I'm not making excuses but I need help!
Replies
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I'm gonna go another route here. If you say you "have the diet down", why not just eat at a deficit and not worry about exercise? You'll still lose weight. Unless your goal is to be fit and thinner, I wouldn't stress about fitting in exercise.
THANK YOU! This is what I have been doing and losing, I just feel bad about not getting the exercise part!
as a registered nurse, i cannot stress enough how so very VERY important exercise is, as part of your daily life. I have treated 40-50 year olds who watched what they ate, but did not exercise, and ended up having heart attacks/strokes/etc...
I really truly think it would be best if you and a mom friend could share driving the kids- I bet other moms would love the idea just as much and would appreciate splitting the work!
Good luck!0 -
If you work in a cube this won't work ..... but if you have an office
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjduJjO1pLg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnsfbneFQ_8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqWhX-RB1s0&feature=related
Rain or shine ..... I can always get a walk in0 -
Sounds to me like you get plenty of exercise just running around after the kiddos. And for those that say - just get up an hour earlier - well, sleep is a very important part of weight loss. If you're not getting enough sleep it can have a dominoe effect that will impact lots of areas of your life. I do agree that keeping a pair of walking shoes at work and walking on breaks, lunch, etc will help. If walking outside isn't an option does your building have stairs? Sometimes if it's rainy outside I just walk up and down the stairwell to shake off the afternoon sleepiness. Keep up the good work and don't worry so much about the exercise. Diet is the key!0
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if you are dieting with a low cal intake and you have sendentary as your activity i wouldn't worry about exercise unless you want to tone and build muscle then you have to make the time... what you already do is pretty much active, i can't imagine doing all of this in heels! ...
I have a 6 year old and I work too and I know it's hard, I can't imagine 3 kids; you are pretty active because you are always going going going ... if you really want to exercise you can do it on the weekends, eventually you will find the time during the week, maybe some push ups before goign to bed, baby steps!
I also agree with you getting your sleep, that is important too and rest too!! - i know you can find a balance, but don't feel bad for wanting to take a break and just rest instead of exercise ... as long as you are not eating crap while you do it, it's fine!
Everybody is different and does this at their own pace.
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Why aren't the kids helping? I've been a single parent. I know how tough it can be. Your 2 oldest should be making their own lunches, and maybe yours too. They should also be in charge of their own clothes. Can one of the kids give the 6yo a bath? My 9yo plays with my 2yo sometimes so I can do things while the little one is playing in the tub. Last night I got to work out and watch my favorite tv show at the same time!
Can the 6yo do their HW in the car while you're picking up/ dropping off kids? Not ideal, I know...but some kids can handle this.
Asking other parents to carpool is also another great way to make time reappear into your schedule.
Take sneakers to walk at lunch.
I do leg lifts under my desk.
This too......my daughter has been doing her own laundry and making her own lunches since she was 9.0 -
It is true that you can lose weight without exercising, but exercise has a plethora of other benefits for your heart, lungs, and overall well-being.
I agree with the following:
look into rotating/carpooling with other parents for after school activities
keep sneakers at your desk for lunch-hour activity
make your 12 & 13 year old kids get their own sports uniforms, and get their own lunches ready
Also, weekends! Exercise doesn't have to be an every day thing for you to reap the benefits.
Every little bit counts!0 -
Tough, they're not the boss of you. Once you're in workout gear you can grab every opportunity for a mini-workout. Run up and down the stairs, jog on the spot, do squats, triceps dips and crunches, do star-jumps and burpees, throw around some dumbbells or get a resistance band. It all helps!If I were to change into what I think is comfortable, (sweats and a hoodie) my kids wouldn't let me out of the house! lol0 -
Well, obviously you are plenty active already. With only 14 lbs to lose, I hope you are set at "Lose 1/2 lb per week."
