I know this has got to be a rare post

lockef

I'm not a single father, so I can only imagine how hectic it is.

When I don't have time to get to the gym, I do quick workouts in the garage. Try doing bodyweight circuits. All you need is a timer (I use a Gymboss but there are sport timer apps for Apple and Droid), and maybe some tunes to keep you going.

Sample workout
Set to 10 rounds; 30 seconds on/15 seconds rest

-Push ups
-Burpees
-Mountain climbers
-Sit ups
-Running in place/High knees
-Push ups
-Burpees
-Mountain climbers
-Sit ups
-Running in place/High knees

Rest a few minutes, then repeat.

dmpizza

I belong to the New York Sports Club, which has many names around the country. They have on site babysitting which I believe is quite affordable. I only pay $45 per month for full membership.

Also, the YMCA near you may have similar features. Many Ys have been renovated to rival local private health clubs and I know for a fact that the Y will let you pay whatever you can afford.

Z_I_L_L_A

Thanks everybody, tried this morning 5am, half way through and just too sleepy. I'll figure something out, looks like late night will have to do. Go down to the basement(dungeon) and do freeweights, maybe run in the am. YMCA on the weekends. Get the kids to help out more when they can. I'll get there one way or another....Thanks MFP friends.

gwenmf

1. Learn to use your slow cooker
2. Don't "work out"........instead "play" with the kids.....toss a ball, play kickball, ride bikes, dance silly, play Wii fit...........swim at the Y....yardwork........

Tangerine302

I would say during the week when work, homework, etc are necessary, things like dusting, yard work, etc. can wait until the weekend or another day.

Laundry can be put in during the morning. Dry it when you get home. Can put another load in and put in the dryer before bed.

30 day shred is great. I would do it in the morning though as it's a really good workout. I wouldn't want to do it on a lunch break as you would have to get ready again. (Wasted time if you already did in the morning.) At the end of the day I want to relax, not start a dvd.

The crockpot is a great idea! I love using it! Throw something in the morning and it is tender and ready to eat when you get off work. Easy! Nothing burns and you don't have to spend time watching the oven/stove.

Chores- Make a list of what needs to be done for the week. Let the kids pick which ones they want to do. Cross off as you go!

During the time when there is practice, you can do whatever it is that you need to catch up with.


I think freeing your time a little with using the crockpot (feels like someone made supper for you), sharing chores, etc. will help you not feel so overwhelmed. Try going to bed just 1/2 hr. earlier to wake up 1/2 hr. earlier. Try a dvd if you aren't able to go to the gym.

I know we aren't living your life, but we all have these responsibilities of life. Just have to see what works in your household. Good luck with everything.

Brandicaloriecountess

Hi there, I am a single mom of three so I know how hard it is. At the moment I have flexibility at my job, so that helps me a lot.

How old are your kids?

Z_I_L_L_A

Daughter 17 and son 11, very busy kids.

aiyana1228

I have not read all of the posts so these things have probably already been said but here goes anywahy.

As a single mom with an honors high schooler that is invilved in marching band and varsity soccer I totally relate. I am very proud of all the people that get up at the crack of dawn to work out but when I already only get about 5-6 hours of sleep there is no way in H*** that is ever going to happen. The idea of going to the gym is nice but for many single parents that is not in the budget. I so understand where you are coming from. I spend my biggest focus on calories in to be sure I am not putting myself in the position of having to work out for an hour and a half every day. I keep the phelosophy of don't sit if you can stand, don't stand if you can walk, don't walk if you can run. I do not always get lunch at work (45 minute commute plus 9 hours- I am gone from 7 to 6) but when I do I go for hard power walks. I also have the advantage of working in a large building with 7 floors and when I started this journey I decided that the elevator was my enemy. During soccer practice I try to walk the track when I can. I have to plan for this by doing things like throwing a load of laundry in before I leave for work then it gets put in the dryer in the evening while another load goes in. As for food I cook up bigger packages of meat to add to meals for multiple days so I am not spending much time on dinner. I would love my daughter to help more but probably like you-bottom line is I want her to do her very best in school especially in those AP and honors level classes. So I guess what I am saying here is if you are asking about workouts in order to get ripped-Good luck. It sounds to me like you are a really dedicated dad and understand that what is good for your kids is the most important thing you do. My guess is that you are really just asking about enough work out to help the weight loss. If I am correct do not beat yourself up. Sleep deprivation is counter productive to weightloss too. Do what you can when you can and know that any excercise you can get in is better than nothing. Our kids are with us for such a short time. We can both get ripped when the kids are in college! For now we just need to do what needs to be done to be sure we are still around for the day that our kids get to be the ones giving up everything for our grandchildren... Good luck! Small changes made with consistency add up to big changes! Good luck!