Parents of young children & weight lifting?

IndigoVA

I just started P90X Lean, and I have 2 young kids. One of whom is 21 months and still needs to carried up and down stairs, in and out of his car seat, bathtub, etc. I know you're supposed to strength train until the point of muscle fatigue for the best results, but how do others do this with babies and toddlers? I can't let my muscles get so fatigued that I won't be able to lift him, but I don't want to be overly conservative either. Does anyone else have this problem? Have any tips?

quietlywinning

I'm a massage therapist and don't dare go for fatigue, or I won't be able to work the next day. I still strength train. Just because we can't go for broke doesn't mean we can't GO! We'll still build muscle, which builds strength and burns more calories! A good workout is better than the perfect workout that is not happening.

ldholcombe

I am not weight training yet. I am starting the 30 day shred and am worried because on days I run and exercise I have trouble waking up with my baby. She is 2 months old. So yeah I am having similar issues. I think we just have to keep up the exercise and our bodies will adjust.

DianaPowerUp

The idea is that you fatigue your muscle AT THAT point in time, not so that you lifted so heavy that you can't lift your toddler up later. So during your w/o lift as heavy as you can, to the point where you may fail at about your 10th rep. If you are so sore afterwards that you can't lift your toddler up, you'll probably have to back it up a bit. The good thing is that the more you keep doing it, the easier it gets, and the less sore you'll be, even if you're lifting much heavier weights than before.

crisanderson27

The idea is that you fatigue your muscle AT THAT point in time, not so that you lifted so heavy that you can't lift your toddler up later.

This.

I've never met anyone who had such poor muscle recovery that if they needed to pick up their child in any given situation even during a workout where they had just gone to failure, they couldn't. I'm a single Dad, and two of my children are 40lb 4 and 5yr old boys. They are still in car seats...and they still like to be picked up regularly (and I like giving them hugs...so yeah...)...and I have no problem doing so even when my arms are rubber...within 30 seconds of working out to failure. Additionally, I work as a mechanic...and have yet to have an issue where I don't have the strength to do my job the next day...and trust me, I'm pushing my P90x Classic workouts as hard as I possibly can.

You should be fine...drinking a good recovery drink and getting 20-30g of protein in you right after your workout does wonders.

circusmom

I'm not doing P90x but I do use free weights, and I lift till I to the point that my arms shake. Although the next day I am swore I can still take care of my kids, ibuprofen helps also.

IndigoVA

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm scared because I had a bad Pilates experience when my son was still a baby. I strained my back so badly that I couldn't get out of bed the next day. Ever since then I've been really scared of working too hard and injuring myself, since my husband works 14 hour days, and I'm here alone with the kids. Maybe I don't need to be so conservative with the weight lifting. As far as next day soreness, I guess it's just a matter of trial and error.

crisanderson27

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm scared because I had a bad Pilates experience when my son was still a baby. I strained my back so badly that I couldn't get out of bed the next day. Ever since then I've been really scared of working too hard and injuring myself, since my husband works 14 hour days, and I'm here alone with the kids. Maybe I don't need to be so conservative with the weight lifting. As far as next day soreness, I guess it's just a matter of trial and error.

Yeah, P90x has really good warm up and cool down cycles, so your chance at injury is small. Just don't go all out on cold muscles and you'll be good.

Soreness...well, it's going to happen...but again, I've never been so sore I couldn't take care of my kids...even after YEARS of relative inactivity going to full blown exercise and lifting. Barely walk lol? You bet...! But I still managed the little ones fine.

Cris

NikkisNewStart

I concur with what Cris and Dg had to say... I just wanted to encourage you to get into it. I'm the mom of 5, of which 2 are still in diapers so I know where you are coming from. I push until failure during my workouts which means during my 3 sets of 8 reps... on my 3rd set, on about the 6th or so rep I am reallllly struggling to push it out and finish it without help.

I am able to move on to other sets that work that same muscle group and do the same thing... so it isn't like my muscle is rendered useless. I'm able to manage my kids better now that I am stronger and fitter.

Pick up the New Rules of Lifting for Women book and also check out bodybuilding.com/exercises to view videos and specific strength moves for different muscle groups. This will help you make sure you know how to maintain proper form and help reduce risk of injury!