Workouts ruined by children

lclarkjr

Speaking as a dad, I get up while everyone is asleep and get my workout in before everyone wakes up. I've found it's the only way to ensure I get my workouts in. Plus if you go to the gym that early, chances are the waits for the gym equipment is pretty much non-existent.

maidentl

Can you afford a Mother's Day Out Program? When mine were little they went to one, it was four hours a day, four days a week. It was helpful to have that block of time to get things done. Plus they got to socialize, play and learn things.

If not, I'd suggest doing it when they sleep. Or some movie time won't kill them. I agree with others that's it great to get your kids active but being realistic, anything you're doing with a couple of little ones in tow is probably not the kind of serious work out you're after.

l_heras

i have a 2 1/2 year old... he has his own 3 lb weight and he "exercises like mommy" while i do my 30 day shred... i tell him to watch the screen and make sure mommy looks just like the ladies... he loves the punching part and jumps up and down while i do the "jump rope part"... he walks in and out of the room bc he gets bored with it but because he doesn't feel like i'm saying "NO you can't be in here" hes almost LESS interested in what i'm doing. i dont know how well that will work with older ones and multiples, but good luck!

I have a 3 year old and I do the same. We both get our mats ready (although she just brings her rug from her room) and she does the workouts with me. She gets bored throughout the 20 min, so she'll come in/out of the room. I also give her "jobs" to do, so she feels included in the workout. She'll help me put the DVD in, we'll go get our water together and when we're done she helps me put everything away. She's far back enough from me when I'm doing it that I'm not scared of bumping in to her and hurting her. HTH

tmarie2715

As soon as either of them run in with the complaint, send them both to timeout. It'll take a few days to get the routine, but soon they should both get that "go to timeout NOW" means do it now (or there will be unpleasant consequences). I set up timeout spots that aren't in the kids rooms, and each has their own set spot, so they know exactly where to go.

It shouldn't take long for them to figure out that bugging you during a workout isn't a good idea. But also keep your workout to about 30 minutes. At this age, it's about as long as you can expect them to govern themselves. You can go back later for another session, if you need.

That's a bit shan, punishing them just for bothering you during a work out :S

Thanks for saying that. I totally agree, and thought it quite hilarious that someone who is pregant and doesn't have kids yet (I am guessing) is throwing out advice. Just wait... Hahhahahahahahaha.

Articeluvsmemphis

sorry but this is the best advice i can think of, IGNORE THEM! They are 3 and 6 and will not kill each other while you work out. just keep them in the same area as you and you should be fine. But maybe even try to engage them in exercise as well. my 2yr old niece LOVES to exercise with me. she even asks me can we do exercise. you'll always have distractions no matter the goal in life.

ivyjbres

Dr. Horrible Sing-a-long Blog. Kiddos cannot resist the NPH.

ashesoh1234

What works for me is to go to the gym or go for a long walk early in the morning. They (ages 6, 3, and 1) are still asleep, as is my hubby. I'm back from the gym by 7:15 am, work out is done for the day . I've tried working out at home but, for me, it just doesn't work. I could do it once they're asleep at night, but I'd rather do morning.

kacylaine

As soon as either of them run in with the complaint, send them both to timeout. It'll take a few days to get the routine, but soon they should both get that "go to timeout NOW" means do it now (or there will be unpleasant consequences). I set up timeout spots that aren't in the kids rooms, and each has their own set spot, so they know exactly where to go.

It shouldn't take long for them to figure out that bugging you during a workout isn't a good idea. But also keep your workout to about 30 minutes. At this age, it's about as long as you can expect them to govern themselves. You can go back later for another session, if you need.

That's a bit shan, punishing them just for bothering you during a work out :S

Thanks for saying that. I totally agree, and thought it quite hilarious that someone who is pregant and doesn't have kids yet (I am guessing) is throwing out advice. Just wait... Hahhahahahahahaha.

She has 2 kids, and is a good mom. If you don't like the advice, don't take it.

Dkenny74

What ever they are fighting over gets put away for a dew days.
It wont take them too long to learn how to work it out.

lookpretty

As soon as either of them run in with the complaint, send them both to timeout. It'll take a few days to get the routine, but soon they should both get that "go to timeout NOW" means do it now (or there will be unpleasant consequences). I set up timeout spots that aren't in the kids rooms, and each has their own set spot, so they know exactly where to go.

It shouldn't take long for them to figure out that bugging you during a workout isn't a good idea. But also keep your workout to about 30 minutes. At this age, it's about as long as you can expect them to govern themselves. You can go back later for another session, if you need.

That's a bit shan, punishing them just for bothering you during a work out :S

Thanks for saying that. I totally agree, and thought it quite hilarious that someone who is pregant and doesn't have kids yet (I am guessing) is throwing out advice. Just wait... Hahhahahahahahaha.

She has 2 kids, and is a good mom. If you don't like the advice, don't take it.

I am a parent to seven kids, if any of them bother me for any reason its grounds to be punished, what I say it what I mean and I mean for them to do what I say, if the kids are told to behave and play for 30 minutes that shouldnt be that difficult for them to do, disobeying their mothers orders is ground for timeout, again ironic from someone that hasnt dealt with disobediant children and a timeout is not a cruel punishment, lord knows its not what my punishments were as a kid.

mlb929

I have a rule that if they fight and I wasn't in the room, everybody gets a time-out. If they bug me for any non-emergency thing while I'm working out, they get a time-out. If they come out of time-out before they're allowed and I have to stop working out again, I take away a privilege for the morning.

