moms...

Piercey_24
Piercey_24 Posts: 40 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
How do you gals (or dads) find time to work out? I am a working mom. I work come home and i play with my son we go for walks play at parks, ext alot of active stuff, but i feel as if it is just not cutting it... all the tips to park farther take the stairs ext i do also. Many will say "go join a gym" but theres a few problems with that... one i feel i dont see my son enough as it is with working all the time... second, i dont trust random ppl to watch my son at the gyms, and third i dont have any one else who can watch him. just some ideas, I tried the whole work out at home at it is good but i find that i lose the motivation very quickly. Is there anything else out there that i can try? Besides diet pills and fancy shakes that cost an arm and a leg?
thanks

Replies

  • nighthawke
    nighthawke Posts: 45 Member
    I'm a dad to three children. I go to the YMCA daily, drop my kids at the child watch, and go workout for an hour or two. It gives my wife a break, and I get my workout in. The women that run our childwatch are all very nice, and qualified. I'd atleast give it a shot before you dismiss "random strangers". :)


    PS. Kids ages are 5, 2, and 8 weeks.
  • walleyclan1
    walleyclan1 Posts: 2,784 Member
    Are you a single mom? I am in the same boat in that I value the precious 2 hours a day I get with my kids after work and before their bedtime. I go to kickboxing classes 3 nights a week at 830 (while husband is putting the kids down for bed). This way I don't sacrifice much time away from them. I also try and go for 40 minute walks on my lunch break. Maybe that could work for you? Maybe you could even find a co-worker to join you to help keep you motivated.
  • dluberts
    dluberts Posts: 26 Member
    i am a single momma..and i have to get creative..ok gyms can be expensive and also food.so i will walk for 30 mins during my lunch at work since i get and hour.when i get home i will take a walk with my sons while they ride their bikes.or i will watch tv and do steps(on an aerobic stepper)so that way im not thinking about it...im just doing it.i also like to walk my stairs for a few minutes just to get that extra toning in my legs.just get creative!if youve got wii or ps3 or anything similar you can always buy cheap dancing games like zumba or michael jackson and so it with your son so it will be a great workout but awesome quality time with your babe.
  • april_mesk
    april_mesk Posts: 694 Member
    I have kids. If it's something you really WANT to do, you will make time for it (whether early in morning or late at night or while watching a tv show, while child is sleeping, etc. Many people make time to watch tv or show. Make your hour of time or whatever timeframe an appt that you cannot miss (like a doctor's appt) or treat it like your job...it has to be done or you don't get "paid". Just my two cents. No excuses...I know I have them and am not exempt but, make it a priority. Where will your son be without a healthy mom as an influence? Sorry, if I am honest and blunt, but I am sure you want an honest opinion.
  • QueenE_
    QueenE_ Posts: 522 Member
    I've got an 11 year old, an almost 2 year old and a 5 month old. I don't go to the gym. I walk, run, I do situps, squats, pushups, and crunches. I've also got a couple of exercise videos. I eat good food and drink lots of water. Any little amount of movement counts imo. Right now I see no point in making monthly payments to use gym equipment. Maybe one day I will, but today isn't that day lol.
    At my heaviest I was almost 250 and now, well, you see my ticker. :) Good luck to you!
  • QueenE_
    QueenE_ Posts: 522 Member
    Also the motivation stories and pictures here keep me going. :)
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    I kind of use a variety of tricks, depending on our schedules and what I have time for:

    -Early morning (this is hard because hubby has to leave by 6:30 am so I have to be done by 6:15- yuck)
    -Take the kids to the gym: our gym does not have childcare but it does have a parent room where you can do cardio while your kids play. Not ideal but better than nothing)
    -Exercise video (only if I'm in a pinch)
    -walks and chasing the kids literally lol, heavy gardening, toning exercises while my kids play at the park, etc
    -We have a treadmill downstairs so I'll use that while the kids play in the adjoining playroom (until they start fighting haha)
    -Finally, and my FAVORITE: I wait for hubby to come home and say, "I'm heading out for a run, be back in about 1-3 hours"
  • Piercey_24
    Piercey_24 Posts: 40 Member
    Thanks for the replys! I tryed the day care at a gym n I went to pick him up he was licking the window.. I havent tryex the ymca tho... it depends on price too... while he sleeps i can do at home work out but i live in an apt building so no jumpping or our neighbors below get upset i dont have some one to watch him after he goes to bed and voinv in that early im in bed by ten if not earlier.... before work doesnt work I go in at 4 or 5 am and done around 2 ish... I pick him up from sitter and I have him till bed around 8 I know its not an excuse but I will try some of these ideas thanks guys! I just feel guilty putting my wants/needs ahead of him...
  • celtbell3
    celtbell3 Posts: 738 Member
    After each of my children were born, workouts *outside* of my home were almost nonexistent. Will your SO/DH watch him for you? If not, then you need to become radical and organize a program at home - probably as he is napping or put down for the night (since he looks young).

    Probably you can find some workout DVD - depending on your interest. Calisthenics are great too and don't require a lot of room and believe me; you will get some cardio in doing them plus find some renewed strength after-effects!