It's going to be slow going to lose that last 14 lbs, no matter if you magically find an extra hour in your day, or not. Just work on eating as cleanly as you can. You get plenty of movement already.
I went down to 12% at 2 lbs per week with no muscle or strength loss. 14lbs took 7 weeks. I dunno why 1/2 would be a max.0 -
Ok, I know a lot of you are going to say that I'm making excuse but I really do struggle with finding time to work out. I think I have the diet part down though. Here is my typical daily schedule. I have 3 kids btw, ages 6, 12, 13.
Up at 5 am to get ready for work
6am - wake up oldest son
6:30am - pack lunches for self and kids, gather sports uniforms for after school practices
6:55am - out the door
4:30pm - rush home to fix dinner
5:00pm - out the door to drop daughter off at cheerleading
5:30pm - pick oldest son up at soccer
6:00pm - back home to do homework with 6 year old
6:45pm - out the door to pick up daughter at cheer then off to Gymnastics
8Pm - shower the youngest and get him into bed
9pm - back out the door to pick up daughter from gymnastics
9:45pm - finally able to take work clothes and shoes off before passing out
I have no help with running my kids around or doing any of the household chores (dinner, homework, etc) so I'm busy.
I'm not complaining because this is my life that I chose to live so my kids are active and happy.
I'm just asking for some tips on exercises I can do quickly throughout the day. I'm aware that walking is good and I would do this on lunch break but in heels and where I work, that doesn't happen.
Thanks in advance.
bring sneakers to work and go for a walk at lunch. i don't have children so i'm not going to touch changing your schedule. how about doing mini exercises while making dinner, packing lunches, helping 6 yr old with homework (squats, arm curls, tricep dips, things like this). run out to your car, park in the furthest spot possible when picking up daughter and run to the door. every little bit will help. good luck - and i'd hate to have your crazy schedule. 0 -
Alright, I realize exercise is a very IMPORTANT aspect of life, but the OP is stressed that she can't find time to do so. She's busy, and I was giving her reassurance that it is possible to achieve her goals and not KILL herself.
Now, would 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a week be better. YES. But it isn't NECESSARY.
Get out with your kids on weekends and walk. Go for hikes. Get bikes. But during the week when you are BUSY concentrate on eating at a deficit and feeding your body well.0 -
there are exercises you can do at your desk at work that are quick & easy. Try looking at fitbolt.com or something similiar.
Also, I usually walk at lunch time and my morning break from work. I keep a whole outfit & sneakers in a bag under my desk so at lunch I can get a really power walk in without being sweaty the rest of the day (also have deoderant, body spray, etc in that same bag).0 -
also, if you start bulk cooking it frees up a lot of time. winter meals, such as chilli, pastas, stews, etc really lend themselves to that.
also, that whole line "945pm finally take off my shoes and get comfortable" kills me. i'd feel like crap walking around in work clothes all day. do you really not even have five minutes to change??
If I were to change into what I think is comfortable, (sweats and a hoodie) my kids wouldn't let me out of the house! lol
who cares what kids think??
also, change into work out clothes. that way maybe when you find twenty minutes that you are free, you are already ready to take advantage of it and work out!!!0 -
What are doing in the half hour between waking your son up and preparing lunches? You could still wake up at 5, work out for 30 minutes, then shower and get dressed before waking up your son. Then finish getting ready before you make lunches. Or like others have suggested, make lunches the night before or have your oldest kids in charge of that. We all lead busy lives and I don't envy you being a single mom. It's a hard enough job with 2 parents. I applaud you for keeping your kids active and being involved in their lives, but you need to take care of yourself too.0
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Wake all of the children up at the same time and let them pack their own lunches and gather their own equipment, etc., while you exercise. They are quite capable of doing this type of thing. 0
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Since you're close to your goal, your body's going to benefit a lot more from toning than it is from long cardio sessions. Intersperse supersets throughout your day, like pushups and crunches in the mornings, squats and lunges in your office during the day sometime, and tricep dips and pullups in the evenings. They'll take 5-10 minutes each, and you'll get a full body workout. If you need more time, the carpooling thing definitely, and instead of cooking dinner every night, do a marathon cooking session on Sunday so you can reheat leftovers all week. That will save you a huge chunk of time every evening right there.
