How to find time as a Single Mom to Workout

513SavageSquad
513SavageSquad Posts: 14 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey! Are there any single Moms out there who can give advice about what you do to make sure you get a workout in? By the time my daughter goes to sleep I'm exhausted and I'm horrible to wake up in the morning. Appreciate any and all advice!

Replies

  • little_b_9_7_94
    little_b_9_7_94 Posts: 9 Member
    I'm not a single mom anymore but i was and always paced through the day. Technically not a workout but itll certainly burn some calories.
  • funjen1972
    funjen1972 Posts: 949 Member
    It really depends how old they are and how much attention they need.

    My kids are grown, but I incorporated physical activity throughout the day. It only takes a few minutes for planks, push-ups, etc... I would jog the track while they were at practice or do squats while watching an event. I got a stationary bike and used it during homework time. I jumped rope with them and used dancing style videos so they would enjoy it.

    I was a single mom and worked full time so I never had enough time for everything, and sometimes barely anything, but I still managed. It does get much easier as they become more independent.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    How old are they? I'm not a single mom obviously, but I do have a 6 and 8 year old and am charged with watching them regularly alone. They don't need 100% of my attention all of the time and have never had an issue carving out 30 minutes to get on my indoor bike trainer and get a quick workout in.
  • BethE238
    BethE238 Posts: 222 Member
    Not a single mom, but I do work out videos at home with the kids up and around because I never get a break from them and have similar issues with mornings and after bedtime (I go to bed when they do from exhaustion usually.) I think it’s good for them to see mom working out, and good for them to learn mom needs some time to do things for her health. They learn from watching us, and these are good healthy habits for them to observe. At first they def wanted to interrupt me to do allll the things with them, but after a bit they were used to it and they even built mini “weights” with their tinker toys to join in sometimes. They love to do jumping jacks with me, yoga, and dance/zumba like videos.
  • RandomBotUser
    RandomBotUser Posts: 17 Member
    edited January 2019
    Im not a Single mom but I have two littles. But I only work out when hubby is at work.. I use my gazelle while baby is crawling on floor or in walker. My almost four year old loves to play with her so when he keeps her company if I'm not cleaning, cooking or napping I jump on
  • Cassandraw3
    Cassandraw3 Posts: 1,214 Member
    I would say this depends on the age of your kids and the activity. My son is about to turn 3 and he loves riding in the jogging stroller with me (mainly because we often take a pit stop at the park). For crossfit, he is still at daycare while I go to class. If I do workout at home, he loves doing it with me or climbing on top of me. I would say try to get kids "workout" equipment so they can do anything at home with you, like 1 lb dumbbells or something similar. Pick her up to do your squats. It will help wear your daughter out before bed, plus you get a workout in. I'm sure she would love being involved in it will you plus it will teach her good habits as well.
  • lalalacroix
    lalalacroix Posts: 834 Member
    During my time as a single parent and even a nanny, I never had trouble squeezing in a workout. There are strollers for walking and running. Kids can be worn or taken on hikes. Playing with kids can be a great calorie burn whether chasing them, dancing, playing a sport, and so much more. During kids nap, rest or movies it's possible to do a YouTube video or quick run on the treadmill. The possibilities are endless really.
  • amfmmama
    amfmmama Posts: 1,420 Member
    Are your kids old enough to be in sports? I used to walk during their practices.
  • AmyC2288
    AmyC2288 Posts: 386 Member
    I know this may be a stretch but can you join a gym that has a daycare? Don't know your financial situation but some gyms like the Y have financial assistance.
  • angmarie28
    angmarie28 Posts: 2,885 Member
    edited January 2019
    when my kids were little, I did workout videos, Jillian Micheals, and either when they napped, or while they played
  • kd_mazur
    kd_mazur Posts: 569 Member
    Single mommy here! When my daughter was smaller I had the same problem, I didn't want to get up in the morning and I couldn't stay awake after bedtime. I started working out at a gym near work on my lunch hour. I had it down to a science, I would head out, change, workout for 30 minutes, shower and head back to work in an hour. It was not easy but it worked when I was consistent.
    My daughter is a little older now and involved in lots of evening activities. About 6 months ago I changed my routine to a home workout in the morning before work, so far, so good.
  • kbushe3221
    kbushe3221 Posts: 176 Member
    I am no longer a single mother, but when I was I joined a gym that had babysitting. I would also use workout videos at home. Zumba was a fun one, my daughter would dance along.

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