I need to VENT!!!!

Not sure how old the kids are, but maybe you could incorporate them somehow?

Yes, as moms we have to make that hard decision daily. I have a toddler at home and an 11 year old so I understand what you're saying. I wait until my toddler goes to bed most of the time before I leave to go work out (hubs is home obviously)....but sometimes I need to choose (like tonight) to go to the gym before going home. It eats into the time I spend with my family, BUT it helps me be a happier mom because I work out all my stress at the gym. AND I have more energy to keep up with them and do more things with them! Exercise is also going to help me live longer so in the long run it's better for all of us. That's what motivates me anyway. I hope this helps.

Wow. That should read a workout or a walk during lunch.

On days when I'm home alone with my son, I either use the rowing machine or do a kettlebell workout while he plays or naps.
On days when my wife is home to watch him, I will go out for a run.
You can also try some exercises that include your kids like bicycling with them, or like in my case, towing them in a bike trailer while I bicycle.
It's hard, but there's usually a way to fit at least a short workout in.

I'm lucky cuz I work from home so I do a workout dvd while my boys nap. If you kids are young enough you can buy a jogging stroller and take them out for a walk or run. I try to do that with my boys 2-3 nights a week and it seems boring cuz they just sit there but my kids love it. As soon as they see me getting the stroller out they get super excited. They're 2 and 4 so it's pushing an extra 65+ lbs. Great workout

It is so tough with little ones! I'm with the other poster that stated to try and incorporate them into your workouts somehow. It may be tough when their really little but as they grow it gets easier. I have drug mine everywhere with me including on a 7 day trek in Nepal. LOL Over the years they've learned to love it too and hopefully will never go through the weigh loss struggle I've been through.

I know its tough, just do the best you can and you'll make it happen
TT

I get on the treadmill after my kids go to bed. I know it's really hard to find time.

Craigslist for used or sometimes new in the pachage beachbody products for super cheap... Stick with it, even if it's only 1/2 hour a few times a week...

I have kids as well and I felt the same way...I cut back on going to the gym. I got 3 times a week and sometimes only 2 (Monday night for Zumba and Thursday night to run the treadmill and Saturday morning while they are sleep for my spin class and extra time in the gym just for me. But most of my working out is at home. My little one works out with me a lot...sometimes we play the wii together Just Dance 2 or the MJ Experience or we do exercise dvds, like Biggest Loser stuff, Hip Hop Abs or Shred...my oldest doesnt really care, she does come down and talk while I'm exercising so in actuality it becomes a family thing because you are still listening spending time, but also taking care of yourself (something that your family will love you for)...a better you is a better them! You can do this! We are women, we always find ways to make things work, its in our DNA. Don't get frustrated you just have to get creative girl! I have lost 76 pounds being creative and my kids love it. I put them first. If my little one needs help with her homework or my oldest needs to talk. I stop what I am doing and do it. If I have to exercise later or skip a night its okay, there is always tomorrow! Best of luck to you. I know you will find a happy medium for your family!

based on your statement that you could wake up an hour and a half early, perhaps you only need some ideas for shorter work-outs that you could possibly fit into other parts of your day. check out my workout blog below for some ideas.

oh and i used to go to the gym too but couldnt go hardly ever because im a single mom with kids so i bought my weights mat and do it at home. its way more convenient for me all i have to do is get up get changed and workout

As others have said, include kids....You can take a hike....but make it a scavenger hunt for them, use steps as a step up step down game and see who can do the most.....get a Wii fit/sports and make a fun time with them that lets you get into shape, there are always jumpropes,hopscotch, balls, etc toys kids use we can use as a workout....look at how activive kids are and they stay fit...try a game of tag...hide and seek, if they are a little older roller skating, I used to exercise in early am, before kids got up it energized me, I also signed up for tae kwon do classes with kids, my daughter was their youngest student ever she was 3, (I lost 16 pounds in 4 weeks awesome workout) and the kids loved it.

Sometimes you have to do things for you self. I have to pick my daughter up an hour or so later so that I can squeeze in a quick workout in between picking her up and me getting hone. Fortunately her school is very close and can walk or run to pick her up. I have to pay more for daycare and I spend an hour less time with her a day, but in the long run I will be with her longer by being healthy mentally and physically.

I have two toddlers, so I understand. I try to workout while they nap, but if the house is a mess that isn't an option. I also try to workout after they go to bed with a cheap workout video I bought at Target. Your best bet is probaly going to be to find something you can do at home or woh your kids. But it is difficult, no matter what u do...