Mom with limited time

emily2975

Hi folks,

I have a lot of weight to lose (my BMI is in the obese category, almost in the morbidly obese category) and I'm looking to add some exercise to my routine. I work full time, have a long commute to and from work and a busy toddler so time is of the essence. My fitness level being what it is, and my time being maybe 15 minutes here and there, do any of you have suggestions/links to programs you've tried or used in the past? I could try to create my own but is probably best if I can follow along with someone at first.

Thanks in advance!

kimny72

What is your goal for the exercise? Just burn some calories, increase fitness, build muscle, stress reduction?

emily2975

Right now it is to increase overall fitness, with the goal of eventually having a bit more endurance and core/major muscle strength to consider more intense (and calorie burning) exercises.

Ranocchia

Hi Emily, I'll follow the thread since I'm in the same boat as you. A little less weight to shed maybe, and TWO toddlers. Good luck to you.

puffbrat

As fellow toddler mom who has a full-time job outside the house, I recommend walking. Take a walk at lunch or as a break during the work day. Take a walk with your toddler. Walk around the playground, etc. I like doing Blogilates workouts at home because they are usually only 10-30 minutes long, so I can fit them in during nap time or after the kid goes to bed. I also have weightlifting equipment in my garage and find Stronglifts 5x5 workouts easy to do after the kid goes to bed.

zeejane03

I'm a walker and always recommend it-you can do it at any fitness level, it requires no special equipment, you can do it for any length of time that works with your schedule and I find it very relaxing Its also great for your heart/health!

Cassandraw3

I think walking/running/jogging is a great way to start out. It is also something you can take your toddler with, too. One of our favorite parks is about a mile away. So I will jog there, take some play time with the toddler, and jog back. There are a lot of couch to 5k (C25K) apps available to download that make good running progressions. Beachbody on demand has a great selection of workouts as well.

fitoverfortymom

I have a subscription to Les Mills On Demand. Other programs like Daily Burn, Fitness Blender, and Beachbody have similar online programs. There are shorter and longer workouts ranging from no equipment required to a bit of equipment required. I find this a great supplement to the other stuff I do, but might also work for a busy parent.

Ultimately I had to decide that exercise (my health) was a priority and I shifted some life things around to make sure I had dedicated workout time. I also wake up really, really early to workout before everyone else is up because I wanted to make fitness a regular part of my day.

BobPulaski

Something where you don't have to think. A DVD to follow is great because you don't use up time leaving your house and you can do it in a small space.

Rent a couple DVDs from the library and see which works for you. I've lost and kept off 85 pounds with Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30. Half an hour time commitment and it works if you control your food.

emily2975

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Yes, will also have to wake up even earlier (currently getting up at 5:30am now) to fit this in!

fitoverfortymom

emily2975 wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Yes, will also have to wake up even earlier (currently getting up at 5:30am now) to fit this in!

That was a sad realization for me, but I did eventually grow to like my alone time in the early mornings. 4am comes early, but it's all MINE.

rickiimarieee

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

shaumom

When I was losing weight with a toddler, I just added a little extra 'oomph' to every day life. Any chore, I turned on music, and danced a little as I did it. Dishes, putting away laundry, cleaning up after itty-bitty, whatever. Also, little things like parking farther away from the stores or work so you walk a bit longer in the parking lot, playing more active games with the kiddo, even making sure to fidget when you are still can make a difference (like bounce your leg when you sitting down - seriously, a study or two on people who fidget showed they burn extra calories when they do so, which makes sense, you know?)

I lost about 30 pounds just doing this and paying attention to my diet - didn't really try to eat low calorie, just maintained and added extra work.

simcon1

Here’s another vote for walking! It really adds up, and can lead to running, which I find incredibly time efficient as exercise. Also, it’s not really necessary to change into different clothes to do it, it can be easy to get friends & colleagues to come along, and is kid-friendly too. I sometimes can even make “walking meetings” work, depending on the situation.

In addition to thinking of walking as exercise and building it in/up, my other most successful way to exercise when I was working FT with toddlers was at lunch. (Said toddlers are now 10 & 16). This ranged from swimming laps to running to ice skating, walking, or whatever was fun and near my work—this was 3 different workplaces (I’m in publishing, all very hectic and busy, but made the time a couple of times per week).

Good luck! I also find a step counter (Was Fitbit, now Garmin) very motivating!

jaxjackjackie

I’m a toddler mum too! I took up hoola hooping and it’s the BEST fun. I can do it in the backyard while she plays, in the lounge after she’s in bed, and bring it to the park with us while she runs around. So versatile and really quite a good workout!

Orphia

Make a friendly deal with your significant other (or schedule some extra time for the kid/s at daycare) that gives you (or you both, if you have a partner) both equal spare time periods for yourselves.

