I just graduated from the months of physical rehab that followed my spine surgery in January. If you’ve ever been in PT and OT, you know it’s like having your own personal trainer. Now without Sidan and Gloria to urge me on, I’ve got to find the time–and motivation!–to do it on my own.

So when the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth^®program invited me to be an Ambassador for their May challenge, it seemed like exactly what I needed to keep going with my program. The #MoveItMay challenge is a fun way for women across the country to get heart healthy during the month of May. This challenge is centered on physical activity and healthy eating, since May is National Physical Activity and Sports Month, National Blood Pressure Education Month, and National Women’s Health Week.

(Who knew that May was all those things. Used to be it was just oh-my-god-I-have-6-weeks-till-bathing-suit-season.)

Here’s the schedule for my week, May 5 – 11. I’ll be tweeting how I do, so you can cheer me on or–hey!–join me. Let me know in the comments if you’re going to take the first week’s challenge with me. We can compare notes.

Monday May 5

Dance for 5 minutes to your favorite song. Share your song selection. 

Tuesday May 6

Share #MoveItMay with 6 of your friends. Make a pact to commit to your heart health during May and beyond.

Wednesday May 7

Stretch break! Try these 7 different leg stretches today to improve your flexibility and loosen your muscles. [*This challenge is great for a how-to video]

Thursday May  8

Drink 8 glasses of water today. Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and flush toxins out of your vital organs. Share a selfie of you and your favorite water bottle in the comments!

Friday May 9

Do step ups for 9 minutes. Use the stairs, a small bench, or a platform to work your legs and glutes.[*This challenge is great for a how-to video]

Saturday May 10

Try meditating for 10 minutes today. Focus, quiet your mind, and find your inner calm: http://owl.li/weZH8 

Sunday May 11

Happy Mother’s Day! Share The Heart Truth and #MoveItMay with 11 moms you know.