Edited to add that I vote against you waking up earlier - sleep is just as important to being healthy as exercise is. You need that.0 -
I'm gonna go another route here. If you say you "have the diet down", why not just eat at a deficit and not worry about exercise? You'll still lose weight. Unless your goal is to be fit and thinner, I wouldn't stress about fitting in exercise.
THANK YOU! This is what I have been doing and losing, I just feel bad about not getting the exercise part!
Why would you NOT want to be fitter, stronger and healthier? Sure you can lose weight by just eating at a deficiency…but don’t you want to have a healthy heart, look good &feel strong?
I second that. Sounds like you just wanted someome to tell you it was OK NOT TO excersice.
You have 2 hours from the time you wake up to you get out the door. Im sure the older kids get dressed alone or you can squeeze a 20 minutes excersize in there somewhere before you wake them up. Also you can take clothes to change during lunch you dont have to walk in your heels. Lastely while the 6 year old does homework for 45 minutes you can fit in a 20-30 minutes workout. You really can be near him if he needs help but im sure he can do alot on his own.0 -
I am up at 3:40 every morning to go work out. You do what you have to.
This^^ bring sneakers to work for lunch hour walk. hide in an office and do squats/situps/jumping jacks...every time I get up and go to the bathroom I stay in there a little longer and try to get out 20-50 squats or lunges, maybe a few jumping jacks. they add up, every little bit help. I also have a heavy resistance band at my desk I can take out and do arm excercises with.
Try starting with waking up 30 minutes earlier even if you get just that in its a start. I've slept in my workout clothes before just so I can roll outta bed ready if im crunched on time....what about weekends?0 -
youre up at 5.
get up at 4.
This......it sucks balls, but on days that I know I'm going to be working both jobs and running my daughter around, I have to do it because NOT getting the run in is simply not an option for me.
"If it's important, you'll make time. If it's not, you'll make excuses."
(please don't think I'm being mean, I'm not....that's just a quote that REALLY helped me :happy: )
Sure, exercise is important, but not at the expense of sleep. No way. There are many, many studies and info out there on the importance of sleep and I never, ever do anything at the expense of sleep. (I'm a single mom too, but my life is much less hectic since I live in the Arctic.)
I'm getting a used Bowflex for weight training at home. Even a few minutes, here and there, of weight training is highly beneficial. According to a recent study (Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Sep 20) a few minutes of weight training may be more beneficial than 30 minutes of cardio.
Please mom, eat well, get your sleep, look after you and your kids, and then add in what you can. I think you are likely getting lots of exercise just doing your day to day stuff. :flowerforyou:0 -
I'm up between 4 and 420 to catch my train to work. I go to the gym either in the morning in the city or at lunch. It's not terribly conveinent but I have to do it if I'm going to get to the gym.
You can get in a pretty killer workout in under 10 minutes if you push yourself:
Pushups to failure
Inverted rows or chins to failure
Bodyweight Squats to failure
No rest in between, repeat the series ad nauseum until you're out of time.0 -
I have a tight schedule as well....
I keep a pair of flip flops at work so I can take off my heels and do a 20 minute walk during my lunchbreak but still have time to eat.
Do your kids have activites EVERY weeknight? If not, ry going for a walk or jog on those nights. And if you have to - put a lot of exercise into your weekends. Kick the ball around with the kids, ride bikes with them, etc.
I can only sqeeze in a hour of gym twice a week (and that is with my husbands help with the baby) so I try to get a little extr in on the weekends if possible.
