Question for all you working parents out there

Wonderwoman2677

Seriously... how do you find time to exercise? I don't know how to get out of my rut. I know sometimes it's lack of motivation, but most of the time it's truely lack of time.

Since joining MFP I have not been brave enough to try to get up earlier than I already do. I am very stiff and sore when I first wake up, so moving a lot will only pull my muscles (I have tried in the past). Also, I have a 2yo at home that does not always sleep through the night. Since I am always exhausted, it does not make sense to me to get up early and be even more exhausted.

When I get home after my 8-10 hour work days I have just enough time to make dinner while helping the older kids with their homework/housework/lives. Maybe playing with the 2yo for a few uninterrupted minutes and trying to clean up from dinner, etc...

By that time it's 9-10 pm and I'm pooped.

I made a deal with my hubby that he would give the 2yo her bath 3 days a week so I could do a workout for 30 minutes. He normally does it anyway, but I wanted to firm up a plan that would help keep me motivated to do it. That worked 1 time before he got sick, then the rest of us got sick. That was 3 weeks ago.

How do you keep going when your life is not only your own? I can't say I'm going for a walk when there are dishes to be done, dinner to make and children to love and care for.
How do you fit it in? How do you take back some of your time for yourself without pushing all responsibilities onto your spouse? I feel like I've been waiting for my kids to leave the nest so that I could be me again. Another 16 years is too long to wait.

KellyKAG

My Suzy Homemaker skills have been sadly lacking since I started working out for an hour 5 days a week. It’s amazing how much stuff I apparently used to get done in that hour. I have gotten to the point where I have to just straighten up during the week and actually clean on the weekends. I realized that things don't have to be perfect all of the time.

valucarelli

I hear you! It's really difficult!! I work full time and so does my hubby. We are both exhausted at the end of the day.

Personally, I like to get up early and work out in the morning. I understand that that doesn't work for you though. I would recommend trying to walk, or jog, during your lunch break at work. Also, bring healthy lunches and snacks instead of going out for lunch everyday. I tried for the longest time to continue to go out and choose heathly options for lunch, but truth be told, no matter how low calorie you try to go when eating out, it is virtually impossible.

Also, remind your husband of your deal! I hope you are all feeling better by now, maybe you can get back into your routine of working out during the 2yo. bathtime. That sounds like a great plan to me!

I have 3 kids myself, and I remember the days of them not sleeping through the night. My youngest is now 4, so it hasn't been that long for me. I would say that if you have a rough night with the kids, and you are totally exhausted, go ahead and give yourself a break that day. I've tried to power through workouts when I was tired, and it's just miserable. As long as you get back to it the next day, I think there's no problem in giving yourself a reprieve when you are soooo tired!

Anyway, it is difficult! And sometimes we fall off the wagon...but as long as you get back on, you'll be successfull! You have a good start by thinking about it and trying to come up with a plan. Just stick with your plan girl!!

scott091501

I'm up at 4 or 4:30 AM to train. If morning workouts weren't an option I'd be stuck.

chix99

Instead of taking a lunch hour, I work out during lunch and eat lunch at my desk!

Emili03

My Suzy Homemaker skills have been sadly lacking since I started working out for an hour 5 days a week. It’s amazing how much stuff I apparently used to get done in that hour. I have gotten to the point where I have to just straighten up during the week and actually clean on the weekends. I realized that things don't have to be perfect all of the time.

I second this, I do my detail cleaning on the weekends...also, the YMCA has supervised activities for children too...if you can afford the membership.

Kandygirl

im starting to work more and it has been really hard. i used to be home 4 days a week and now i'm only home 2. i have given up doing some stuff to work out for even 30 minutes. it's really hard. i have a 5 month old baby and i'm not a morning person. i like to work out at night. i have skipped dinner with the kids a few times just to get a workout in.

gypsybug

I hear ya! It's SO hard. I've made it part of my schedule and I don't allow it to be altered unless there is bleeding involved. I workout the minute I hit home, right after work. If it means everybody eats at 6:30 instead of 6...so be it. They will survive!

I also had to alter my dinner making methods. On weekdays I just make things that can be put on the table within 15 minutes and save the big dinners for the weekends. If I'm making something that can go in the oven for an hour all the better. I'll slap it together, get it popped in, inform everyone dinner is cooking and I'm off to do my workout.

The single most important thing you can do is find that spot in your day and schedule it. Make it non-negotiable. Everybody will adjust and will accept it.

inside_lap

I'm up at 4 or 4:30 AM to train. If morning workouts weren't an option I'd be stuck.

