how can i fit in time to exercise?
Replies
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Possibly look for a gym with a child care center. Trying making some type of exercise part of your daily life. Walking with the kids, playing soccer or a game with them. Making it a part of your family and lifestyle will help you and also show the kids it should be an important part of a healthy life!0
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I either have to work out before the kids get up (baby gets up by 6am everyday, so EARLY workouts) or after they go to bed. My husband works late quite often and has alot of evening commitments so I'm not taking much time away from him if I exercise at night. Another thing, get the most out of your work out. If you only have 20 minutes, work out HARD for 20 minutes, after a warm up of course.0
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Sounds like you're on the right track. If TV time is part of your family time, I really recommend a small stationary bike. I have a Marcy ME-708 Upright Exercise bike I got from Wal-mart that I love for a million reasons. Relatively low price ($120), VERY quiet (did have to apply some WD-40 after a while, but that fixed it), doesn't require an outlet to power, and takes up very little space.
Also look at your sleep schedule. I don't have kids so I can't even imagine what your sleep schedule is like, but if your kids sleep through the night... take a look! How many hours are you getting every night? Getting up early SUCKS the first few days, but once you get used to it, you love it. I love getting up before my classes, even if it means getting up at 5:30, so I can have a good start to my day. I lay out my clothes for the day (gym clothes, and work/school clothes) the night before so all I have to do is roll out of bed and get in my gym clothes! Then hit the shower and my work/school clothes are waiting. It saves me a ton of time
Good luck!0 -
If you want to do exercice try do it with the kid... as part of a new game0
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Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.0 -
Your health insurance might pay for the gym, providing it meets certain requirements and that you attend of course. Ask!0
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You don't find it, you make it. The key is to assign exercise the same importance as everything else you make time for. No one can tell you what exactly will work for you because only you know what you do all day, but when you decide that you getting healthy & fit so you can be around longer for your kids is a priority, you'll find ways to get moving.
I can share some things I've done, since I'm a married, working mom of 2 currently going to school. On days I have class I drive to the office but park a mile away in this cheapie surface lot that only costs $1.75 for 12 hours. Then I walk the remaining mile to my office with my backpack on - I've never weighed the thing but I should, because once it's packed with my laptop, books & all the food I'll be eating for the day, it's gotta be at least 30 lbs. It's a gorgeous walk across the Mississippi in the mornings.
I joined a running club at work, so midmorning I'll go for a 30 min group run with them along the river, & get more activity throughout the day by taking 10-min stretch breaks to walk around the block. And I never use the elevator (I have a 2nd floor office). Then after work I walk back across the bridge to my car, drive to school & sit in class for 3 1/2 hours.
I only have class once a week, but the point is I don't use that crazy jam-packed day as an excuse not to work out. I just don't go to the gym. And the other days of the week, I schedule my workouts just like I schedule everything else that needs to be done. Some workouts include my kids - my daughter goes to yoga with me on Sunday mornings, I run with my son once a week to get him ready for football - & some of them are just mine.
This may sound kind of corny, but that me time has allowed me to reclaim my identity & that's a big deal since I spent many years in an old, morbidly obese woman's body. I deserve that me time, & not only is it getting me healthier & fitter, but it helps me manage the stress from my busy life.
Don't ask how you can fit it in...how can you NOT & expect to stay sane??0 -
What got me started on this path was an elliptical at home (and protein smoothies in the morning). I found my machine for $200 on Overstick; you can find them even cheaper used. I put it in the living room -- doesn't really enhance the decor, but I also can't forget about it. I got up 20 minutes early to work out in the morning, and sometimes did it after my daughter went to bed. Once I started upping my protein and getting regular cardio in, I had more and more energy and motivation.
If you can find a reasonably-priced gym that includes child care, that will give you more options (especially on the weekends). Mine is affiliated with a local hospital (so not a chain); I pay $39/month and they have lots of evening & weekend classes for yoga, body pump, body flow, Zumba, aqua Zumba, water aerobics, spinning...you name it. They even have a 5:45 am class (still too late for me to take and get o work on time). Explore your options...but if I had to, I'd pick my elliptical over the gym because it's easy to work into my schedule.
*ETA: Another bonus to the elliptical is that it is SILENT -- so I don't wake my baby.0 -
Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.
