Too lazy to exercise

Bhubacher77

I will be the first to admit that I am not active enough. And that I am lazy.
But I have some (good) excuses.
I have a 6 year old and a 3 month old, and I am a single mother who works full time. So finding the time is problem number 1. I have been thinking about getting up a half hour earlier in the mornings (sigh) and working out but problem number 2 is that I'm not sure what exercises to start with. I have a mini trampoline....and I could buy some hand weights. I also have a yoga video...
Any suggestions? Something easy to start with. I had a c-section 3 months ago and I haven't exercised in years so I need to start out slow.
Thanks for any advice!

karenj_m

There is some good workout programs on youtube. Look up fitness blender its free and they have great info and videos for you to follow

krzykt75

I haven't done any of these workouts myself, but my sister in law (who recently had a baby as well) has been and seems to enjoy them. If you google 'Bikini Body Mommy Challenge' the workouts are all free on YouTube.

tulips_and_tea

Start with walking as much as possible! Put the baby in the stroller (they generally love the outdoors, or will possibly nap) and let your 6 year old ride a bike next to you or pull them both in a wagon. Just start by moving more and being more active. A rigid program isn't really necessary right now. Good luck!

365andstillalive

I'd recommend starting with something like Zumba for cardio, this used to be one of my favourite playlists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0ZPgWSh2Yg&list=FLJhO4nyfKMCYzDt0fgOyx-Q&index=1 Since it's broken up into songs, you can decide how long to make the workout, I used to do the first 9 videos a lot, which is just under a half hour.

I do the majority of my workouts at home, so I find a lot of links online for stuff, now that I'v'e done a lot of zumba, I'm moving into what I'd call quasi-zumba, which is stuff like Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs (here's one of the workouts: http://vdownload.eu/watch/1165278-hip-hop-abs-disc-2-fat-burning-cardio.html) because they're slightly more intense and I needed something new.

Buying some light weights is a great idea though, it'll really open you up to a lot more workout videos to try, I also really like Xhit for short strength workouts for specific areas. They'll work the same section of your body for about 12min, and they tend to only require 3-5lbs weights to start with (here's the arm one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAGfBjvIRFI -- the title is silly, but the workout itself seems to be helping my arms).

Edit: Forgot to mention, your older daughter might love doing some zumba with you! It'd be great to get her involved and make it something you do together

paulandrachelk

Try "grokker.com". They focus on videos for fitness (Weights), yoga and food. You can select your level and what type of activity you want. FREE!

jmtris

Many gyms offer baby sitting for a small fee or it can be part of your membership dues.
Use your lunch break to exercise.
I have heard of "Mommy and Me" programs where you can exercise with your kids.
Just move.... take the stairs, park further away in the parking lot, use your "smoke breaks" in unique ways.

darrensurrey

Play with your 6 year old. Carry your 3 month old around. Call it bonding. Call it exercise.

baconslave

I'm a mom of 4 kids that I homeschool. Somebody is in my face 24/7. I make 30 min during the day. I tell them to buzz off. Get your wee ones occupied with something. If they interrupt your workout, pause it and then get back.

I don't want to sound mean, but lazy isn't a legitimate excuse. I'm as lazy as they come, but I make myself move everyday. LORD I don't want to sometimes!!! You have to want it bad enough. Walk with the baby in the stroller. Exercise during the baby's nap. Make it happen. Even if it's just three 10-min sessions. Or 6 five minute ones. You are a mother! That makes you inherently strong. Grab the strength and make it happen. A healthy mommy is a better mommy.

Heatherbelle_87

Ok so I am no longer a single mom (just a couple of months ago) but was so I do feel your pain. You feel guilty leaving the kids just to work out. The bright side is you can get active with your 6 year old and wear your 3 month old, or use a stroller if you aren't in to wearing.

