“I kind of fly in a chaotic environment, and I’m used to it,” she says. “In my 30s, though, I probably tried to fit too much in.” How does she have the energy to handle dozens of work projects, a bustling family life, and find time for herself? In an exclusive interview with Prevention, Burke-Charvet spills her secrets for staying healthy, happy, and fit. Prevention: You have such a crazy schedule! How do you keep your energy up? Brooke Burke-Charvet: Energy is the one thing that I wish I had more of. I haven’t heard of any mom that ever gets enough sleep or ever has enough time in the day. But I have learned over the years that exercise is the best thing that I can do for everything, whether it’s energy, mood—everything. Even on stressed out days, if I make myself work out, I really do have a spike of energy, I feel better, and I’m happier. I am convinced that even on your most tired days, you have to push yourself to be healthy and fit. What’s your exercise routine like?Well, I have a DVD series, so last year I released titles three and four, Sexy Abs and 30-Day Slim-Down, and now I teach a workout class that’s inspired by my DVD. I also take Pilates Plus classes. How do you fit in time to work out when you’re always running around and—gosh, have four kids?I’m super busy, but I schedule it, just like I schedule any other important events for my children. Moms never miss our kids’ appointments, but we don’t always make time for ourselves. So I book it. I really found that when you pay for a class and you book it, or when you make a commitment with a friend, it holds you accountable. More from Prevention: Eat For All-Day Energy Any advice on how to prioritize, especially when you’re being pulled in all directions?Learning how to say “no” is just a powerful thing. I don’t plan a lot of social events so that I can spend more time with my family. I think my husband and I wish we had more of a social life, but we’re really devoted to our kids. The people who matter most to me are the ones in my home, my family. Usually my workouts are my “me” time, but I make sure that I find my moment when I can just have tea or just read a magazine or just go do a class. I make sure that I have a little bit of time so that I don’t feel overwhelmed. You’ve been very open about your battle with thyroid cancer earlier this year. How were you diagnosed?I was diagnosed during a routine physical, so the importance of getting a yearly checkup is huge. The importance of mammograms is huge—we have access to so much medical testing that can not only save your life, but also educate you about your own body. So I never miss a yearly checkup. But I’ve met people that have never had a physical and it’s like, what?! You’ve never had a physical? If I hadn’t gotten my yearly physical I would not have known that I had cancer. More from Prevention: How To Get The Most Out Of Doctor Appointments How are you feeling now that you’ve had surgery to remove the tumor?I have no symptoms, I have no signs—I am super healthy! Has cancer changed you? I haven’t changed my lifestyle; I’m not living any differently. I just know that sometimes something like cancer comes along that’s out of your control, and it happens. More from Prevention: Denise Austin’s 40+ Weight-Loss Tips
