Unmotivated with little to no time.

87KHoward
87KHoward Posts: 3
edited November 11 in Motivation and Support
Hello!
I've been using myfitnesspal for a little over a week now and I think I am starting to understand how to reach my calorie goal. Unfortunatley I am struggling with finding time to work out. I work full time, first time mother and between work, dishes, laundry, play time, nap time, dinner, and my husband. I find little to no time to work out.

Anyone have any ideas for effective, easy and time consuming exercises I can do at home to help jump start my work outs.

:):)
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Replies

  • azwildcatfan94
    azwildcatfan94 Posts: 314 Member
    Cut back on the housework and make your husband pitch in. I know, that sounds impossible. But, I'll admit to my housework dipping since I started exercising. One thing that helps me is go straight to the gym from work. It seems like, if I go home first, I never make it to the gym.
  • Cntewell
    Cntewell Posts: 35
    I know it has been said before but it is the truth. You need to make time for yourself in order to keep yourself healthy and happy for all the other things in your life. Can you get up a little earlier and go for a walk? Maybe hubby will take care of the kiddo in the morning so you can go to the gym or workout at home. Good luck
  • leighllf
    leighllf Posts: 32
    Hello! I found the same thing, but I also feel so much better after I work out. I would recommend getting a video like JM 30 day Shred It is a quick and effective workout. It is 28 mins for beginning to end. I can ususally burn 400 calories with it, too!

    Good luch and dont give up! I really think you can loose with diet restrictions only, but will take longer.

    Leigh
  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member
    I'm not going to sugar coat it. Honestly, you need to make you and getting yourself healthy a priority.

    "I have no time" is really synonymous with "I don't care enough about this". I know because that is the exact same excuse I used to use. I would use all manner of things as justifications as to why I "never" had time to work out, make good choices, etc.

    Ask your husband to help out, do work outs during nap time, make less time-intensive meals or cook ahead of time for the week so you don't have to do as much during the week. Losing weight and getting on a health track is going to take planning, time and discipline, especially if you're already busy.

    Make time for you and getting fit as indespensible as nap time, play time, dinner time, dishes, etc. You're worth it.
  • charlene_1980
    charlene_1980 Posts: 96
    This:
    Cut back on the housework and make your husband pitch in. I know, that sounds impossible. But, I'll admit to my housework dipping since I started exercising. One thing that helps me is go straight to the gym from work. It seems like, if I go home first, I never make it to the gym.

    And this:
    I'm not going to sugar coat it. Honestly, you need to make you and getting yourself healthy a priority.

    "I have no time" is really synonymous with "I don't care enough about this". I know because that is the exact same excuse I used to use. I would use all manner of things as justifications as to why I "never" had time to work out, make good choices, etc.

    Ask your husband to help out, do work outs during nap time, make less time-intensive meals or cook ahead of time for the week so you don't have to do as much during the week. Losing weight and getting on a health track is going to take planning, time and discipline, especially if you're already busy.

    Make time for you and getting fit as indespensible as nap time, play time, dinner time, dishes, etc. You're worth it.

    I'm a working mom of 5 young ones and trust me, I'd pay to be able to go back to the days of being a SAHM... I used to have every excuse in the book and now that I'm getting older and busier, I realize that I NEED to make time for myself. I'm not sure if your hubby is on board with you. If he is, great, he'll make it easier for you by watching the little one or doing the dishes to give you a little time. If he's not on board, well, a dirty plate in the sink and dirty underwear might make him step up and help out more and even if it doesn't, dirty dishes left for an hour and toys scattered about never killed anyone (well, maybe, but... you get what I'm saying)
  • charlene_1980
    charlene_1980 Posts: 96
    And, the Jillian Michaels thing.. get her DVD's if that's more your style and more do-able than hitting the gym or going for a walk!

    Best of luck to you in your journey!
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    You have to want this, and you have to make it a priority. I used to tell myself the same things you do, as I am a mom of two small children, work full time outside the home, etc. etc. I finally realized that I was the only one holding myself back....so I talked to my husband about my goals and figured out how he could help me achieve them, and I get up at 4 am to work out. Yes, it's early, but it's the best time for me. You can do it, good luck!
  • gellolicious
    gellolicious Posts: 14
    I know feel your pain! And "you need to make time for yourself" is easier said than done. "Get up earlier" or "Go to bed later", when you're only getting precious few hours (if your lucky) of sleep a night, you cannot spare a minute of sleep.

    Does your baby go to daycare? Maybe you can fit in a workout before you pick her up. My 18 month old is in daycare 3 days a week and I work out on those days before I pick him up.

