In recent blogs, I have talked about working out at home, which is the only way I can do it with four kids and long, cold Wisconsin winters. Recently, I came across this article about Madonna's trainer, Tracy Anderson, and her philosophy and tips for keeping her famous clientele fit and toned. What I like about her techniques is that they can be easily implemented by those of us who do not go to a gym or have a trainer.

While most moms do not have the time or desire to devote the 2 hours a day that Madonna does, Anderson claims that 1 hour a day 6 days a week is enough to reshape your body and kick it into major fat-burning mode (30 min. of cardio and 30 min. of toning). Yes, it's more than I would like to do, but not an impossible feat either.

When it comes to toning, the key to Madonna's sinewy arms, she says, is very low weights (3 lb. dumbbells) and high repetition (up to 100). For cardio, Tracy says the trick is variety. For example, if you run, alternate between running, skipping, and galloping during your workout. I happen to have an elliptical machine at home that allows me to do just that. It randomly selects different positions and speeds every 60 seconds.

There are many more tips contained in the article. I hope you find it as helpful and motivating as I did.