I have a kind of no-tolerance policy for that kind of thing though. My kids get plenty of attention through the day, they can give me half an hour to work out. I make sure they have full drink cups and a ready snack, and then do my thing. Most of the time they do that stuff it's because they just can't stand that I'm giving attention to something other than them, and they're old enough to get over it for 30 minutes.

Ditto. Your kids are old enough to be able to be told the rules and follow them. On your part, make certain they have everything they need.

Also - HIIT Training - So you have to stop and handle something - don' t let it ruin your work out, go back to it harder and in shorter bursts, it was a short recovery. If you are taking 10 minutes off to deal with the kids you are spending too much time when you have the rules laid out already.

kgesq

LOL! So basically kick the little tykes in the forehead, and they'll get the picture! LOL. Hey...whatever works! (J/K of course)

Shutterpillar

My kids are trained to stay in their rooms and play while Mommy exercises....we are the parents:-)

Yes! this exactly. The kids know they have to stay in their rooms and play nice. and they usually do. mine are 3 and 6.

beccyleigh

I do Zumba on the Wii & my 4 y/o son does it with me but anything else he gets in the way. I normally put his computer on with one of his educational cds on. gives me 30 mins of peace. wont kill them to watch a movie or kids show for a bit.

tomomatic

Wow. Lots of opinions out there.

1. Thanks! I've tried a lot of these things. I think it's time to go back to the "time out for fighting" thing. I had a computer set up and pointed at educational web sites. You guys have kinda reminded me of some of my old tricks.
2. In my mind, it always takes two to fight. I put them both in time out until they talk it out. I need a time-out timer.
3. I'm amused at how many people assumed that this thread was started by a mom. I'm a dad, but thanks.
4. I lift with free weights and if I let them in the room, my kids will to climb on the bench, bounce on top of the exercise ball, and pedal the exercise bike that's way too big for them. I just can't have them in the room. Too much worrying. I'm even thinking about switching to the free weights to a BioForce or Bowflex because I'm worried about a weight falling on them.
5. Their toy room is HUGE and has more toys than a typical room in a daycare (it was supposed to be my Man Cave eons ago...that dream has died...)

You guys are all awesome. Thanks for the advice. If you have any other advice, keep it coming.

MiladyMetal

Me and my husband usually take turns working out and watching the kids or we have the kids sit on the couch and be our judges as who is doing better and working harder. When they are younger than my two youngest (5 and 6) I know it is difficult. We also try doing mat work like our abs and our cats will want attention too and go behind where our head is suppose to go back down. LOL I started waking up and getting the kids breakfast and yes tv or the wii for them on alternating days and allow them time to eat and watch tv or play then I go in the workout room and do my cardio for about an hour then I can cope again. LOL

lildevil968

My 7 year old used to interrupt all the time. One time I didn't see her walk in, and I turned and gave her a swift hook to the chin. She hasn't come in since, and even offers to keep my litttle guy downstairs so he doesn't get hurt.

wendyw8

lol well I now know all I have to do is accidentally kick my kid and he will let me get my twenty min in. lolol j/k!! I have my boys work out with me or they have to totally leave me alone kids can learn to keep themselves entertained for a little while once they are a certain age and especially if you get them snacks and drinks and crayons etc before you start your workout!

maidentl

3. I'm amused at how many people assumed that this thread was started by a mom. I'm a dad, but thanks.

Hey! Dads can use Mother's Day Out, too! LOL That's just what they are usually called.

PlunderBunneh

This is such a frustrating issue for me. My kids are 2 and 4. As everyone with kids knows, a 4 year old's favorite phrase is "Do this now!" and a 2 year old's is "No!" It keeps life interesting, and makes "go play in the other room" pretty unrealistic.
We do quiet time in the afternoon. An hour and a half in their own rooms. My four year old gets books to read quietly, and my 2 year old normally sleeps. If they start yelling or being noisy, they get in trouble (taking away a favorite toy usually).
On the occasion that I can't fit in my workout then, if I'm feeling brave I will invite them to join me in some aerobics video, which ends up being interesting, with constant reminders for them to stay out of the way. If I'm not feeling brave, I wait until they go to bed.
We are lucky enough to belong to a recreation center that has childcare, but that does me no good at all until my car gets those new tie rods
Good luck!!!

edited because I'm a poor speller lols.

jae6704

OOOO I have the same issue, but it isnt only the children in my house (7,7,11,34). I live in the sticks so it is either go out and play, go play in your room or go to bed

mlb929

You know, in looking at your photo, I assumed you were the dad But, that led to my other suggestion, strap on the kids like you did in the picture. Imagine the work out you will get then J/K.

tomomatic

You know, in looking at your photo, I assumed you were the dad But, that led to my other suggestion, strap on the kids like you did in the picture. Imagine the work out you will get then J/K.

LMAO. Actually, I did that when the kids were younger. I went for a long walk with the kid strapped to my chest. She loved it. My back was all out of whack the next day. It puts lots of strain on the lower back and if you're not used to it, it will keep you in bed for a couple days.

The kids occasionally sit on my back when I'm doing pushups. I swear they're trying to kill me.