One of the ways I like to teach is by sharing different methods used by individuals from all different walks of life. In the following few paragraphs, I sit down with my friend and former client Steph M. to discuss what it's like to be a working mother of four who strives to stay healthy and be fit. Check out what Steph had to say below.

Jes: As a mother of four with a goal of being fit, what are some of the challenges you face? What is the biggest challenge? Steph: Many challenges revolve around the children's school, activity schedule. Other challenges are nap times. Some times the kids just don't feel like going into the child care at the gym. Perhaps the biggest challenge: unpredictability of children: with 4 kids, someone is sick or not feeling well a few days out of each month which can translate into missing 3-5 potential work out days.

Jes: What food rules do you have at the house to help keep you and the kids healthy? Steph: I buy organic and fresh fruit and veggies as often as possible. We all have to eat veggies if we are going to have something "not so nutritious". I never buy anything with high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.

Jes: How do you maintain your nutrition plan while also managing food for four kids and a husband? Steph: Unfortunately, I don't have a strict nutritional plan. I like variety and I think the children need exposure to many types of food/meals. But I so try to keep portion size within the suggested guidelines.

Jes: How do you create enough time to workout while also managing four kids schedules (including naps, meals, school, etc.) Steph: I usually try hard to fit in 4-5 workout sessions in a week. I try to mix up what I do to keep me interested and excited. I need to get to the gym before noon or it won't happen. I make a point to the kids to know that it is very important for me to workout because it makes me feel better. I sacrifice other errands to get to the gym because when I get back home, it is lunch, nap (for the younger ones) and get dinner started before going to get the kids from school.

Jes: What advice would you give to other moms who want to be in shape? Steph: I think if any woman just gets the routine of exercise in their schedule, she will then become accustomed or addicted to it because it makes you feel so good! I think you need to partner up with someone else that motivates you as well. Besides, getting rid of old or bigger size clothes is like winning a medal to me!

Jes: What are the most helpful practices you have instilled to help you stay in great shape? Steph: Drink more water than you think you need. Hire a trainer, they will hold you accountable and keep you motivated! Prepare nutritious healthy meals. Educate your family on good and poor food choices. Do not eliminate "special treats" for you or your kids. There is no need to deprive yourself of a simple pleasures just remember to work a bit harder the next time.

I think Steph gives some practical tips for moms who want to be in shape. She's been doing this a while so she's gotten into a routine and knows what she needs to make things work and to feel good about herself while holding down the role of working mother and hot mom at the same time! I have to say I admire her patience...just getting the kids all in one place for the picture probably burned 100 calories!

Jes Reynolds is an Ann Arbor Personal Trainer and the author of her own blog focused on showing you how to get fitness results. Subscribe to Jes Reynolds Fitness by Email or contact Jes directly at: Jes@JesReynolds.com.