How can I fit more exercise time in?

ThisisMiss

I am a single (my fiancee is in another country - long story) SAHM/part-time WAHM so I usually take DD out for a walk as a part of my exercise routine, but between that and on days we can't go out walking, I find I can only get 15 minutes here and there of exercise and don't really feel like I am getting a good burn that way. Any suggestions on finding more time to work out? I usually do it while she is napping, but I also need that time to get other things done during that time hence the short bursts of exercise. I try to do it while she is awake, but she usually ends up trying to hold on to my leg and I am afraid of stepping on her! lol

lynzinnc

I struggle with this too. I have two kids and a FT job. I already get up at 5 am to get us ready for the day and by the time I get them in bed by 8 or so, I'm DONE. I have tried working out in the mornings before they get up and I was just too rushed. I tried after they went to bed and I just hated it so much I could maintain. I now work out at the school where I teach. I walk the halls after my students leave until it is time for me to pick up my kids from daycare. On the weekends it doesn't happen unless it is nice enough for a family walk and I tug them around in a wagon.

I don't really have a solution for you, but I wanted to post that I feel your pain. I know many YMCAs have free daycare, so if that is within your budget it might be worth checking into. Also, if you have 15 minutes to yourself, Tony Horton has a series called "Ten Minute Trainer" which is quite good. From warm-up to cool-down is 14 minutes and you really feel it.

ThisisMiss

It really is tough fitting it in, isn't it? I don't know that I can do the YMCA until I get myself a car, but I have heard of the series you are talking about. Right now, I've been using the 10 minute workouts from On Demand which are fun and I'll sometimes do bits and pieces of the longer workouts they offer too, but I only ever get half way - sometimes I think I should just do my own warm up in the morning so I can just go straight to the good stuff during nap time!

lynzinnc

There's a good idea! Any little thing that gets you moving is great.

Also, think about getting a pedometer. I wore one at work a few days and was surprised how taking the long way to get places added it. You might be getting in more than you think. I've been reading about the 10,000 step challenge and I now try hit at least that every day. I'm not fit at all so this is a good challenge. I'm also doing the 100 Squat challenge from this board.

ThisisMiss

I've been really bad with the 100 squat challenge... but I make up for it by restarting my count for the 100 days every time I skip a day. I'll look into a pedometer.. do they also tell you how fast you go, because I've been wondering that too!