Go for walks and hikes!
Kick a ball around with the 6 year old.
Teach the older one who to skate or ride a bike and get a bike seat for the three month old (not safe to wear during that)
Go swimming!

nicailyzee

I am also a mom and I lost my weight from my second child by just eating better and walking everyday on my lunch break. I would just eat for the first 10 to 15 mins and then walk the rest of the time. You will be surprised that you may find a walking buddy who is like minded if you want to share your journey with co-workers. I also include my kids with Tae-bo( they do their own moves), or we just turn on the music and dance for 1 hour to 30 mins. I have three children and my two year old loves it. You can do it to suit the kids you do not have to do it for long. You also have some great suggestions here which I will use!

lynnmariedwyer

I can relate and actually just wrote on my hand "goodbye Laziness" before I read this. I need motivation also. I don't have kids, but I am stuck inside with an elderly person I care for, and exercise is up to me. I bought fun things - like ankle weights to add that added weight work when I'm doing normal things or even just sitting, I bought a ball that I love and is wicked gentle but can give you a workout. I remember using this ball, and a wall and having a great belly a few years ago. I bought a weighted hula hoop, and I am trying that. I of course have a bike, but I have to fight myself to get on it. That has to change. Good Luck!

cdahl383

It's hard to find time to exercise when you have kids. I've had a hard time adjusting my workout routine over the last few years since having kids. It's not easy. Here's a few suggestions:

1.) Join a gym close to your work and workout there on lunch a few times a week. Works great for me (my gym has personal showers you can use afterwards which helps)
2.) Exercise at home once the kids are asleep. I have some free weights and a bench in the basement, I just go down there after the kids are asleep and lift weights a few times a week for 30-45 minutes.
3.) See if your parents or other responsible type adults can stop by your house for an hour once or twice a week so you can go to the gym or go jogging in the neighborhood.
4.) Take long walks in the evening with your kids. Push your 3 month old in the stroller and have the 6 yr old walk along with you, or maybe ride a bike or big wheel, etc.
5.) Get up early in the morning before the kids get up and exercise at home. I'm not a morning person so I just do the opposite and workout at night when they're asleep.

It can be done, it's not easy, but it's doable. Your situation is even more difficult in that you're a single mom where having another parent there would make it a lot easier on you. But there are a lot of other single moms on here and around the world that still find time to exercise and take care of themselves, so you can do it too! Good luck!

caranais

Hi first of all - congratulations. It is difficult to get going again when you feel that you are pulled in all directions already, and I know how tired you can feel with a young baby, another child and a full time job. (I doubt very much that you're lazy if you're doing all this!!) I have found that when I haven't exercised for a long time and just need to get back into the habit of "doing something", the Leslie Sansone walking dvd's are great (you can get them off You Tube). If you think that isn't enough, I suggest you try them - they are really quite good and you can put some of your own music on to listen to as I know it can be a bit boring, but you can do it in your own living room, and it's a great start - I found the 3 mile one a good starting point, but there are several to choose from. It's no good starting with something that's too much for you as you will probably give up, at least you will be able to do these, and you can adapt them to your own needs. I often found myself doing them 2 or 3 times a day, and afterwards always felt that I wanted to do something else. Good luck with your venture and don't be too hard on yourself xxx

BUTIgirl212516

I used to be like this. About two months ago I discovered BUTI (mixture of yoga, plyometrics, and dance) and not to sound cheesy, but it has changed my life! It's cardio, toning, and flexibility all in one, so it's all you need! And the best part is...it's FUN and makes you feel great! I've never stuck with a workout till I tried this. There's BUTI videos you can buy (and I've heard they are AMAZING) but I use these three free ones. Three days on, one rest day. It's tricky at first, but after a few days you'll be rocking it. Just give 'em a try. They burn about 500 calories per workout. Which is always a plus. The amount of strength I have gained in two months is crazy. Not to mention I lost ten pounds, which have previously been a VERY tricky ten pounds to lose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2nYXzcdiTg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKsyeiUorzY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFRTaUOG5Z8

Here's the actual BUTI site so you can learn more...

http://butiyoga.com/

Best of luck to you ♥

Also, BUTI has a facebook group. It's the most supportive group I have ever been a part of...it's a tribe really.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/579226618774942/

I've heard stories and seen many pictures of women on that page doing BUTI directly following their pregnancies. They've said it speeds their recovery up!

kelly_e_montana

I think the biggest thing is you seem to be thinking of exercising as a chore. After the first three or four weeks of getting a little conditioned, it should actually be enjoyable and something that releases feel-good chemicals into your body. You should be seeing the benefits of more energy, less stress, and improved endurance.

