Tips from Full Time Working Moms?!?

tn2010

I recently went back to work full-time after working 4 days/week and then having the summer off (I'm a teacher). I have 2 boys, ages 1.5 and 4, and I'm trying to find a way to juggle work and home while still staying healthy AND exercising. I've hit a plateau of sorts because I can't find the time to exercise. I've not gained any weight, but I know the key for me is to exercise. I'm looking for organizational tips for my home, meals, exercise routine, etc. Even if it seems silly, throw it out there...I need some fresh ideas!

ChubbieTubbie

My best exercise comes from dancing with my kids...for 10-20 minutes at a time we turn on music and just dance in the living room. My 7 year old and 2.5 year old love it! I also jump rope with my 7 year old. I try to round off the night with a walk on the treadmill or a 20-30 min dvd.

Amarea

I would first recommend that you make the effort to get up 1/2 hour early and do at least a short workout before you ever start your day. It's often the only time I can manage to "find" the time. The biggest problem is actually making ourselves the priority rather than everything else. I try and make several meals one day a week so that I can keep or freeze them and pull them out on the days I'm too tired to cook, or I'm making something quick for the family that has entirely too many calories for me. I usually make a pot of chili and a pot of a recipe I have for chicken and rice... Some of the kids like it, but mainly I make it for me because it's filling and low cal. How about taking the kids for a walk every day? I'm sure they'd enjoy getting out. Leisurely walks are better than nothing at all, and you can make a game out of it for the 4 year old to find things along the way. You'll get a great rock collection this way too, lol. Also, make playing with the kids part of the exercise. I know my 1.5 yo used to love to play airplane (laying on the floor flying him on his belly on my feet). I'm sure there are many activities that you can do to get exercise in and the kids will be thrilled because you're adding extra play time with Mommy.

littlems

well because your kids are young you can try and take walks with them, go to the park, let them play and you can run around the park. my children are older 6 and 9 and i work 5 days a week. i had joined karate and do that 2 days a week, i also found a dvd to do just 1/2 at home when kids are doing homework/outside playing.

you could try running up the stairs and then walking down them for idk 10 minutes, do squats at home in the living room - or just try and get the kids involved with you doing exercises. whatever you choose best of luck! it is not easy being a working mom but it is the best job in the world!!

Amandac6772

I get up at 4:15 am to exercise for 30-40 minutes. That also gives me about 20 minutes to enter my food and exercise in MFP in the mornings. I never thought I would stick with it but I've been doing it since May.

Amber030583

I have a four year old myself and I work full time Five days a week. Most of the time, (on weeknights) I just wait till he goes to bed. He has a earlier bed time which is 7 because we are out the door at 6:50 every morning. He needs his sleep or he is a crabby boy! Not sure how late your kids stay up but you may want to try working out after they go to bed. I have tried getting up early but it just does not work for me.

irridia

Some things I've done, Download The Wiggles onto my netflix on either the Wii or my Blu ray player or if I have to the computer and dance along with them in the show. Wii boxing, biking and swordfighting are all good cardio. Use the 1.5 yr old to bench and both of them you can "fly". To fly a kid you lay flat on the ground, put your feet on their belly and hold their hands and then lift them in the air. If their balance is good you can go into a modified shoulder stand and that will work your abs and strech your back.

They totally love this! I know I did too! (my mom used to "fly" me)

You can also chase them around on the playground including climbing on the equipment.

I have also done house cleaning as fast as I can go.

make certain you get enough sleep too.
Good luck!