Seeking Tips for Fitting in Exercise

I wake up at 5am, and workout before everyone else wakes up! It seems early, but after a couple of weeks... you will find that it's fantastic!

I am an independent trainer who is also a mother. Exercise can be difficult to fit in a times but you can fit little blocks in here and there. I've designed some programs for quite a few very busy professionals. My e-mail is ____@____.com if you would like to meet sometime. I can give you a complimentary session if you like! Good luck!

I have a stationery bike in a room with a TV. I get on that bike and watch a favorite show. Before I know it the hour is up. good luck.

It's awesome that you are conscientious about spending time with your husband and children. It's important, though, that you be able to create a routine that will work for you. It's hard enough to flow with fluctuating surroundings; you've got to develop a routine to keep you steady and give you peace of mind. You'll wear yourself out following their availability so closely, and it's easy to lose yourself.

It is so difficult to find the time for yourself....but so important to you and your family that you are healthy. I am also a working mom. My challenge was that I did not think it was fair to leave my child in the evenings, when I was missing from her all day. The morning's were just too crazy, trying to get us all organized and out the door at our respective times. I ended up bringing my lunch to work 3-4 times a week, and working out during my lunch time. I found a Gym that was really convenient, and I would eat lunch right after. Also, I would find an hour during the weekend where I could go excercise. Eventually, it became part of my schedule and it really worked for me.

I started excercising in front of the tv - sit ups, hand weights, yoga - anything, for at least 30 mins. As soon as I put my baby down for the night, I drop everything and get to excercising. If I can't get to it right aftger the baby goes down, I aim to workout within 30 mins after bedtime. I've done this for a few weeks and half the week I'm up to 45 mins!

If you chose to work out during your lunch hour and don't want to leave your building/office, there are tons of office excercises you can do using your desk, chair, and books/notebooks. Also, I used to work in a 11 story building and every day at lunch I would walk the stairs and got up to stairstepping 3 times a day. it was hard at first but after the first month, it wasnsn't so much a struggle anymore. Good luck.

Hi! Hope this suggestion helps: If I only have my usual breaks including lunch, I use at least half my breaks if possible & half my lunch for exercise. If my lunch is 30 minutes, since it only takes me about 15 min. to eat, I use the last 10-15 to exercise like either run up/down stairs (if available) or walk around the parking area or a sidewalk if that's allowed or even just walk up & down the hallway if allowed. Same w/an hour lunch. Take 15-20 min. to eat then exercise the remaining time. If you have a 15 min. break, use 5-10 min. of that to just go walk around. Even 5 min. exercise is better than no exercise. Just start looking around you & see where there might be a place you can at least either walk up/down a hallway or stairs. It doesn't hafta be noticeable or a big production that you're exercising, I just walked briskly up/down the hallway next to the break area on my most recent job. No one thought anything of it. Anyone who said anthing was only supportive & stated that "yeah, they needed to do that too". Even just a few minutes will get you some exercise at least. Good luck & best wishes!! Hope this helps you!

Everyone has something that works for them. I am going to tell you what works for me and hopefully something I say may help you. Now, I have 4 kids but the youngest is 8....so, they are all pretty much self sufficient. However, though my husband is self sufficient too, he really craves my companionship which leaves me no time unless he is sleeping. So, I finally told him enough was enough and I too had pounds and inches to lose. So, rather than try to carve out gym time, I bought videos and started working out every morning before work. I hit it at 5:30 am for anywhere from 30 min to an hour. And, I started going for bike rides or working out in the evening. I started out with 10-Minute Trainer and then moved to Turbo Jam....within 6 weeks I went from a size 12 to a size 6/8. If you want more information about these videos, let me know....I would be glad to get it for you. Also, a bike trailer is an awesome work out tool. And, my kids loved it when they were small. I would hook that thing on the back of the bike and tow them all over the place.

Good Luck!

Have youo tried a membership at Gold's Gym. They have a kids club that is open until 8:00pm. My husband & I both go & the kids love it.

I work full time and then some and it is very hard to find the time.

My daughter is 14 months old.

Before baby, I ran at Memorial Park every evening. Since baby, I have learned to wake up at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. It was really hard but once I got in the routine, it was not so hard. Believe me there are mornings that are harder than others but I talk myself into it.

My daughter goes to bed every night btn 7:30 and 8:00 as soon as she goes down, I go down. I watch tv for about an hour and turn it off at 9:00 p.m. so I can go to sleep.

I do a strengthing class M,W,F at the YMCA in my neighborhood and run at Memorial T, TH. There are tons of people there at that time so it is not dangerous. By doing this schedule, I was able to complete the marathon this past January and I am working on training for the MS150.

Make a conscious decision to walk 30 minutes a day. Either do it at lunch or do the double stroller thing and take the boys after work. You'll be amazed at just how much that 30 minutes a day will help- and once you start seeing results then you will be inspired to do more.....Good luck!

Raising kids and working, then finding time to exercise is tough because there always seems to be something that has priority. I struggled with this same issue. Finding a time that is consistently only yours is the key. For me, that was first thing in the morning. I started getting up earlier and just getting that exercise done. It was tough at first but after a few weeks, I was used to it. I do love the uninterrupted quiet of the early morning hours. I also found that I am more energetic throughout the day because of doing this. Because it is dark outside, I just exercise to a variety of DVDs. Equipment is inexpensive; some hand weights; a stretchie band; a waist belt; a balance ball. By varying my exercise activity, I certainly don't get bored with the same routine day after day as well.

I also find time to walk during lunch but when I do this, it is a perk for me. Walking outside during lunchtime can be interrupted by the weather, meetings, or just having an occasional lunch with friends which is sometimes good for the soul as well. I keep a pair of tennis shoes, a t-shirt and a refresher kit with baby powder, deodorant, etc. in my desk drawer for the days I walk. Sometimes I can get someone to walk with me and that is a lot of fun too!