Can you pick things you like to do? Walking, hiking, swimming, and yoga are some non-gym activities I love and I feel very centered after I do them. If you think of exercising as doing 30 Day Shred (not a bad program; I've done it) and the elliptical, then yeah, you're probably going to dread it. Take classes. Find things where you will progress so you can see how your body is changing.

The first 3 or 4 weeks suck for everyone.

Your body adapts to what you do consistently, not every once in a while. One's body loves to adapt to being fat and lazy. I know. I've quit exercising and have been 235, size 20 a couple of times.

I find that working out is my most favorite part of the day. When I first started, it felt like a chore, too.

If you watch TV, you have time to exercise.

new2canada

I think walking is the best way to start, it is low impact and it doesn't require much effort. I found that watching my favourite TV show while walking on the treadmill helps a lot!

Footyandpuck

Okay skip the walking. I can tell you, honestly, skipping is the best and is a form of High intensity interval training which will melt fat away. In the morning before work and before your kids wake up, get that rope and skip for at least 20 minutes at 30 seconds as fast as you can and then 60 seconds easier. This will raise your BMR and you will burn more throughout the day. (assuming toning and losinn weight is the goal.)

_Zardoz_

I will be the first to admit that I am not active enough. And that I am lazy.
But I have some (good) excuses.
I have a 6 year old and a 3 month old, and I am a single mother who works full time. So finding the time is problem number 1. I have been thinking about getting up a half hour earlier in the mornings (sigh) and working out but problem number 2 is that I'm not sure what exercises to start with. I have a mini trampoline....and I could buy some hand weights. I also have a yoga video...
Any suggestions? Something easy to start with. I had a c-section 3 months ago and I haven't exercised in years so I need to start out slow.
Thanks for any advice!

We all can find excuses we all have pressures and yours are no more than many peoples. You have to decide you wish to do it. Many people get up hours early so they can exercise others do things late at night or in their lunch hours. How much time do you spend on the internet or watching TV? Well take some of that time and exercise. There are so many things you could do. Put your 6 month old in a stroller and go for a walk the options are endless but only you can do it

Good luck

neandermagnon

you need to see a doc about whether you're recovered enough from your c-section. The main thing is to check that the ab muscles have come together again, and that there are no complications and everything's healed up right. It can take a while to recover from a c-section - it's major abdominal surgery. I've had 2 c-sections, and do heavy lifting. I got advice from a friend who used to be a physio about how to get back into exercising again after the 2nd c-section - it can be done but you have to be careful of specific things, like your abs muscles going back together - and there are specific exercises you can do to help this, which a doctor should be able to advise you about. Once you are fully recovered there's no restrictions.

gentle exercise like walking is fine even before you've fully recovered, but anything more strenuous you need to just get everything checked. As it's been a while since you've done exercise, probably walking is a good place to start. Then build up your fitness - stuff like exercise videos you can do at home so that's another option. If there's a gym with a creche then that's another possibility.

Also, I wouldn't call you lazy, being a single mum and working full time. Totally understandable that it's hard to fit in exercise and that you'd feel tired etc. It's totally possible for you to fit it in but I'd hardly call you lazy!!

judyde

I have good news for you - you don't need to exercise to lose weight. It will help, since an active person burns more calories than an inactive one, but it's not required. All you need to do is eat at a deficit.

I've found that as I've lost weight, I have more energy. Now if I could only find the time...

Good luck to you!