Maybe you have a friend or family member who could help you out one weekday night so you can find time for yourself.0 -
Forgot to add, I assist at the dojo where I train and a lot of the parents will go for walks and such while their kids are taking class. Can you do that during your kid's activities?Do your kids have activites EVERY weeknight?0 -
Agreed - you need your rest and need to take care of you.youre up at 5.
get up at 4.
This......it sucks balls, but on days that I know I'm going to be working both jobs and running my daughter around, I have to do it because NOT getting the run in is simply not an option for me.
"If it's important, you'll make time. If it's not, you'll make excuses."
(please don't think I'm being mean, I'm not....that's just a quote that REALLY helped me :happy: )
Sure, exercise is important, but not at the expense of sleep. No way. There are many, many studies and info out there on the importance of sleep and I never, ever do anything at the expense of sleep. (I'm a single mom too, but my life is much less hectic since I live in the Arctic.)
I'm getting a used Bowflex for weight training at home. Even a few minutes, here and there, of weight training is highly beneficial. According to a recent study (Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Sep 20) a few minutes of weight training may be more beneficial than 30 minutes of cardio.
Please mom, eat well, get your sleep, look after you and your kids, and then add in what you can. I think you are likely getting lots of exercise just doing your day to day stuff. :flowerforyou:
Honestly you are running around like a chicken with it's head cut off . You need some 'you' time.0 -
Totally my schedule also! I dont always do it, but try to walk while waiting for my kids activities to be over. I have even walked the halls of school when weather is bad! Lunch hours, if you have time. I dont even try at home, being pulled in too many directions already!0
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youre up at 5.
get up at 4.
This......it sucks balls, but on days that I know I'm going to be working both jobs and running my daughter around, I have to do it because NOT getting the run in is simply not an option for me.
"If it's important, you'll make time. If it's not, you'll make excuses."
(please don't think I'm being mean, I'm not....that's just a quote that REALLY helped me :happy: )
Sure, exercise is important, but not at the expense of sleep. No way. There are many, many studies and info out there on the importance of sleep and I never, ever do anything at the expense of sleep. (I'm a single mom too, but my life is much less hectic since I live in the Arctic.)
I'm getting a used Bowflex for weight training at home. Even a few minutes, here and there, of weight training is highly beneficial. According to a recent study (Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Sep 20) a few minutes of weight training may be more beneficial than 30 minutes of cardio.
Please mom, eat well, get your sleep, look after you and your kids, and then add in what you can. I think you are likely getting lots of exercise just doing your day to day stuff. :flowerforyou:
10p-4a is 6 hours of sleep
That's plenty for me...maybe not for the OP, was just offering an opinion and an expample of what I do. 0 -
If you have an android phone they come packed with personal training apps (many that are free) that provide a intense and quick workout for those with a hectic lifestyle such as yours. Maybe a quick 15-20 minute workout before bed would be just what the body needs. It doesn't have to be lengthy to be effective.0
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6am - wake up oldest son
6:30am - pack lunches for self and kids, gather sports uniforms for after school practices
6:55am - out the door
* Walk/run during lunch time *
4:30pm - rush home to fix dinner
5:00pm - out the door to drop daughter off at cheerleading
5:30pm - pick oldest son up at soccer
6:00pm - back home to do homework with 6 year old
6:45pm - out the door to pick up daughter at cheer then off to Gymnastics
* Big chunk of time here *
8Pm - shower the youngest and get him into bed
9pm - back out the door to pick up daughter from gymnastics
9:45pm - finally able to take work clothes and shoes off before passing out
Also, you could consider having the children's father help out with some of the running and/or cooking. Or cook meals on the weekend and save prep time during the week.0 -
Wow... As a single mom with a 6 year old and an 8 year old, I was kind of depressed reading this thread!
I also work full time and my kids are in karate 3 nights per week plus in counseling one night during the week.
Most days I'm wiped out at the end of the day!
To the OP: You sound like a great mom! You keep doing what you need to in order to keep your family running!