That was totally rude...I started this thread to get ideas! Not everyone has 3 small kids and works a full time job! I joined this website for help to become healthy, fit and happy. I appreciate everyone's input, but would appreciate it if you would keep your rude comments to yourself.0 -
tony horton 10 minute trainer actually is really good. You sweat more than you would think!0
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Walking counts as exercise. Google the 10 minute arm workout Cameron Diaz, and add that, and you're gtg and hot in your sleeveless shirts. Then, you're up to 30 minutes.0
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Make the time! If you really want it, you'll find the time. Involve your kids. That could be fun. Take them to the park and involve them in some sports. Play some b-ball, tennis, soccer, kickball...heck whatever. OR wake up a little earlier and go for a walk/run. You'll be surprised on how much energy you have afterwards. It doesn't have to be very long. OR wait until they are in bed to go for a walk.0
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Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.
That was totally rude...I started this thread to get ideas! Not everyone has 3 small kids and works a full time job! I joined this website for help to become healthy, fit and happy. I appreciate everyone's input, but would appreciate it if you would keep your rude comments to yourself.
You asked for ideas. My idea is/was: Stop making EXCUSES and JUST DO IT. Have a great day.0 -
It's not easy. The best thing I found was Jillian's 30 Day Shred, because it was 25 minutes long, and I have a two and four year old, and I could often manage to squeeze it in before the end of the world occurred. And I had great results with it, too.
I know how it is! Feel free to add me if you want - I'm a crazy busy mom, too, and I still struggle to find time to work out.0 -
Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.
That was totally rude...I started this thread to get ideas! Not everyone has 3 small kids and works a full time job! I joined this website for help to become healthy, fit and happy. I appreciate everyone's input, but would appreciate it if you would keep your rude comments to yourself.
You asked for ideas. My idea is/was: Stop making EXCUSES and JUST DO IT. Have a great day.
Oh, and hi. You're kind of an asshat. I have two kids, work MORE than full time, and my house is perpetually a mess as it is. I would like to see you, when given the choice, reduce your 5-6 hours of sleep a night to 4-5 to get in a workout. (Plus shower, etc.) Not everyone is just making excuses. It's hard to take care of yourself, your family, your job/work obligations, AND work out when you get 4 hours of sleep (if you are lucky, because I'm not exaggerating - ask my husband).0 -
Walk on your breaks. Or go up/down the stairs on your breaks. Or lunch. It's not much time. Maybe 10 min on both breaks/lunch, but that will total 30 min/day. You won't get your heart rate up, but it's a start. Plus you will get better and be able to walk faster as you get stronger. Eventually you will feel that you are important enough that you will make that appointment--and you can do 20 min at a time.0
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Dance with your kids. Lift them instead of weights. Step from side to side while doing the dishes. Buy a Leslie Sansone walking dvd (they're cheap) and have your kids do it with you - make it a game. Remember- all movement is good movement. If you don't have the time for a concentrated program, just increase the activity in your daily life.0
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Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.
That was totally rude...I started this thread to get ideas! Not everyone has 3 small kids and works a full time job! I joined this website for help to become healthy, fit and happy. I appreciate everyone's input, but would appreciate it if you would keep your rude comments to yourself.
It may rub you the wrong way, but I can hear Jillian Michaels saying the exact same thing, LOL! Maybe it could have been stated kinder for you, but the advice is dead on. Make time for yourself to exercise, you are worth it, your kids having a healthy mom is worth it, too 0 -
Not to sound rude.......But if I can think of 1000 reasons why I could NOT work out. We all work long and hard, we all have kids, we all have chores to do, we all can't afford a gym, we all need to grocery shop. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Stop making excuses and JUST DO IT.
Do it in the house, at the gym, at work, ANYWHERE you can.
If you want to do something, you will find time to do it.
That was totally rude...I started this thread to get ideas! Not everyone has 3 small kids and works a full time job! I joined this website for help to become healthy, fit and happy. I appreciate everyone's input, but would appreciate it if you would keep your rude comments to yourself.
You asked for ideas. My idea is/was: Stop making EXCUSES and JUST DO IT. Have a great day.
Oh, and hi. You're kind of an asshat. I have two kids, work MORE than full time, and my house is perpetually a mess as it is. I would like to see you, when given the choice, reduce your 5-6 hours of sleep a night to 4-5 to get in a workout. (Plus shower, etc.) Not everyone is just making excuses. It's hard to take care of yourself, your family, your job/work obligations, AND work out when you get 4 hours of sleep (if you are lucky, because I'm not exaggerating - ask my husband).
See, you get up and you make time to work out. Like the rest of us.
As far as me being an *kitten* HAT. So be it. I made alot of EXCUSES for alot of years. Hence, I was 250 pounds. Once I stopped making EXCUSES and making myself accountable, I lost 73 pounds.