If you don't, you'll end up resenting your OH, and the kids, and that leads to arguments.

twdlove89

As a mum who works full time out of the house and has a toddler time is of the essence. I didn’t have time for gyms and classes so I brought a second hand elliptical trainer so once my toddler was in bed I could work out or my husband would play with her if I wanted to go on during the day.
I now have a brand new elliptical and a treadmill that I go on when my toddler is at nursery.
Also I sometimes do workouts off of YouTube and my toddler joins in, she thinks it’s hilarious

ruqayyahsmum

aes1219 wrote: »

rickiimarieee wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

I bought a treadmill on Black Friday and it has been so convenient! I have a preemie too (although not very premature, a 35 weeker). I hope your preemie is doing well. I have a special place in my heart for preemies.

I bought a treadmill because I couldn't get out with my preemie (25 weeker) too

Had to then swap for an exercise bike on advice of my physio as the treadmill was the worst thing for my arthritis

joward77

I did Jillian Michaels 30 day shred after my second child and really toned up. It's only a 20 minute workout and you can find it on youtube.

JusDiana

I'm going to have the unpopular opinion.
If you are very overweight, as you say- I wouldn't focus initially on an exercise program.
I would spend the little time you do have available with meal prep. Once you get your diet under control and start to lose some weight, you will have more energy and than you can incorporate a walking program, or a 10-15 minute you tube work out.
Like you I'm a busy mom too, (full time job, 2 kids in travel sports so I'm lucky to get 5 days a month without an extra curricular activity and an hour commute each way for work).
This is what worked for me - I tended to go all in and go hard for a week or two with food and exercise and get completely burnt out.
So this time I said it was all about my healthy eating, I spent time meal prepping, bought a food scale and really counted every single bite I ate- the only extra I did was try and get my steps in. I set a low goal for steps and up'd it each week. So maybe invest in a step tracker or it's built into lots of phones if you always have your phone on you.
After a couple months of doing this and losing 20-25 lbs I had the energy to exercise. Now I do at home videos (beach body) and have progressed from walking to a light jog.
I'm down almost 30 lbs and only have 7 lbs to go to my goal weight.

kshama2001

JusDiana wrote: »

I'm going to have the unpopular opinion.
If you are very overweight, as you say- I wouldn't focus initially on an exercise program.
I would spend the little time you do have available with meal prep. Once you get your diet under control and start to lose some weight, you will have more energy and than you can incorporate a walking program, or a 10-15 minute you tube work out.
Like you I'm a busy mom too, (full time job, 2 kids in travel sports so I'm lucky to get 5 days a month without an extra curricular activity and an hour commute each way for work).
This is what worked for me - I tended to go all in and go hard for a week or two with food and exercise and get completely burnt out.
So this time I said it was all about my healthy eating, I spent time meal prepping, bought a food scale and really counted every single bite I ate- the only extra I did was try and get my steps in. I set a low goal for steps and up'd it each week. So maybe invest in a step tracker or it's built into lots of phones if you always have your phone on you.
After a couple months of doing this and losing 20-25 lbs I had the energy to exercise. Now I do at home videos (beach body) and have progressed from walking to a light jog.
I'm down almost 30 lbs and only have 7 lbs to go to my goal weight.

I'm actually surprised that you were the first to say prioritize food. While exercise does have a number of health benefits, and I think everyone who can exercise, should exercise, getting calories under control is indeed key.

Here's my potentially unpopular opinion: replace the long commute.

I used to have a long commute in horrendous traffic. After I quit that job, I prioritized jobs with shorter and shorter commutes, and am now working from home. Sure, I could make more money if I was willing to commute into Boston or Providence, but I value my quality of life more than the extra money.

puffbrat

Orphia wrote: »

Make a friendly deal with your significant other (or schedule some extra time for the kid/s at daycare) that gives you (or you both, if you have a partner) both equal spare time periods for yourselves.

If you don't, you'll end up resenting your OH, and the kids, and that leads to arguments.

Yes to this! My husband and I have a deal that he gets Saturday mornings to himself to exercise and do whatever he wants with no responsibility for the kid or pets, and I get Saturday afternoons. This has been a huge help for me finding time to exercise, nap, and generally save my sanity and not feel resentment towards him.

StargazerB

I would walk, outside when the weather is nice. There are YouTube videos for walking at home that have you walk a mile in 15 minutes, I think her name is Leslie Simone. They are fun videos and a good option for when the weather is bad or if you just want to stay inside.

jlynnm70

kshama2001 wrote: »

JusDiana wrote: »

I'm going to have the unpopular opinion.
If you are very overweight, as you say- I wouldn't focus initially on an exercise program.
I would spend the little time you do have available with meal prep. Once you get your diet under control and start to lose some weight, you will have more energy and than you can incorporate a walking program, or a 10-15 minute you tube work out.
Like you I'm a busy mom too, (full time job, 2 kids in travel sports so I'm lucky to get 5 days a month without an extra curricular activity and an hour commute each way for work).
This is what worked for me - I tended to go all in and go hard for a week or two with food and exercise and get completely burnt out.
So this time I said it was all about my healthy eating, I spent time meal prepping, bought a food scale and really counted every single bite I ate- the only extra I did was try and get my steps in. I set a low goal for steps and up'd it each week. So maybe invest in a step tracker or it's built into lots of phones if you always have your phone on you.
After a couple months of doing this and losing 20-25 lbs I had the energy to exercise. Now I do at home videos (beach body) and have progressed from walking to a light jog.
I'm down almost 30 lbs and only have 7 lbs to go to my goal weight.