TeaBea

I will be the first to admit that I am not active enough. And that I am lazy.
But I have some (good) excuses.
I have a 6 year old and a 3 month old, and I am a single mother who works full time. So finding the time is problem number 1. I have been thinking about getting up a half hour earlier in the mornings (sigh) and working out but problem number 2 is that I'm not sure what exercises to start with. I have a mini trampoline....and I could buy some hand weights. I also have a yoga video...
Any suggestions? Something easy to start with. I had a c-section 3 months ago and I haven't exercised in years so I need to start out slow.
Thanks for any advice!

Mini trampoline..............I use Leslie Sansone (Walk At Home) DVDs with my rebounder. She does simple moves that I can sub for rebounder moves. Example....she marches in place.....I just bounce.....she does side steps....I do a side-to-side jumping thingie. I use a video so I can "workout with others"....ha ha.....and it has music with a good pace.

YouTube has lots of rebounder workouts to get ideas on different moves.....

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bellicon+rebounder+workout

__freckles__

God bless you. You have the hardest job in the world. I have two kids and work full time, but I'm married, so I can't even imagine how you do. Hats off to you.

What time do the little ones go to bed? You can fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise after they fall asleep. I put my 1 year old and 4 year old to bed starting at 7:00pm and 7:30pm and usually am free by 8:30pm.

Personally I built a home gym in my garage (craigslist) with power cage, bench, oly weights, etc. I just flip on the baby monitor and I'm good to go.

Good luck OP! :flowerforyou:

ASH2038602

When I first joined the gym I never wanted to go. I am lazy too. After a little while I realized I looked forward to it because it is MY time without worrying about what's going on at home. I would really try to find one with a daycare. If it really isn't possible for you find some online workout videos and maybe let your child do them with you. My son has always loved working out with me.

tuckeychicken

Get up and dance. Take time while they are napping to sqeeze in some weight lifting. Get more into your house work. Put on some music and make the best of what time yourself you do have. Lay on the floor and lift that 3 month old up and play and work out at the same time. In time you will start liking moving and getting in some exercise. Put on a video while they are napping and push yourself a little further each time you do it and before you know it you will be doing it like a pro and it won't seem so hard any more. Who knows you may even look forward to doing your exercise. Try to remember that you want this and it will take some work, but as often as possible it can be fun.

I hope the best for you and that you do get a chance to do something for yourself. Taking care of you helps to take care of others. You can do this just give yourself a pep talk before you start get pumped up and just do it with out going over the list of reasons why you can't I know I was there before with the same valid reasons why not to do any exercise. I have two girls ages 7 and 9 now, but I started a while back when they where smaller. I did the things I suggested that you do. It helps to have some support and I hope you have some. If you want add me as a friend. Regardless I hope you do well and get moving. :drinker: Oops I almost forgot go for walks each day with the kids.

tuckeychicken

I'm a mom of 4 kids that I homeschool. Somebody is in my face 24/7. I make 30 min during the day. I tell them to buzz off. Get your wee ones occupied with something. If they interrupt your workout, pause it and then get back.

I don't want to sound mean, but lazy isn't a legitimate excuse. I'm as lazy as they come, but I make myself move everyday. LORD I don't want to sometimes!!! You have to want it bad enough. Walk with the baby in the stroller. Exercise during the baby's nap. Make it happen. Even if it's just three 10-min sessions. Or 6 five minute ones. You are a mother! That makes you inherently strong. Grab the strength and make it happen. A healthy mommy is a better mommy.

O.k. I have made my own reply, but I have to say this lady is right on with a great answer for you. So in a nut shell we can be lazy, but we can do this and for our health sake and for our love ones and even more importantly for our own sake we should do this. So no more excuses o.k., because you can do this. I am so excited for you I hope you keep us posted on your progress.:happy:

Dentice143

karenj_m wrote: »

There is some good workout programs on youtube. Look up fitness blender its free and they have great info and videos for you to follow

Love this site!!!