    When I started this journey I didn't exercise at all and still lost weight. I'm just starting to get exercise and it's still pretty inconsistent.

    Good luck! Remember, this is the toughest time that you are going through. Up until that baby is three, don't be hard on yourself! :)
  • kd_mazur
    kd_mazur Posts: 569 Member
    I work out after my daughter has gone to bed at night. I find that if I change into my workout clothes right after work and before I start dinner I have a much better chance of making it to the gym or out to run. As working moms know it's all about scheduling... just make it another addition to the schedule.
  • StephC74
    StephC74 Posts: 64 Member
    Forget the gym and find something that works for you. You don't have to work out for a long time everyday set small goals for yourself. I have been doing the 30 day shred because it its short and a good workout. I only do it 3 times a week but I am getting stronger and losing weight. Just dance is also a good cardio workout and fun to do if you have a wii. The easiest thing for me when my kids were small was to stick the baby in a stroller and go for a walk. If you can find a friend to do this with it makes it even easier. As my kids got older we would meet at the local high school and walk laps around the track while the kids rode bikes. Anything that gets you moving will help.
  • Carolyn72
    Carolyn72 Posts: 22 Member
    I know feel your pain! And "you need to make time for yourself" is easier said than done. "Get up earlier" or "Go to bed later", when you're only getting precious few hours (if your lucky) of sleep a night, you cannot spare a minute of sleep.

    Does your baby go to daycare? Maybe you can fit in a workout before you pick her up. My 18 month old is in daycare 3 days a week and I work out on those days before I pick him up.

    When I started this journey I didn't exercise at all and still lost weight. I'm just starting to get exercise and it's still pretty inconsistent.

    Good luck! Remember, this is the toughest time that you are going through. Up until that baby is three, don't be hard on yourself! :)

    Amen, sister!

    I am a SAHM of four, and for two years I was watching another infant 55-60 hours/day. Some people think being at home automatically makes it easier to work out, but in reality, there is no way to have a decent continuous workout with little ones around! All moms of toddlers know EXACTLY what I mean! Working out at home is difficult for any woman, SAHM or WM because there is always something distracting you, whether it is a needy child, a sink of dishes, or a hubby that can't find his whatever-he-needs at the moment. You've got to get to a distraction-free zone so you can put the focus on yourself. I was only able to accomplish this with regularity this year, so I know where you're coming from!

    If your child is in daycare, I agree with the above writer. Unless you are already pressed against the daycare provider's time limit, steal 30-60 minutes for yourself before or after work for fitness. Or maybe you could do something on your lunch hour (with it being winter, I know this may be impossible for the time being, too). If nothing else, make the weekend "Your Time." It may not be much, but it's more than you were doing before, right?? As your child becomes older and more independent (errr...and your hubby as well), you can build up.

    Feel free to add me so we can motivate each other!

    Feel free to add me
  • elleruffin
    elleruffin Posts: 9
    Unfortunately I'm not a mom (yet), but I am a newlywed, and I know how important it is to have the support of your Husband. I think once your Hubby sees you are committed and hears from you your genuine desire to make exercise apart of your daily regimen, he will hopefully do more to support you.

    Also, instead of thinking about exercise in big chunks, maybe you could break it down into three 15 minute sessions! One in the morning, one during your lunch break, and one after you get home, around your neighborhood! That adds up to 45 minutes, which is totally doable.

    My Hubby and I don't have a car, so we do alot of walking to train stations, bus stops and nearby stores. You would be surprised how those 15 minute walks add up! Some days I end up burning 150-200 extra calories just from those unexpected walks!

    Also, myfitness pal has categories for 'light cleaning' in the exercise tabs!

    Try to think outside of the box in terms of how you can get your exercise in, until you can get a routine that is ideal for you. There are always ways for you to sneak in 15 minutes in your day to get in a good, brisk walk, clear your head, and go back to what you were doing.

    Hope this is helpful :-)
  • ViSabbi
    ViSabbi Posts: 120 Member
    There's also exercises that can be done with the baby, like yoga and why not just for for a walk pushing the carriage. And the other thing I was going to say has already been said: 30DS
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
    Combine nap time for baby with a brisk walk/jog for mom.
  • TheDrBuchanan
    TheDrBuchanan Posts: 89 Member
    It's hard. I'm right there with you. My son is dropped off at daycare at 8am and picked up at 6pm. Then it's home to do dinner/play/bath/bedtime/clean and by then it's 9pm! I have an hour to do *something* before I crash at 10pm, and then get up to do it all again at 6am!

