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There's No Place Like a Home Gym

At-home Fitness for Dads-to-Be

By Mark Stackpole

When Allen Carlson of Amery, Wis., began his career as a stay-at-home dad, he weighed a little over 200 pounds. He had an initial goal of losing 20 pounds and got to work keeping a precise eating journal and using a combination of walking, cycling and a ski exercise machine. Today, Carlson maintains a weight of 175 pounds. "Consistent exercise has been a key factor for me to maintain my weight and stay physically active," he says.

Early morning walks and pushing his 11-month-old daughter in her stroller while his 3-year-old son rides his bike are Carlson's preferred modes of cardiovascular exercise, but weather and sleep schedules don't always allow for these activities. The ski machine, set up in his basement, allows Carlson to get in his workout no matter what the conditions. As the basement is also a playroom for his children, he can watch them play as he burns calories on the machine. "If I stay consistent, three to five times per week, 30 minutes each time, I'm happy with the results, and it really seems to work well for general exercise," he says.

Kelli Calabrese, an exercise physiologist and creator of Feminine, Firm & Fit, was named as the 2004 Personal Trainer of the Year for Online Training by Personal Finess Professional

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• Talk about it!