Yep, same here....

seebeachrun

I work out during my lunch time. I workout for 30-45 minutes and then I eat my lunch. Even if you only do it 3 days a week it makes a difference. I also find that I am not as exhausted at the end of the day after I work out.

billsica

It's hard.
I have a jogging stroller and take my son out with my running. That way I call it a break for her.
I still haven't figured out a good way to get back into the gym to do some lifting.

timmyyesdog

It is hard, I have a 2yo as well. I try to prepare meals ahead of time on weekends so I can spend some playtime with children when I get home during the week instead of cooking - Or I have the kids help me "decorate a pizza or salad" - 2 year olds love to help, so you feel like you get some playtime together while you get the cooking done. I also walk for 20 minutes daily at lunch... it is amazing what so little time can do. I try to fit another 20 minute mini workout in every other day (my husband and I alternate the bathtime thing too, it is very helpful) so that I get 40 minutes of working out 3-4 days of the week. Don't feel like you have to do your entire workout at one time! So far, using MFP and 20 minute mini workouts, I've lost 16 pounds.

nataliefamily3

Not a morning person so I work out at 10:30 pm.when I get off work
, it works for me.

Meatsies

It's tricky; you have to really REALLY want the time. I have twins who are 3 1/2, and some days I fit my workout in by getting up extra early (I get up normally at 6am; if I wake up just 30 minutes earlier, that's enough time to do a routine from a Biggest Loser DVD). Other days, I do it as soon as I walk in the door after work...I take over the TV and the living room, and OWN the space for 30-45 minutes. The great part about that is that my kids will often join in with whatever DVD I'm following. Some days I go to the gym, although that is tough. Some days I have to just accept that I won't get a workout in. My husband is really helpful, though, and is understanding and generous with allowing me to take the time I need for my workouts. It's all about making it a priority, and not allowing for excuses. I started in the same boat as you, and finally bit the bullet and started setting my alarm clock early. It sucked, and I hated the alarm going off, but it got my butt moving. After 2 weeks of that, I decided to MAKE my workout work in other times of the day, because I felt like I was missing out on too much rest. I hope you're able to work something out!!

SwtMelissa86

It is very hard... I am a widowed mother of 3 with a full time job... i go to the gym 2-3 days a week... on those nights I go to the gym I usually fix something easy for dinner and they eat before we leave... it's hard, but it can be done.... good luck to you

kimad

I find for me, it's all about having it scheduled. I could have all the free time in the world and I still wouldn't work out if it wasn't scheduled lol, it's true.

I am a single mom to 2 kids. I have it scheduled in my routine 3x per week, obvisously it varies depending on the kids activities. If I know that Mon/Tues eves, and Sat mornings are for the gym then I go -- and these are times that I know the gym has childcare for my kids. I am a very scheduled person though, sometimes it doesn't help me, but in the exercise world it does.

Also on the nights I workout, I do something SUPER easy for dinner.

Do you think you could schedule it? Like you schedule work, dinner, kids appts, etc?
Good luck!

cmill78

I have a 3 & 9 year old & with our busy schedule the best time for me to workout is 3 days a week at 5:30am. It was tough at first but your body adjusts to the schedule.

vestarocks

Take your kids for a walk after dinner. They need exercise too. A family walk to the park or bike ride? Take them for a swim. The dishes can darn well wait. What can't wait is for you to get healthy to enjoy your kids and live a long and healthy life to see them grow up. Set a good example for them by making your health a priority. ' k lecture over.

I say this because I've just gotten around to it in the past couple of years. My kids are 15 and 12 and, yes it's so much easier now, but they have been wanting my husband and I to play soccer with them for years. To go on bike rides. To play road hockey. We lost a lot of time with them because we were too tired or too sedentary to take advantage of that special time. Thankfully they still like to be around us and are thrilled when Dad comes out to play hockey with the neighbourhood kids. They are cheering me on to reach my goal so that I can join a soccer team and they can come out to my games for a change.

I would take advantage to move your body during your lunch hours/breaks. Even if it's just finding some stairs to go up and down. Just get that body moving. The more you exercise, the better you'll sleep (even with 2 year old) and the less exhausted you'll be.

Best of luck.

_Elemenopee_

Instead of taking a lunch hour, I work out during lunch and eat lunch at my desk!

I am NOT a wake up earlier than I have to person so this is what I do now. I eat at my desk then walk for 40-50 minutes for my hour lunch. When I get home we eat something and then I'll take my 2.5 year old in her stroller and walk around the neighborhood with her for another 30 minutes. I also have a Wii Fit and my toddler likes to stand next to me and do the hula hoop or the boxing or whatever I'm doing. It's like watching an interactive cartoon that looks like Mommy. Maybe you can get your husband and the other kids to come along for walks. Or maybe you can delegate some of the daily household chores to the older kids. You have to make it work for you. Who's taking care of mommy? YOU have to!

bergsangel

So I'm sure you've heard this before, but i have to tell you- Once you get into a routine ( a couple weeks), you will see that working out actually improves your energy levels. I have a very similar situation to yours and trust me there are times when I miss my workout.
I have found that sometimes i have to catch those 10 minute windows while the baby is having a snack or dinner. I have a few videos that have helped in that department. I have one that has 5 ten minute workouts. I play, pause, play, pause doing one 10 minute session at a time. Another thing I have incorporated is getting outside with my kids. Even walking gets your metabolism going. Another very easy video I like is Leslis Sansones 12 minute mile. I even jog (in place) while they powerwalk to boost my workout. I can tell you that if I was trying to find time for the gym, i would also never find it! Good luck to you!