The OP is sitting here making posts about not being able to work out. Here is a great idea. Instead of spending an hour on here thinking of reasons NOT to work out, maybe the OP should put the computer down and do some pushups and sit ups.0 -
One the most important things you can do is to make whatever you do part of a routine. Ideally you'd start with a 10 minute or 20 minute workout (like 30DS). A routine is especially important if you have kids. Because once you make your exercise part of a scheduled routine, they will accept it, [and they will even remind you to do it.] Now your kids may be real little, but even so, they will recognize a routine once it is established. The hardest part is that when you set up your routine, that you don't break it. That means no stopping to get them the toy they dropped, or pausing to pick them up -- maybe the first week you set your routine, you have your husband nearby to run baby interference (see there's mommy, she's almost done, lets clap for mommy, you're okay, it's only 5 more minutes) . Perhaps this means letting them cry a little. But if they can see you, and you can see them, and they are in no danger, they will learn to wait. and ultimately it teaches them resilence, self-soothing and patience. Plus you are modeling what a healthy adult life looks like, and establishing exercise as part of your everyday life. (Although I feel uncomfortable telling anyone to just let their kids cry, and not if they are under 9mos old, On the other hand, if they are a bit older, they should be learning how to self soothe or self entertain (crayons, picturebooks, stickers) ,and how to be patient, especially if it is only for 10-20minutes)0
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ask a teenager to come with you and the kids to a park, she can help watch the kids and you can walk around the park, then when your done walking you can play games with the kids, frisbee, ball, hulahoop,hopschotch,jump rope 0
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I have started getting up earlier so I have time to ride my exercise bike before work. I watch the news, traffic and, even some on demand stuff to pass the time.
I know it is difficult with small children bur I bet your family will understand you taking some time for yourself, especially when you strt to get back in shape and are able to be an even better wife and mother to them.0 -
I assume you must have day care for your children. If your day care is open early enough, you can try dropping them off a bit earlier to get in some gym time. Also, some gyms have child care as well. Another idea is to get as much exercise you can at work. Park farther away and walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you're as busy as you are, it just takes some creativity. Good luck!0
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So here's my report....I woke up early and went for a 15 minute walk, and I really enjoyed it! I downloaded some of my favorite music onto my phone, downloaded an app to track my speed, time, length of walk and calories burned. I found myself walking more so I could finish my favorite songs. I'm going to get another walk in tonight. Thanks for all the great ideas!!!0
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I have two kids and also work full time. My hubby leaves for work at 6 am...so I am currently doing the c25k program he leaves.0
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What works for me is getting up before the rest of the house to get my workouts in. I get up about an hour early three days a week. Then the time doesn't take away from the rest of the family or chores that have to get done.0
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Fantastic!!!! The more you do it, the more you'll love it & will continue to find other ways to incorporate more activity. Well done!So here's my report....I woke up early and went for a 15 minute walk, and I really enjoyed it! I downloaded some of my favorite music onto my phone, downloaded an app to track my speed, time, length of walk and calories burned. I found myself walking more so I could finish my favorite songs. I'm going to get another walk in tonight. Thanks for all the great ideas!!!0 -
So here's my report....I woke up early and went for a 15 minute walk, and I really enjoyed it! I downloaded some of my favorite music onto my phone, downloaded an app to track my speed, time, length of walk and calories burned. I found myself walking more so I could finish my favorite songs. I'm going to get another walk in tonight. Thanks for all the great ideas!!!
Great job! Focus on what you can do, not what you can't do and if you fall down and miss a day or several, just pick yourself up and keep on pushing. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The fact that you workout even though it is hard, is what makes you that much stronger.
Plus, if my 4 year old can run a mile each day with 80% lung function while coughing up mucus, on top of doing 3 hours of meds, all her extra activities (swimming lessons, gymnastics, ballet, tap, hip-hop, soccer) and T-K, then everyone can fit in exercise. You just have to be stubborn and selfish enough to give your body what it needs.0 -
For toning I suggest yoga, Pilates, and power-band exercises. A lot of them your kids can do with you at home, the kits are maybe $20. If you have rhythm (unlike me) you can always try Zumba, I failed at it miserably, but you may enjoy it, I know my son(3 yrs old) and his friends tried to dance with all the Mommies, it was so much fun to watch! Then there is always a 40 min brisk walk with the kiddos 2-4 times a week. Hope that helps! (I speak from experience, I am a stay at home mom/army wife my hubby can be gone for months at a time and all my family lives on the other side of the US< so it's just me him and the 2 large dogs).0
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Just Dance for the Wii is a great workout and fun to do with the kids!0
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