SINGLE MOTHER FEELING GUILTY ABOUT WORKING OUT!!!

Use your baby as a tool to work out. Make it a game.There are alot of Mommy and me work out DVD's. Check them out. you canlay baby onthe floor and make faces at her and blow onher tummy whatever makes her happy while you are doing leg raises. Use her as a tool but make it fun. Dont feel guilty. It is important that you are healthy so you are there for her. Congrats on jumping into working out so quickly. Wish I would have. I dont want my son to carry the imagine of me being heavy through his life and leaving him thinking its ok to live this way.

videos for now at home - walk and run with the baby when it gets nice. But I would do videos and alternate them to mix it up. She just wants to be with you and I'm sure she will enjoy watching you jump around and huffing and puffing --- she'll probably lie there and kick like mad

Workout DVDs.

I'm guessing from your picture your little one is pretty young? try finding a work out dvd or two that your can incorporate your baby into. there are specialty stuff like mommy and me or you can try including your baby as you do push ups give her a kiss, if older put in zumba and encourage her to wiggle around as you work out etc. In the end though your work out is for both of you and having a long and healthy life together so do what you need to.

A friend of mine used to put the baby in one of those harnesses you wear on your body and power walk or jog. The baby becomes an added weight and it's good for bonding too.

I am a single mom too. I always feel guilty for leaving mine in daycare while I take an hour to work out. A lot of times I don't make it to the gym and workout at home. A few DVDs, I also have a stationary bike at home, and a Wii. Wait until she goes to bed if you don't want to sacrifice your time with her.

No no no... Sweet, please do not feel bad. You should say single mother mother feeling proud for working out. I do understand how you feel though as far as the mommy guilt. When I feel that way I just remind myself that I am doing it for him so I can live longer. I had some issues with my heart during delivery and it really put my life in perspective. So when I feel guilty I just remember I am doing it for him so I can live a long healthy life and for heaven's sake be able to keep up with him. LOL :laugh: :laugh: Also you can incorporate some stuff with your child. For example I have an ab workout I do almost every night. He "counts" my sit ups. When he was a little baby I just sat him in his seat or put him in his playpen and talked to him every once in a while. Also when I do my taebo he just knows that is Mommy's time and she will be back in an hour. They get used to it then for them it is just a normal routine part of our day which is fantastic because he is learning how to be healthy. Good luck and know that you are doing the right thing. Also the stroller is a great idea I use mine often and my son loves it!!!

How long of a lunch break do you get? Bring some shoes and walk/jog? You can get in 3 miles in 45 minutes and still have time to eat.

Do NOT feel guilty. I'm a single mom of a 7 year old. Your daughter is young enough that you are not depriving her of attention. I must also say that you taking care of yourself allows you to be a much better mom. You'll be more relaxed, self-assured, and focused. You need this time for yourself. You are not a machine...not matter how much it sometimes seems. Relax...take a deep breath...and remember that you must be your best for yourself and her.

I would love to go back to the gym but I can not justify in my mind staying away from home longer. I leave for work when they are asleep and by the time I get home there is an hour before we begin the process of getting them ready for bed. I want to see my kids! People are always saying- its just an hour or its only once or twice a week. I just cant do it right now, maybe when they are a little older. You have to do what you are comfortable with. I am doing what I can at home. My kids do love watching me workout, esp if I involve them and have fun with it. It IS hard though. I am definitely not one of those people who feel energized by working out. I work 10 hour shifts and then have to come home- take care of a 2 year old and 1 year old, make dinner, clean the house, do laundry.....it is exhausting just to live. I will do some basic on the floor stuff with them- 5 months is a great age to use HER as a weight. I am using my 12 month old as a weight- hes getting a little too big now, will have to give that up soon! When the kids go to bed I then force myself to do some more aerobic exercises.

i used to wake up earlier just to exercise but lately i've really needed my sleep. i use workout dvds and my daughter who is 3 loves to join me. when your kids see you eating healthy and working out they are most likely to grow up and do the same. don't feel guilty you need mommy time