    Thankfully, my husband is also trying to lose weight right now, so if I can't make anything else happen he will hold me accountable and make me do 30DS with him at 9pm.

    I've negotiated at least two nights a week at the gym (after he gets home at 7-7:30), and on those days I cook a quick dinner, eat, change, and am off. He does cleanup/bath/bedtime those nights by himself. In return, he gets to go for happy hour any non-gym day he likes.

    I always say I'm going to go to the gym on the weekend, but that's really hard to make happen. I shoot for 3 days at the gym/going running per week. Two is great, any exercise beyond that is bonus. There's no way I can exercise during breaks at work - first, I barely get a break, and second, I've never understood how anyone can go back to work all sweaty! So, I just squeeze something in when I can, and try to be happy with that. Yes, it's making weight loss slow right now but it's all I can manage and I'll get there eventually!
  • Mylissa6
    Mylissa6 Posts: 9 Member
    If the weather is decent you can alway go for a walk with your baby in the stroller. Even if the weather isn't nice maybe there is a mall near by that you can go to and walk around. When my kids were toddlers I found that just playing outside with them or dancing to Big Bird dance party or Elmosize was fun and engaging for all of us. Good luck and enjoy your new life as a mom.
  • myf1101
    myf1101 Posts: 99
    Leave some of the housework for a bit and either get an exercise dvd to work out to or if you have a Wii get one of the wii fit, active sport or just dance games as these are fun and will give you a good workout. Alternative buy a cheap exercise bike and use that. I used to get up early in the morning and do half an hour before thechildren woke, when they were small and I have gone back to doing this now (before they get up and laugh at me - there is nothing less demotivating that having two teenagers killing themselves laughing at your efforts).
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    You can have the kids exercise with you. Pop in a 30-minute workout DVD or combine a bunch of the Barney, Wiggles, etc segments where they have you work out into a DVD and do it with the kids. They will have fun, and you will too!
  • ashleyp35
    ashleyp35 Posts: 53
    I am a single parent and work full time. I find time out of my day to workout at least 6 times a week. Get up and go, as simple as that. Make time for yourself
  • archgrrrl
    archgrrrl Posts: 62
    Oh man - it is SO hard when you're not able to get enough rest! I feel you.

    The husband and I are up by 5am with our 15 month old who doesn't sleep well to begin with and is up several times a night. We drop him off at daycare at 7am - go to work, pick him up at 5:30 pm. Rush home to dinner and then playtime with our son until 7:00-7:30pm and then it's a mad dash to pick up the house, clean up the kitchen, pack lunches, fold a load of laundry, and get to bed as quickly as possible to maximize what little sleep we DO get.

    It gets to be very overwhelming.

    One thing that has helped us is walking during our lunch hour (we work close together so we meet up at a local park). We also make a point to be more active with our toddler on the weekends.

    Baby steps :)
  • skpstone
    skpstone Posts: 26 Member
    I am in the lucky position of only living 9km (5.6mi) away from where i work. I ride a push bike to and from work everyday and go for a bigger ride on the weekend and it is that in combination with MFP that has enabled me to lose 13.3kg (29lbs) since ths start of January.

    Admittedly it took a few weeks to get used to and build up the stamina, but now it takes only a little more time than driving to work would normally take. And once you get into a routine, it gets so much easier, and that wasted 'driving time' is put to so much better use.

    I cannot recommend it enough :) Again, this only works if you live a suitable distance from work ;)

    Good Luck.
  • vestarocks
    vestarocks Posts: 420 Member
    Leave some of the housework for a bit and either get an exercise dvd to work out to or if you have a Wii get one of the wii fit, active sport or just dance games as these are fun and will give you a good workout. Alternative buy a cheap exercise bike and use that. I used to get up early in the morning and do half an hour before thechildren woke, when they were small and I have gone back to doing this now (before they get up and laugh at me - there is nothing less demotivating that having two teenagers killing themselves laughing at your efforts).

    I discovered mine recording me doing Wii zumba and they threatened to post it on-line. Too funny. There was some retribution and as far as I know it's not on youtube (and if it is, I don't want to know about it).

    I would suggest finding a mommy and me yoga or other class with young moms. It shouldn't be too hard to find. I also subscribe to if momma ain't happy and healthy then no one is. Hubby helps out or has a miserable wife. You can't do it all but you have to take care of yourself. I've always put myself on the list and I swear that is why my kids (now tween/teen) are happy and content young men. Although they harass me something fierce they tell me how proud they are of my efforts to get healthy. My oldest son can hardly wait until i'm fit enough to play soccer. He wants to come cheer me on for a change.

