Parent in need of advice for energy boost

fry5150
fry5150 Posts: 34 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been on a hiatus from the gym since my son was born and trying to get back at it. Problem is that he doesn’t sleep through the night consistently. I am typically too exhausted to get to the gym in the morning (preferred time) and then after working all day I just want to spend time with the family with the little energy I have. Curious to see how other parents manage and if anyone has some suggestions on boosting energy levels. Caffeine and energy drinks just don’t seem to do it for me.

Replies

  • kmbweber2014
    kmbweber2014 Posts: 680 Member
    My energy levels revolve a lot around what I eat, so you could start by evaluating what you are eating. Also you will have more energy once you get back into it, the first few weeks you really have to push yourself though.
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    I work out over my lunch hour. I eat lunch at my desk and then take my 'break' around 1:30 to avoid the noon hour rush.

    Of course, it depends on what type of job you have, whether or not you have the flexibility to do that.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    My best suggestion is to suck it up and do it for two weeks. After that, it gets easier. Right now you are likely caught in the cycle of low energy due to inconsistent sleep and not enough physical activity plus not enough physical activity due to low energy.

    How old is your son, btw?
  • girlviernes
    girlviernes Posts: 2,402 Member
    You may be better off for the time being using any down time to get in naps. Sleep will be more helpful than exercise right now, in my opinion. Once you have a steady at least 7 hours of sleep a night you can focus on the exercise. To lose weight focus on your eating for now.
  • subversive99
    subversive99 Posts: 273 Member
    girlviernes wrote: »
    You may be better off for the time being using any down time to get in naps. Sleep will be more helpful than exercise right now, in my opinion. Once you have a steady at least 7 hours of sleep a night you can focus on the exercise. To lose weight focus on your eating for now.

    Yes, this. My wife and I have a 10 month old (plus 3 more), and she has just started exercising in the last 3 months. We got some home equipment, as there's no way going to the gym would ever happen. She tries to fit her workout in during the day most often. Sometimes it happens in the evening. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all. More importantly, she tracks all her eating and makes sure she's in a deficit.

    Sleep is important. Get it when you can. :smile:

  • fry5150
    fry5150 Posts: 34 Member
    ceoverturf wrote: »
    I work out over my lunch hour. I eat lunch at my desk and then take my 'break' around 1:30 to avoid the noon hour rush.

    Of course, it depends on what type of job you have, whether or not you have the flexibility to do that.

    I am actually going to try over my lunch hour today for the first time. Should be able to squeeze in a half hour. Would like to do more but figure some is better than none.
  • fry5150
    fry5150 Posts: 34 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    My best suggestion is to suck it up and do it for two weeks. After that, it gets easier. Right now you are likely caught in the cycle of low energy due to inconsistent sleep and not enough physical activity plus not enough physical activity due to low energy.

    How old is your son, btw?

    He is 17 months.

    I know it will get easier. Its just getting over that hump to get into a good routine.

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