I am doing wonderful weight-wise. I gained 55 with my first, lost 65, gained 45 with my second, lost 50, so 15 lbs less than pre-pregnancy (and would be more but for the holidays). I was pretty good about getting out and exercising with the stroller and eating well, but now that it is cold and I don't want to take the kids out in it, I thought I would do some videos. Although the 10 month is fine crawling on top of me and whatever, the 3 1/2 year old wants attention. We got a little exercise trampoline that is great for everybody, but I want something that will get me toned and fit (especially my tummy). I can think of what to do with the 3 1/2 yr old (dancing and jumping) and the 10 month old is fine doing whatever (he is the easy one), but what can I do with both? I would like to do my Pilates & Yoga videos, but I fear that is out (due to attention issues). I want to get my heartrate up and not be bored. Walking around the mall is out. Any tips?
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The boys do not nap at the same time, I think they actually try to nap seperately in an effort to get Mommy time. When my husband is home in the evenings I try to get my hours in on my part time job. My husband works full time and is also a grad student in his "spare" time. So I really don't have extra time. :P We are trying to save money to buy a new house and so I am trying to use what I already have (not spend it on a gym membership - yet). My 3 1/2 yr old CAN entertain himself for 30-45 minutes, he just likes to be the one to choose when. I am now trying to figure out an exercise plan that is in the home and works for both boys. I think maybe it will be a patchwork of different rooms, activities, and maybe using the youngest as a weight lifting tool? Like 3 minutes of crunches in the living room, 7 minutes jumping on the trampoline (with toddler), 4 minutes of lifting baby, 15 minutes dancing with toddler (and maybe baby too)... that kind of thing?
As a working mom of a toddler, I found working out first thing in the morning before anyone got up works best.
Do they nap at the same time?? I think if my boys didn't nap at the same time I would go nuts!! If they don't try waking up early ar doing it after they go to bed. Some moms excuse is they don't HAVE time, but you have to MAKE time! Good Luck!
There is this video that is out that is called Little Kicks Fitness Workout for Kids, Vol. 2: Bring It On! (2003) that is geared to children. Maybe when you are doing your yoga you can put this on for them in the next room or even do it with them. Here is a link to the video with a couple of reviews from other moms that have used the item.
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Kicks-Fitness-Workout-Kids/d...
My daughter does my work out video with me. I give here her place to stand and she does it. She may be jumping up and down put she is moving and she is 3 1/2. I do think though I am going to invest in this video for them since we spend alot of time inside during the cold months!! Good luck!
I just got an exercise/stability ball (the big one that you can do sit-ups on), and I leave it where the baby plays so I can do some sit-ups while I watch her. It's also supposed to work your abs while you're just sitting there on it. She also likes to play with it!
I do yoga videos WITH my kids. I have a three year old and a one year old. They don't get a lot out of it, but it exposes them to the idea of movement and they love it, and I get a work out. My three year old does have attention span issues but she knows that when she gets bored she needs to regroup on her own. This took a little time and patience on my part for her to learn, but most of the time I get a good work out. But you do have to be flexible and be okay with not always getting the whole tape done, but instead just having fun with the kids. But I've found that even my one year old can enjoy it. Good luck!
My sister also uses Slim in Six and really likes it. I also have two children at home. It's a little harder having a little one, (mine are 3 & 4), but I give them quiet/play time in their rooms just so I can get through a Firm video. The Firm strength videos are really good and range from 30-45 minutes each. The only reason I give them playtime out of the room is because I don't want them to get hurt on the dumbbells.
I have a friend who teaches parent-tot yoga if you are interested in a class. Even just to go for a class or two to get ideas to do at home it can be helpful. PM me if you want specifics.
I love Pilates and Yoga!! Pilates was especially helpful after my daughter was born... targets tummy (core) and made a great difference. I never found it boring and it does get my heartrate up- holding positions that really work muscles does the job!! As for videos, Giam Yoga(sp?) is a great company. I especially like videos taught by Rodney Yee. His style, voice and direction is peaceful not annoying and a good workout. I even have a Denise Austin Pilates video that is good.. hope that helps:)
I agree - patchwork of activities works well. My husband does push-ups while watching our son in the bathtub. I do my Pilates DVDs after I put my son to bed since that's the only time I get to do it. The other thing is, don't be afraid to go out when it's cold. Think about it - did YOU care if it was cold when you were little and wanted to play outside? I sure didn't. I regularly bundle up my 19-month old and walk the mile over to our local library. It gives me a nice 2-mile walk, him a stroller ride (which he loves) and a good warm-up break at the library. Good for everyone. I agree, though - it's a challenge no matter how you do it. I think they key is living an active life and not worrying too much about exercise, per se. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If it's a mile or less, walk instead of drive, etc. Good luck!
I don't know if this fits with your schedule (I'm a working mother so had less options) but I try to work out while my daughter is asleep -- either early in the morning before she gets up I go to the gym so my husband can be there in case she wakes up, or do in-home exercise during her naps (use a headphone, maybe?) I guess with two kids it gets trickier to work around the sleep schedules.
Exercise in the evening when your husband is home to watch the kids. Or trade babysitting with another mom - you watch her kids while she works out and she watches yours while you do. You can join StrollerFit (or a similiar program) and workout with your kids. They meet indoors during the winter months. Join a gym and let the kids play in the childcare room while you work out. Do your workout videos at home while the children are napping or playing with their toys. A 3.5 year old can certainly entertain himself for 30-45 minutes!!
Or just skip the 'workout' mentality completely. I rarely 'workout' -- I play! My 2 year old and 5 year old love to go ice skating. I just go with another friend and her kids and we take turns watching my 5 month old off-ice. We also play rollerhockey in street and driveway. We ride bikes together (baby in the trailer now that she's sitting well). We also play soccer, tag (there's about a zillion variations of it), football and baseball in the backyard while the baby naps indoors (baby monitor works in our yard). We also go hiking alot as a family. There's really no need to keep the kids indoors all winter.... a good snowball fight is exercise! :-)
Wow, it's almost as if you're writing about me! I had my 3rd child 7 months ago (Payton), then there's Maddy (4yrs) and Julia (2 1/2 yrs)..and I too was doing great walking outdoors (with heart-rate training), but ever since it became cold, well, lets just say that I've gained 5 pounds. My friends keep telling me about a "slim in 6" program that they've been trying, although I haven't tried it yet-they say it's fantastic!
Would it be possible to join a gym that has on-site childcare? I know some facilities offer that, along with video monitoring as you exercise on the cardio equipment.
