How does a busy mom find the time to exercise?

If you chase them around like I do with mine that's a workout in itself, lol. But just about anything you do can be considered a workout, household chores, cooking, and so on because it all burns calories. I sometimes just set my boys up with a board game or give them 30 minutes to play a video game while I get on my treadmill

You can either find something to do with them around (workout video, walking, etc) or do it when they aren't underfoot, like wake early, while they are at school, etc. I do some of both, although I am not a single parent.

I have an elliptical in the garage which I like to use, and my videos. I'm not a fan of going to the gym, and can't afford it right now anyway, but some have childcare.

I either take them for a walk/jog (they love it), or exercise at home (via Jillian Michaels, YouTube or strength training).

It's something you have to approach as a necessity, not a option - like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. You work those things into your day without a second thought - once you approach being active the same way, you'll find the time.

If all else fails and they won't let you be for 30 minutes - bribe them

I do zumba at home, my lil one sometimes likes to join in lol otherwise I give her things to do like painting, watching her fav show ect I also walk to her to the park every sunny day and play their for at least 2 hours. You could take them to a field and play soccer ect or tennis to. Make it a family affair when you can, you will be rubbing off on them with healthy habits and giving them something to do, so you don't get oh mum im bored lol

Work out at the park while they are playing (walk/jog/sprint, step-ups on the picnic table, body weight squats, push-ups, lunges, pull-ups, burpees).

Make everyone have "quiet time" for 30-45 minutes once a day (color, read books, video games, movie) while you do a DVD workout.

Walk together.

Ride bikes together.

Go to the public swimming pool together.

Turn off the TV and do stuff together like hiking or a family yoga class.

If you want it, you make time, not excuses.

3 kids 5 and under tand and 4.0 gpa in my 3rd year of school. I worked out for 45 minutes today and burned 600 calories.

My kids are 9 and 5 and never leave me alone long enough to get in a workout. I once kicked my daughter in the face doing a DVD because she walked in front of me just a s I was kicking I now have a gym membership which helps but on days I cant make it, I give them things to play with that I normally don't like play dough. Its messy but It's worth it if I can get in a quick Jillian Micheal's workout. :-)
In the warmer months , we also do a lot outdoors together. Bike Ride, go to the playground( I run around and swing with them), go on hikes. things like that.

I have used several of the things already posted,, YMCA- childcare, etc.

Currently am getting up super early to get my workout in. Before the kids need to get up. You can do this easily,, I go to the gym but you could get a workout in either at home or outside easy so you dont wake them.

I agree that the "I dont have time" thing is an excuse,, but one I have used for so long as well, but not anymore. Now I make time.

3 kids- 10 and under, full time job, president of collegiate honor society and just finished my MBA, also small business owner, so I know the "busy" feeling.

Busy working mom here and what works best for me on a daily basis is working out at home before everyone else wakes up in the morning. It is hard to get the habit started, but it's so worth it. I was previously a snooze fiend, but now it's pretty much second nature. I get it done, I feel great the rest of the day, and it doesn't interfer with dinner or chores or any of our other evening family activities. My boys have also gone on many runs with me too. One of the best things you can do for your kids is to set a good example of being active.

Depends on how old your kids are, but if 1-2 are in school, take the other on a walk. I love carrying my 35-pounder in a carrier for extra resistance, too. Really ups my burn.

Also, don't think you have to workout at the same time everyday. I've got two kiddos, and we're homeschoolers. My husband and I own a small business, and I run a non-profit organization. I work out at different times pretty much every day because our schedules can be a little nuts.

Take them on a walk, Go to the park and play on the equiptment with them, play ball with them, jump rope with them, dance with them, do races with them, go skating, go bowling, go swimming. I'm a single mom too and it took awhile but I realized that the trick isn't "getting away" from my son to exercise but including him... he learns to be healthy that way and we both have fun...

I take advantage of the daycare room at my gym. My son loves to play with the other kids and I get to do my workout without interruptions - like being crawled on/under in the middle of a yoga stretch or "push-up". :laugh: Our center also has a pool so some days I'll drop him at daycare go for a swim & then take him for some play time in the kiddie pool. We also go for walks and play at the playground or in our backyard. For the days I just can't get my butt out the door, I play one of the fitness games on the xbox or wii.

When I first started trying to incorporate exercise I made a commitment to go to the gym 3 days a week and over the course of the last year I worked up to doing all of the above. Don't feel it's an all or nothing kind of thing, look for ways to add activity into your day. Maybe leave a little earlier and walk the kids to school/bus stop. Park a little farther away from the stores when shopping. Nobody said you have to workout for an hour straight for it to count as exercise - do it in 10-15 minute increments if you must.

One last thing, pick an activity that you really enjoy. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you will be willing to make time for it.

I think for us busy moms it all depends on what works for your schedule. I am on the move 24/7 so I feel your pain. However, I found something that I can stick with and that is what you will need to focus on. I work full time I have 3 kids 16, 13, and 5 I'm the first one to wake up in the morning, then my husband followed by the teens and it ends with the little one. Luckily my husband drops the boys (teens) at school I am left with the little one to take to daycare. While she eats breakfast I do weight lifting (dumbbells do not have an actual gym at my home). That combined with calorie counting I have successfully lost 15lbs steadily but I know they will stay off.

I would recommend you try different methods and see which one works for you some of my tries was late at night when the kids were a sleep. Another one was during my 1hr lunch I attempted to go running at a near by walking trail. Or you can do what I do and attempt to squeeze it in the morning. Good Luck!!