Moms with toddlers...how do you find time to exercise?

I make a point to just stay on my feet as much of the day as possible. Do more chores that I don't really have to do. Just something to get me on my feet. When I'm on the internet I use my phone instead of the computer. When I'm making alist or reading I use the kitchen counter as a table and remain standing, etc. My son is 3 1/2 as well and exercise is very difficult to fit in. So I stand all day instead :oP

My running partner has a child that turned 4 in early December. During the summer, we took turns pushing him in a stroller or carrying him on our backs. Now that it's winter, we (or the dog) pull him in a sled. We are going to try snow shoeing this afternoon and pull him in a sled. When I watch him, he loves music and I put Zumba on and we dance. you could try a Leslie Sansone walking video with her. Good luck.

My 3.5 yr old just works out along with me. She asks for specific work outs and mostly just likes being there. I have had to tell her (on multiple occasions) that I can't work out if she's giving my legs a hug. I figure it may not be as effective a workout for me as it otherwise would be, but it's something.

I have a 2 year old little girl. I usually exercise with her right along with me. I notice that if I exercise and don't mind her much when she becomes clingy, something else draws her attention. When I do Zumba, she does it right along with me. Also, when she's napping I take advantage of that time.

Everyone should take a walk with their children. They will benefit too and it's free.

My son will turn three tomorrow and loves using dumbbells (1kg) and copies me whilst I do my kettle bells DVD, he also just got a bike from Santa and insists on cycling down to the local shop (normally with me running along beside him to make sure he doesn't fall off.

I am also lucky that my local sports centre has a creche which I put him in for an hour whilst I am at the gym then we go swimming - well he jumps and I catch him!!!!!

I wake up at 4:20 am... workout for an hour (DVD- squats, lunges, weights, circuit training, etc). I also walk 3 miles at lunch (work).

I am home with a 19 month old and a 4 year old every day. I get the 19 month old down for a nap, set the 4 year old up on pbskids.org or nickjr.com games or playing in his room with his train table, and then jump on the bike to ride as long as I can before the baby wakes up. If the 19 month old acts like he won't nap, I put them in the stroller and walk. I usually walk about 3 miles. It takes about 50 minutes, and they come home so calm and relaxed. Sometimes the baby falls asleep on the walk, too, so then I get to hop on the bike for a little while. I do my JM 30 DS after everyone is asleep at night.

I also have a gym membership with 2 hours of childcare a day. I use it when I get the opportunity (if my kids are sniffly or anything, I don't take them, so having a large family I have to pass on the gym quite a bit).

When it's nice outside I push my two toddlers to the park in the stroller, then while they play I have a whole routine of exercises I have developed using the play equiptment (step up, pull ups, etc.)

When it is not nice outside either we go to the gym and take advantage of the playroom (big expense, but my sanity is worth it), or I let them pick a movie and watch it in the other room. I try to limit TV time during the rest of the day so that movie time is more captivating.

Doesn't always work and I often end up with a 2 and 4 yr old climbing all over me. Good luck!

I exercise in my basement so my 3 yo comes donw with me and i bring him a snack and he brings his toys and plays, and when hes bored with that he joins in with me which is cute, also I only do 20 min workouts at a time (unless Ive been bad lol) good luck !

i make time. i put the kids in the gym creche, and that is my hour every single day.

i decided that 2011 was going to be my year. for my health and mental state, i needed to lose the weight because it was affecting my negatively in every aspect of my life.

to start with i used my cardio equipment at home, and i wouldn't get off for 40 minutes unless there was blood. so they could whinge and moan and fight and cry, and i wouldn't get off, i'd just yell at them from the cardio equipment. eventually they got used to knowing that they had to just deal with me exercising every morning.

then, i got my gym membership, and the girls had to get used to going to the gym creche. it's only an hour a day, it won't kill them, and they are safe and being well cared for, so they just had to learn to deal with the separation. so every single week last year except maybe 3 weeks, i went to they gym 4-5 times a week. with a 2 and 4 year old.

you really have to prioritise yourself. they need you, and you are a better you if you are healthy. they will learn, they will adapt, but you have to be strong and put them out of their comfort zone if they have separation issues. Excuses will not get you to your goals, so you have to make the decision to make it happen despite all the hurdles that are always there.

Just come up with creative games to play with your child. I work in the toddler classroom at a daycare, and I feel like I work out ALL day because I'm constantly running around with the kids!

I do a 25 - 40 minute workout at 6 a.m. before the kids get up. Usually they sleep until a little before 7 but if they're up early, sometimes they come out and join me (with 1 pound weights) or they'll lay on the couch and wait for me to be done because they're still a little sleepy. We also play Wii Just Dance almost every afternoon and that's a great way for all of us to exercise together and have fun at the same time. I would also suggest going to the park with your child either in a stroller or on a tricycle while you walk.

I find movement in the simple forms.
Trips and down the stairs. Have her count each time, and give her a HIGH FIVE! ( add hand or leg weights)
It could be simple as turning the music up and Dancing.
Bonding and learning!

Like this alot! A mommy and me exercise class would be fun too!:happy:

Jogging stroller! I put the 20 month old in the stroller and y 4 yr old rides her bike. I also get up at 5 to do 30 day shred before they wake up. Taking classes at the gym is also an option, I do classes 3 nights a week.