LilynEdensmom

I get up earlier in the AM's, or stay up later...The girls have more chores lol. And when I take them to the park instead of driving we walk its about a mile round trip instead of taking the car (yes sadly I used to drive up the block to the park).

Wendysworld13

I decided my meals were going to be less of an issue - giving me more time to spend with my family and myself - I am the consumate crockpot cooker! Buy a crockpot and a recipe book and meals are ready when you are. During that old prep time do your workouts - walk with your fam, play with the 2yo, do a 30 min turbo jam or dvd - all burn incredible calories and give a great workout. After dinner go back to being super mom and help with homework as you clean up from dinner - start some new routines - your kids will love being part of helping you be healthy and save the vacuum/suzy housekeeper crap for weekends or when they are older - who cares if there is a layer of dust - the kids are only young once!

peacek

Kind of in the same boat. I have a 2 yr old too.
Like others said, I make time for workout during the lunch time.

Other small things that help:
1) Take the longest route to the restroom at work
2) Take stairs instead of elevators everywhere and anywhere possible
3) Stand up when on phone at the desk

Eat less at nights and don't cut too much slack on weekends!

Hope this helps!

KimAggie04

I have to work out in the morning at 4:45 am. It was the only time I could find the uninterupted time to workout, and it gives me energy throughout the day. I suggest getting a nice thorough stretch before you start.

Tandi_S

Instead of taking a lunch hour, I work out during lunch and eat lunch at my desk!

^^^ This. If I didn't fit it in at lunch, it wouldn't regularly happen. I have also had to realize that I can only do so much in a day, so it's detail cleaning on the weekends. The cleaning during the week gets done in 5 minute intervals when an opportunity presents itself. It means that the toilets get scrubbed, but not necessarily the whole bathroom at once, etc

You have to take time for you, or you'll go bonkers! Once you start, it will get easier.

I wish I was a morning person so I could get it in before work, but that hasn't worked for me yet...

mindyc2011

Due to a few things, I have not worked out in over a month. I can tell you, that when I was taking an hour every day for myself to workout, my home was cleaner than it is now. You need to make the time for yourself. I'm a single mom of two and my workout was from 7-8...I got home, started dinner, fed the kids, dishes, homework, etc....worked out for an hour, then got the kids ready for bed. I had more energy, moved faster, became more organized. Its amamzing what I thought for so long was impossible, made everything easier! Mind you, I had to plan meals ahead, did some extra cooking on the weekend...but it is worth it...I can't wait to get back to it this week!

sz8soon

I'm up at 4 or 4:30 AM to train. If morning workouts weren't an option I'd be stuck.

Yep, same here....

Same for me- I sometimes am able to sneak in an evening run while the hubby makes dinner. Just a quick mile or two, but enough to make me sweat )

That said- it took me a full month to get into the swing of waking up early and then actually having the energy to push hard through a workout. But once it clicked I realized I feel great during the day I get a work out in, and those days that I don't--- it shows for sure!

It's hard momma- but it's worth it. It gets easier the more you do! Best of luck!

jskibicki

I have a 2 year old and 4 year old at home, so I know exactly what you're talking about. I work an hour away from home, so I leave the house at 7:00 a.m. each day and return at 5:30, just in time to get dinner ready. I am not a morning person, but have found the only way to get a good workout in is to get up at 5:00 a.m. It sucks and I hate doing it, but after I work out, I feel so much better each day. I am exhausted by the end of the day, but I am if I don't get up and work out too. One thing that helps me - when the kids go to bed at 9:00 - 9:30, I'm right behind them and seldom see the 10:00 news.

newlife4cindy

I have 3 kids as well. But my schedule goes like this:
I wake up at 5a.m. and go to work (1 hour commute).
I get back in town at 4:30 p.m. Pick up kids and get home by 5:00 pm.
I get their food ready and then pop in my dvd.
I WORK OUT WHILE THEY EAT SUPPER. The rooms are open to each other so we still have somewhat of a conversation. Complete by 6:30 p.m. or so. I fix dinner for myself and hubby (i try to have meals that take 30 min or less to prepare).
If they have homework, they do it during this time (or after school but before I pick them up). Most of the time it is complete by the time i get them (thank you grandparents!)
Then it's bath and bedtime.
After the kids are in bed, i will fix their lunch/backpack for the next day and have about an hour before i go to sleep at 10p.m.

I have found that it is much easier to get all this done without going to the gym - I used to do that, but I just didn't have time to cook and have them eat and then go workout. Plus, the kids see me exercise and sometimes join in.

lesanncan

My son will be 2 in June so I feel your pain! I work M-F 7am-3:30pm with a 30 min commute. I TRY my best to wake up an hour early to do a 30 min workout +shower and get ready (but i LOVE the snooze button) i try to do the workout when i get home either put Darryn a movie on in the other room (doesnt work very well usually ends up with Darryn trying to do the workouts with me or me stopping b/c he has gotten hurt or into something) or wait until my fiance gets home and the play together. i wanted to workout 6 days a week 1 hour a day but i usually only get in 3-4 days 30-60min hope you can find an easier way!

AthenaErr

I do 20 mins a day thats all. So I can manage that.