I can tell you that it is absolutely worth the effort to find that time to exercise. It isn't just about the weight loss because the exercise itself really does improve our overall health, mental well-being and spirit. I hope you find your time.

I have to say...if you can sneak in morning workout (I do from 6:30 - 7;15 EVERY morning, but Sundays!)....
try the 10 minute workout dvd's. I read about them on mamasource, bought one at Sams' for $8.88 and I LOVE IT!
It is max fat burner, upper body and lower body or body sculpt options. I am on week 3 and in 10 minutes I am sweating, heart rate up and feel like a burned some calories. I walk before I do the video 20 minutes...
Just an idea. You could work it into lunch, but unknown your work area allows (or if you want to do it there!).
Good Luck!

When I worked I would do little things sitting at my desk...side bends. It's something :) I'm sure there's info floating around somewhere in Google or About .com Good luck in your routine plans...

my saving grace is our local YMCA. once you're a member, the child watch facility is free. it's totally worth every penny of my membership. the kids love to play there and i get a child-free and uninterupted workout.

Hi BH,
I did exactly that same thing when my first son was born. I would work out during lunch and when I would come back I would bring my lunch and try to eat lightly I lost 30 lbs and stayed in shape it worked out really well. Now my son is 11 and I have a new daughter who just turned one and now I can't afford the gym so I get up at 5:00 am get on the treadmill, run 2-3 miles and still have time to read the bible I still haven't lost any weight but I just started 4 wks ago. I still need to start eating better but with time I know that I will lose my 20 lbs that I'm still carrying from my daughter. but good Luck with everything!

Mia

I also struggled finding time for myself to exercise but found that first thing in the morning worked out really well. I get up at 5:15, hit the gym for an hour, and still have enough time to get myself dressed, my daughter and to work by 8. I was never a morning person but that has been the best schedule for me all the way around.

There are in the office yoga stretches you can get off the net. Also if you enjoy dancing listen to music as you clean up after the kids or while making dinner whatever chore will work. Soon you'll be dancing and the chores won't be as long & tedious. Excercise tapes are good too.

Hi i know the feeling. I find that when I do it first thing in the morning, everything else falls in place. I get up (crazy!) @ 4:45a.m. & depending on the day, I run & swim, or take a workout class & swim. my hubby travels a bit so on those days I fit it in when i can. Don't know if you belong to a gym, but most start ____@____.com go after dinner if that works for you. You might find a partner who will workout with you & that's always motivating. They will "call you on it" if you back out the day before. Good luck, I hope you find time.(you can do it!!! no excuses! we all have those little ones!!:))

It is very hard to fit in exercise, especially with a family. My husband and I invested in a Wii Fit for Christmas. I get up every morning at 5:00AM, (yes I know it makes me crossed eyed also), but I get my workout in for the day and I don't have worry about fitting a workout in after work, when I'm already tired. We do go to bed early though, that is the only down fall, but I'm glad I'm doing it, and feel so much better. Good luck!

Living in Texas gets really hot and humid after 9am (approx). Lunch time exercise might require a shower.
I remember going to the local track and putting my boys
in the middle with their toys and I would walk all around
them. Also, you might have your workout clothes ready to
go if someone, anyone offers to babysit. Might also think
about trading out with another mother and go every other
day, a co-op. good luck and happy exercising.

what kind of exercise do you want to do? If you choose your lunch hour, you could just walk all over the place in the neighborhood and get some exercise. i like to fit it into my day - like super hard gardening tasks that ensure i am quite sore later on :D

Hi B H,

I didn't read all the responses so this may have been suggested. For my son's 4th birthday we gave him a bike with training wheels. So now when we go on walks, he bikes and little sis rides in the stroller. At first he couldn't go very far but now he can go an hour on his bike while I walk/run. You both can gradually improve and he can start exercising too. At first my son needed encouragement to start riding while I walked. So if he went with me he received some type of treat after the walk.

Hope it helps and good luck,
H.

I struggled for a long time to get into a routine with exercise, but what is working for me these days is to get up extra-early, at least an hour before the kids wake up. This is hard for me because I am not a "morning person" but I am too pooped at the end of the day to stick to a plan to exercise after the kids are in bed.

You can do it! The first couple weeks will be really tough, but consistency is key!

C.
www.livetotalwellness.com

Hey B,
It looks like you've been given some great advice.

I'm also a personal trainer and mom of 2 (9yrs & 1.5yrs). And my husband is in the military and I can NEVER rely on his crazy schedule. Even if it i "steady" it's only that way for a few months and then it changes again. So, I completely understand the unpredictability. If you can have a set time for when he's not around, do that and invite him to come with you. If not, just take it day by day. I basically plan on my husband NOT being home. And when he is, I try to rearrange my schedule that day. But working out during your lunch hour seems like that would be the most consistent thing you can do right now. But here are some other options...

The Y really is a great option, especially if you have one with great programs (The Langham Creek Y near copperfield is awesome.)

But you can also look into Mommy & Me groups like Stroller Strides. That's the one I know of the most. I thinkt the other ones may be called Stroller Fit, Moms In Motion, Mommy Boot Camp. Well, I don't know if the Mommy Boot Camp is for kids, too. but the other ones are. And some of their classes are offered at night and on the weekends. And I know my friend who teaches the Stroller Strides out here in Copper Field always welcomes Dad's when there's holidays, or they're off of work one day, etc. That would be a good family option. You can bring the kids and bring thte husband when/if he's off work.

V. Luu
____@____.com

Do you have a double stroller? If so, strap those precious boys in, and head out for a walk.