Mom of 6 having trouble exercising..HELP!!

What you are already doing - the laundry, cleaning, walking etc... how about put some more energy into it? Put some music on when you are doing the house work and dance along to it whilst you clean, how about walking quicker, to increase your heart rate or use the weights that you can strap to your ankles to make ti harder work? Every little thing help, move your feet under the desk at work, take the stairs instead of lift, if you use the car, park further away from the shops or your work

Is there a a local gym that has child care or children's classes? The kids could do that while you workout.

I feel ya, the only things that seemed to work for me besides taking my son out in the heat and walking is to put in Jillian Michaels 30 day shred and doing a hard 20 min. work out right before my son wakes up. Sometimes if he's already awake I can talk him into letting me do it before cartoons, he's 2.

I know it's way more difficult with 6 children...but if you can find 20 minutes that your not doing house work or napping (i know naps are precious) then that DVD would be great!

The 30 DS is a 20 minute workout. I'm NOT a morning person but waking up 30 minutes earlier. To get in some exercise. Is totally doable.
I've just finished the series. And saw GREAT results. Plus the DVD is pretty cheap.
Good luck

Wow 6 kids! Isn't that enough exercise:)))))) That is a dilemma. First off I think it's wonderful that you are walking on your lunch, that is certainly a start. That in addition to being on this site will help keep you motivated, inspired and give you ideas. As for working out at home - depending on how old your kids are you could 'bribe' them. That's what I used to do with mine. I would say just give Mommy 45 minutes and when I'm done we'll have a treat (get ice cream, watch a movie together, play outside together). Also do you have a significant other to help watch the kids once or twice a week so you could get a good uninterupted work out in? Or if you have a friend who is interested in fitness and has kids too.....you can do a babysitting swap. You watch her kids while she works out, and vice verca. Also many gyms have babysitting...and the kids really do enjoy going there.

It's also good to get the kids used to the fact that Mommy needs a half hour a few times a week for exercise....it's sets a good example for healthy and fitness for them.

Best of luck to you!!

Do active things with the kids (at least the older ones). I would also suggest joining a gym because as Mom of 6 you really need that hour to yourself on a regular basis. I know you said the gym would not work, but if there's some way you can squeeze that into your time and your budget (have someone else watch the kids when you go) it will do wonders for you physically and mentally. Just remind yourself that hour is YOUR time. If joining a gym does not work, take a fitness class (even try something new like martial arts) a few times per week. Find a friend or neighbor to watch the kids when you go to your class. Give an hour to yourself! It will make a world of difference (even if it is tough to do logistically).

I feel your pain. My oldest in particular thinks that when I'm doing a DVD it's "20 questions" time. I solved it by getting a kids workout DVD and doing it with her, but throwing a few squats, etc, in. She thinks it's special play time, which it is, and I know I'm getting the extra boost I can't get otherwise. Plus, it's permission to be silly, which is also good for your health!

If you need time away, I read someone else's post somewhere that "an hour away at the gym gains more years with them in the end." That changed my thinking altogether!!

Good luck!

One of my other MFP friends found a local family gym where kids and parents can work out. I think the kids mostly play and the parents workout, but hey, if you could find one of those in your area it would be a great way to teach your kids about taking care of their bodies. We not only have to do this for ourselves, but for our kids too so that they can avoid the health issues we have experienced.

I agree! My gym also has a kids program and childcare for when the adults workout. I love seeing whole families go to the gym together! And of course there are areas adults go with the kids like the pool.

I work out by myself during the week. But on the weekends I pack up all my kids and take them to the pool or beach. Getting a zoo organized and on the road burns calories let me tell you. Also anything that you are doing with the kids that burns calories also makes them tired at bed time just saying. You have to choose to make it exercise first in life not last in order for you to make it happen. Mother of three with a full time job and on call hours:bigsmile:

Fitness starts with what you put in your mouth, or what you don't put in your mouth. Eating is eighty percent of the fitness battle, and physical activity takes up the remainder.Therefore, diet is where you need to spend the majority of your time, and not spending it in some gym that takes quality time away from your six kids and husband. When you prepare meals, wash clothes, clean house, and all the stuff that mommas do, you're getting plenty of physical activity. If you want to work your arms, take a broom, and knock the cobwebs off the ceiling, whether it needs it or not, dust the appliances, and sweep the floor. Wash the dishes by hand, and do toe-raises as you're doing it. Put some music in the stereo, and dance throughout the house with the kids, and let them know how happy you are that you can do this, lose weight, look good, and still be a momma that's there when they need you. And if you do all of this, take in the recommended amount of calories the program suggests, you'll look lean and fit without worrying about some gym somewhere that wants your money, even on the days you don't go.