The old saying goes that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And according to Mom of the Month, Sarah McBee, the journey to physical fitness and strength also begins that way. And that single step is simply "getting off the couch."

Looking at McBee today, it is hard to think that it can be that simple. But it is. McBee teaches exercise classes at Universal Fitness Center in Lancaster. The classes she teaches have names like Body Combat, Body Attack and Body Pump. They are not for the faint of heart.

McBee teaches four times a week and she also works in Universal's marketing department the other days of the week. But by far, her most important role is being mother to 18-month-old Cora.

Since 2006 McBee has been married to Sheldon McBee, another fitness fixture at Universal. He is also the instructor of other fitness professionals. When the two started dating, Sarah was not in the best of shape. McBee got a lot of exercise being on the dance team at college, but once she graduated, the pounds quickly came on while she enjoyed Lancaster County home cooking.

Spending time with Sheldon introduced her to the world of fitness and exercise. Whether it was love or his fitness expertise, McBee lost 60 pounds and never looked back. "He (Sheldon) motivated me to start and I got hooked on it and kept going," McBee remembers.

Being pregnant and having a newborn to care for added a new challenge to McBee's workout routine. She remembers those early days with her new baby, as we all do: Sleepless nights, shower-less days, stuck on the couch. But within weeks of giving birth, McBee was working out and within months she was back teaching. She has not only returned to her pre-pregnancy level of fitness but she now teaches fitness classes for others. How did McBee bounce back after pregnancy, childbirth and those endless days with a newborn?

Simply one step at a time. And the first step was just getting off the couch.

Sure, it was challenging, but looking back it really was simple. McBee figured she was going to be tired where ever she was... being tired at the gym was better than being tired at home on her couch feeling sorry for herself. So she chose to get off the couch and go to the gym.

With all the juggling with her work, her fitness schedule and taking care of Cora, McBee definitely needs some help. Sheldon is very supportive and helpful but often he is out of the house from 5 in the morning until 7 at night. He is also out of town several times a month training other trainers. McBee is fortunate to have her family close by and her mother especially enjoys taking care of Cora. Universal Fitness Center also provides childcare in a pinch.

McBee says another big help to her is organization. Though every day is different for her, every day is organized.

"Cora's nap times and meal times are regimented and that really helps. Stick to a routine - kids like a routine," she says.  One routine that McBee hopes Cora becomes accustomed to for life is exercise. McBee believes that she will because "she is exposed to it so much."

But perhaps more helpful than her husband or her organizational skills is McBee's regular girls' night out with her friends. Sheldon is more than happy to have his daddy/daughter time with Cora while McBee recharges on those evenings. For the McBee family, "it's a win/win situation," she says.

McBee's advice for other new mothers who might be stuck on the couch wondering how to get back in shape? "Just get back outside," she suggests. "It doesn't have to be regimented. Find something you like to do. That will be more motivating." Some may like to go for a walk or play on the playground with their children. Others may want to go to a pool.

McBee added, "Do anything that involves moving."   

"But whatever you do, just get off of that couch." 

By Maureen Leader, Special Features Writer