You do need to find some time for yourself though or you are going to burn out and not be any good for your kids. Please make taking care of you just as important as taking care of your kids, you're worth it!
One of the things I have found helpful in fitting in exercise to my busy days is getting my kids interested and doing it together as a family. My 8 year old daughter decided she loves Zumba and asks frequently to do the videos with me. If we aren't running around and have 30 minutes to pop the DVD in, it's a great fun workout we can do together. My 6 year old son watches and rolls his eyes, then he finds legos or something else to occupy himself for half an hour.
Another thing I do to squeeze in a little activity is to walk while my kids are in karate class. I get them to class and wait till the class is started, then all of the moms go for a walk. We motivate each other to get moving and it gives some time for a little adult girl chat while the kids are in class. You could even strap on some ankle weights or take along some light hand weights to do some arm exercises while you walk.
Several people mentioned that the kids need to step up a bit more. I do agree with this as well. It won't happen overnight though, so don't expect that. Start with small things. If they don't have alarm clocks, get them. My 8 year old got one for christmas that plays CD's so she has hers set to wake her up to one of her favorite CDs every morning.
Sit them all down and let them know that you will help them make their own lunches for the next week. Key word here is "help". Tell them that you expect them to be in the kitchen helping get things done. Period. There is no reason why even the 6 year old can't do at least 90% of his own lunch packing. Mine does all of his, especially on days he wants one of the frozen premade pb&j sandwiches.
At the end of that week they should be in the habit of being in the kitchen packing lunches, so you should be able to step out and have them just go take care of business.
Start making some small changes to take some of the burden off yourself and teach your kids that they are able to take on some responsibility. They will benefit from this as well.
Make taking care of yourself a priority. You can do this!0 -
Looks like you have time between waking up your oldest son and packing lunches. Get 20 minutes of exercise when you wake up at 5, then get ready for work and get your son an alarm clock.
The time thing is always an excuse. I'm not saying this to be mean, but I've seen people do this so many times and then talk about their schedule to try to justify it. Also, every suggestion that has been posted was met with another excuse and the person that told you that you don't even need to work out, you said 'THANK YOU!!!" and your justification was complete.
I also find that we over estimate how much time we spend doing things For example: i really don't think it take 30 minutes to wake up your son. I also find it hard to believe that your daughter has cheer AND gymnastics every day. I had friends that did both as well and it was never that crazy of a schedule.
There is ALWAYS time. I've seen some great suggestions on here, and all will work if you just create a new routine that includes working out. Changes will have to be made if you really want to make the time, and I think that is what people don't like to confront.0 -
You can prepare lunches the night before, as well as have everything needed laid out for the following day. This way all you have to do is pick up and go. Include a pair of comfortable walking shoes in your carry out bag the same as you pack your lunch or important necessities. You wont even have to run to the car. You can slip them on right at your desk... If you're unable to do a complete 30min workout in one setting, break up the time into intervals. 15mins in the am, and the other 15 right before bed.
Between the 15's and your lunch break it sounds like exercise to me. =] I hope this helps!...0 -
Just some observations:
Up at 5 am to get ready for work
6am - wake up oldest son
6:30am - pack lunches for self and kids, gather sports uniforms for after school practices
6:55am - out the door
4:30pm - rush home to fix dinner
5:00pm - out the door to drop daughter off at cheerleading
5:30pm - pick oldest son up at soccer
6:00pm - back home to do homework with 6 year old
6:45pm - out the door to pick up daughter at cheer then off to Gymnastics
8Pm - shower the youngest and get him into bed
9pm - back out the door to pick up daughter from gymnastics
9:45pm - finally able to take work clothes and shoes off before passing out
What are you doing 6 and 6:30am? The ages of your children they can start getting their stuff ready the night before. When do you eat dinner? While your daughter is at gymnastics what do you do with that time? 6:45p-8p0
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