I'm actually surprised that you were the first to say prioritize food. While exercise does have a number of health benefits, and I think everyone who can exercise, should exercise, getting calories under control is indeed key.

I agree with both - get the food part under control. Not saying you are out of control tho. Just start prepping, weighing etc. You can't out exercise a bad diet. Work on food and portions, I found mine were way outta whack! And maybe add in some walking or extra steps throughout the day. A 15 minute walk over lunch at work is usually doable. Same with adding steps by parking far away, or taking the LONG way to the bathroom or break room, printer, etc. I print things on the other printer (extra 50 steps a time) so I have to get up and go get it. I walk to the end of the hall and back before going into and coming out of the restroom (adds about 100 steps each time) Drink LOTS of water and you'll make that trip even more! I slowly got my average of about 2500 steps a day (yep lazy) up to 8000 and don't even think about it now. It's hard to make all the changes at once - so pick one every week or two and then when you add the next one it doesn't seem so overwhelming!

julesdechaine

rickiimarieee wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

I love my treadmill. I bought it on sale, and it's really basic, but gets the job done for sure. One thing that helped me the most was to set it up in my bedroom so when I wake up, it's the first thing I see. I have slip on running shoes so there is no excuse not to roll out of bed, slide into my shoes, and then start walking/running. 30 minutes works great for me, and I always watch a sitcom to keep my mind of the tedious chore of the treadmill, and it gets my blood pumping for the day!
I initially had it in the living room and that lasted a few days before I started to ignore it.

slbbw

I am not effective working out at home. I need to either run or go to the gym. For me with a long commute I find going to the gym before work, near work to be the best. I save myself commute time by driving in earlier and I get in to work at a very consistent time. Might not work for you but worth a shot. Working out on your lunch break can also be goo. Back when I carpooled with my husband, one of us would run home the 3 miles from the daycare to get in excercise.

rickiimarieee

aes1219 wrote: »

rickiimarieee wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

I bought a treadmill on Black Friday and it has been so convenient! I have a preemie too (although not very premature, a 35 weeker). I hope your preemie is doing well. I have a special place in my heart for preemies.

I’m considering just buying a used one for right now while I’m in the midst of house shopping! But yes he’s doing well! Thank you!

rickiimarieee

ruqayyahsmum wrote: »

aes1219 wrote: »

rickiimarieee wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

I bought a treadmill on Black Friday and it has been so convenient! I have a preemie too (although not very premature, a 35 weeker). I hope your preemie is doing well. I have a special place in my heart for preemies.

I bought a treadmill because I couldn't get out with my preemie (25 weeker) too

Had to then swap for an exercise bike on advice of my physio as the treadmill was the worst thing for my arthritis

I have a preemie and severe arthritis as well, but I was told it would help it if I walked and exercised all the time.

rickiimarieee

julesdechaine wrote: »

rickiimarieee wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, I’m really considering buying a treadmill because I have a preemie and a toddler so I can’t take them out right now, but I think a treadmill while it’s their nap time will be a great thing for me.

I love my treadmill. I bought it on sale, and it's really basic, but gets the job done for sure. One thing that helped me the most was to set it up in my bedroom so when I wake up, it's the first thing I see. I have slip on running shoes so there is no excuse not to roll out of bed, slide into my shoes, and then start walking/running. 30 minutes works great for me, and I always watch a sitcom to keep my mind of the tedious chore of the treadmill, and it gets my blood pumping for the day!
I initially had it in the living room and that lasted a few days before I started to ignore it.

I’m house shopping currently, and have my eyes set on a 7 bedroom house and using one room for my exercise equipment. I’m really considering buying a used one for the time being and especially so I don’t waste too much money if I don’t get a chance to use it or ignore it!

fitoverfortymom

kshama2001 wrote: »

Here's my potentially unpopular opinion: replace the long commute.

I used to have a long commute in horrendous traffic. After I quit that job, I prioritized jobs with shorter and shorter commutes, and am now working from home. Sure, I could make more money if I was willing to commute into Boston or Providence, but I value my quality of life more than the extra money.

I agree with this completely. The biggest gift I can give myself for my health is time. I work from home two days a week and commute three. I'm working towards a full-time WFH gig. I might come with a pay sacrifice, but I also think I can cut some in other places to make up for it. I didn't realize how valuable my time was to me until I really decided my health was the most important thing in my life, because without it, everything else I love would also suffer due to my poor health.

If only I could convince hubby that I should quit my job and be a full-time trail runner.