    Good luck!
  • amandatapar
    amandatapar Posts: 246 Member
    I try to work out 3 to 5 days a week. I go to the gym and occasionally on the weekends will take long walks outside first thing in the morning. I go to the gym right when I get home if I get home early enough or late around 9 or 10 at night. If I get home later I pretty much immediately leave for kids activities ( I have 4 kids and one of them takes martial arts 3 days a week and one does gymnastics one time a week). I then have to come home and cook dinner then I can go to the gym. I am a night owl too so I don't mind. Making time for you is just as important. I work full time but I have to prioritize myself if I am going to lose weight. I don't feel bad at all. My kids need a healthy mom and that means I have to make time for working out. My husband helps by getting the younger two in bed for me when I go late. If I go right after work then I take my 3 yr old with me and the other three stay home alone til I am back.
  • QueenE_
    QueenE_ Posts: 522 Member
    Hmmm, maybe workout at a gym or whatever you want to do on your days off and when you work take him for a walk?
  • april_mesk
    april_mesk Posts: 694 Member
    #1 thing to do....Don't Feel Guilty! You need your time too. I know I have felt like this too but you have to take care of yourself also. Yoga and bands are quiet. Ball exercises, kettlebells (full body workout that you will not be jumping around with). I am sure there are others. good luck...Don't give up!
  • chelstakencharge
    chelstakencharge Posts: 1,021 Member
    Somedays I'm up at 3am to get my workout in. There are no excuses for me!!!!
  • AlongCame_Molly
    AlongCame_Molly Posts: 2,835 Member
    "I lose motivation" is not a valid excuse. Do you think super fit people always want or enjoy working out? If you want it bad enough, you will motivate yourself. Even if you had a gym membership, you would still have to motivate yourself to leave the house and go.
  • pittbullgirl
    pittbullgirl Posts: 341 Member
    I feel for you!
    I workout while my son has a playdate on our front yard ( I can see them from my elliptical), when he's sleeping or I run around the yard with him playing soccer/tag etc, walking our dogs or just playing fun interactive games.
  • april_mesk
    april_mesk Posts: 694 Member
    There have been many times where I have had to work out with my daughter under foot...Yes, true. It's like an obstacle course...lol. she actually starts to workout with me. She did jumping Jack's with me when I did the shred tonight. She's five and learning that this is what we do...
  • ajkees
    ajkees Posts: 7
    I know lots of moms try blogilates.com for indoor workouts videos, you could also check out fitnessblender.com. I have never gone to the gym even once in my entire life but I lost 50 lbs from walking and workouts such as these.
  • westcoastgrl21
    westcoastgrl21 Posts: 172 Member
    I have 2 kids, ages 2 and 4, and I find the time to workout daily. For me, the best time is to get up at 5:30am and go before my husband leaves for work and the kids are still asleep. It sounds like you have quite a few hours in the afternoon (from 2 until 8pm is 6 hours...that's a LOT) where you could figure something out. You can use the gym childcare, go for a jog with a jogging stroller, join one of those "stroller bootcamps" where your child is incorporated into the workout. What time does your husband/SO get home from work (i'm assuming you're not a single mom)? Maybe you guys can eat dinner as a family, then you can go to the gym at 7 while daddy does bath and bedtime. Then you won't feel guilty, because it will be their special daddy-and-baby time.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I know this won't work for every one but my work is very flexible. I go to the gym for 30-45 minutes twice a week in the mornings before work, putting me late to work but I usually work through lunch every day anyway so it makes up for it.
  • hhayes06
    hhayes06 Posts: 189 Member
    Can you leave him at the sitters for an extra hour after work? Based on the schedule you described that's what I would do. Talk to the sitter and ask if you can start picking him up at 3:15 instead of 2, take your work out clothes with you and hit the gym right after work. That still leaves you with a good 4 1/2 hours of quality time with your LO before his bedtime.
  • DanIsACyclingFool
    DanIsACyclingFool Posts: 417 Member
    What about a bicycle with a child seat? As he gets older he'll need his own bike, and you can work out together. Start him off right.

    To help stay motivated during home workouts why not join a "challenge group" or a group that specializes in the workout you are doing? That way even though you are alone at home you are still somewhat accountable.


    Edit: just looked at your profile. Didn't realize quite how young the lil feller was. Still, he won't be that young for long, so it's something to think about.
  • Piercey_24
    Piercey_24 Posts: 40 Member
    Thank you for all the replys! It has great ideas and I am sure to give them all a fair try somwthing has to stick!!! It is great to see that I am not alone also! Thank everyone for the support and tips!!!
  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    Can you join a gym near work and go during lunch? Or go to the gym on the way to work (would depend on your hours and how your chilcare is set up). I have 3 small kids (preschool on under). I put them in the care center at my gym. Its the same 2 women each day and my kids love them! They run to them for hugs and kisses when we get there. I think that most gym childcare centers are ok in terms of quality of care.

    I can totally understand not wanting to give up your time with the kids though for after work exercise. Im blessed to be able to stay at home, but if I worked full time I wouldnt want to give up my time with them either.
  • sugaree1202
    sugaree1202 Posts: 184 Member
    I'm sire others have said it but how about early in the morning or after bedtime? Now that my kids are home for the summer, sometimes they join me for my TurboFire videos. For working out at home, I prefer the 90 day programs that have a schedule. BeachBody has a great selection and most are 30 - 60 mins a day with the majority of days being closer to 30. Your kids will appreciate having a happier, healthier mom!

Categories