    Start small. Take whatever time you can get. Wii fit has been my saviour on many an occasion when I don't have time for the gym. Just start moving your body, anyway, anyhow.
  • sarahdangar
    sarahdangar Posts: 43 Member
    There is never enough time, yet we can always make time! I have a three year old, a hubby and a full time job. It would be a lie for any of us to say that juggling isn't difficult. I've got the 30 Day Shred which my son does with me (he thinks the jumping jacks are hilarious!), it's not the best workout ever but only 20 mins, so easy to fit in. I then go to a spinning class one evening a week and then on a Saturday morning when my boys want to be slobs! I've bought a rowing machine too, so even when I really am time strapped, I try and put in 10-15 mins rowing and some sit ups (normally once we are all fed and my son is in bed) - something to keep moving. It really isn't easy but find what suits you and try to relax about it. Good luck
  • Fat2FitChick
    Fat2FitChick Posts: 451 Member
    I am a mother of 5 small children and I am also married so I know about not having time. If you or your child has a Dr. appt. you make the time to get there. If you make getting healthy have the same priority as other appointments in your life you will get there. Make an appointment for your workout daily, and I am not saying finding time for your workout. You have to make time. So schedule it in like you would an appointment and don't budge on it.
  • jamie1888
    jamie1888 Posts: 1,704 Member
    There are plenty of things you can do at home with no equipment needed. Choose several exercises and do a circuit
    of things for 15 - 20 minutes:

    pushups
    planks
    high knees
    butt kicks
    run in place
    jumping jacks
    squats
    lunges
    wall sits
    mountain climbers
    burpees

    Taking my baby out in the stroller was very helpful for me in losing weight. Walk as long as you have time for. Pick up the pace next time you go out. Tackle some hills next time you go out. Start jogging for a minute then walking for a minute. Work up to jogging the whole time. etc.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I agree with a couple of things posted:

    - Let some of the housework go. Whether your husband chips in, or some of it just waits, it's okay. You don't need an immaculate house and all. Taking care of you (exercise) will make you feel better and be happier, which makes the house nicer to be in :smile:

    -DVDs! I go to the library and check out 2-3 at a time. I keep them for a week; if I like them I can renew them, if not, I just return them. No cost at all (as long as they aren't late!) And the ones that I really like, I might buy when I have an extra bit of money. I love Jillian Michaels and Billy Blanks (Tae Bo), but there is really something there for everyone: yoga, pilates, step aerobics, zumba, Tae Chi, Belly Dance, even Hula!

    I get up a earlier and do my workout first thing in the morning. My baby (he's now 5 months) either isn't up yet, or if he is, will usually sit in the swing and watch me and wave his hands around and kick. He's been doing that since he was about a month old.
    Come to think of it ... look for mommy & me exercise DVDs ... your LO might enjoy the time with you!

    Another option is to workout on your lunch break. Or find another way to be creative about making time to do it.

    Exercise can boost your weight loss. But it also builds stronger muscles, better endurance, and more flexibility - all important for a healthy, resilient body. It releases endorphins, helping lift your mood, making you a better wife and mommy. There's really nothing bad about it!
  • MaddoxsMommy
    MaddoxsMommy Posts: 51 Member
    Push ups, sit ups, planks, jumping jacks, squats, leg lifts, dips, lunges, burpees...all if these things can be done in the tiny breaks you get in your day. I am a single mom to a very energetic one year old...I take him outside to play and he digs in the dirt while I do squats and jumping jacks. Just fit it in wherever you can. It doesn't have to be all at once during a designated "exercise time." Little things add up after awhile!
  • SusanMcAvoy
    SusanMcAvoy Posts: 445 Member
    Leslie Sansone Walk at Home DVD's are a fun and great way to get started. You can do 2 miles in 30 minutes or 3 miles in 45 minutes. She's low impact and because of her workouts I've lost 45 pounds. I wish you the best of luck!!! :flowerforyou:
  • Danny_Boy13
    Danny_Boy13 Posts: 2,094 Member
    For any one that is real pressed for time do Tabata intervals. In the long run a 12-15min tabata routine will burn more cals and elevate your metabolism over the course of many hours as compared to 1 hour worth of cardio. The protocol itself only takes 4min but you have to give yourself time for warm up and cool down (which usually consists of me lying on the floor, gasping for air and looking like I am about to die. XD )

    Here is some info...not the best but the quickest that I could find:
    http://www.intervaltraining.net/tabata.html
  • kdesign007
    kdesign007 Posts: 3 Member
    @thepetiterunn: You really helped me get off my butt today! Thanks!
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