Working Mom needing to lose weight
bethannham
Posts: 2
Hi! I"m new to this site. I'm 25 years old and have 2 great kids, girl-5 yrs and a boy-2yrs. i have a sitdown desk joba dn work 40 hours a week. I think my main problem is I feel bad excercising, like it takes away from the precious evenings with my family. However, i decided an hour away from them is better than not doing anything with them since I am so out of shape. So I started the Couch to 5K workout last night. Does ayone else have any ideas for moms who don't have a ton of time to devote to working out? Thanks!
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Replies
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I can definitely relate to this. I have started talking a walk around where I work on my lunch break. I figured it's better that sitting at my desk reading trashy gossip sites ;-) I also have been really strict with myself in forcing me to go the the gym Saturday and Sunday. Like you said, an hour away is better than doing nothing. I feel so much better after taking that hour too!0
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I work out at lunch and take one hour in the evening and one early morning... then I work out on Sat during nap. I try to do fun things with them too. I wear my little one when we do family activities... I figure I am burning more calories carrying her than just pushing her around. I carve outside play with my older little one outside everyday that it is nice; either while hubs is cooking or after dinner... the dishes can wait until the kiddos are in bed. I put music blaring from my phone and we dance around, or play tag.. whatever....
If all else fails, I will work out after their bedtime. I hate working out that late... but you got to do what you got to do.
We also have Wii and X-Box kinect. We like to do the dance games and my kids think it is a blast. The baby enjoys watching everyone jumping around and the toddler loves joining in.
For us, it is just creating a different lifestyle that envolves being active on top of planned exercise.0 -
I don't work out every day (I know I'm so bad). I take a couple days during the week and sometimes 1 during the weekend. When I first started I did Jillian Michaels DVDs in my living room. Pretty easy to do at home after the kiddos are in bed!!!0
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I am doing 30 Day Shred. It's 20 minutes long and the results are fantastic!0
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Maybe get up ealier in the mornings (I am not a morning person so I know this can be tough). Or maybe workout after they are in bed. Or workout during lunch as others have said. I have done all three (gym had showers and I was able to be gone hour + so I could take a quick shower).
I find that if I get up in the mornings, I can definitely get my workout in. If I wait until evening - it sometimes gets left out.0 -
What about mornings before work? That's when I do the majority of my exercise. I get up at 5 am instead of 6 am to get a decent workout in, whether it's running, walking, or indoor exercise. Plus I get it out of my system early, and can relax after work instead of having to do ONE MORE THING
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I like the above post. i'm in the same boat. I work a desk job and have a 8 month old. It's hard to do anything after work bc my fiance, his father, works evenings so it's just me to watch him. I would take him for walks but the weather in Jersey hasn't been the greatest. This has given me some ideas though. i think i could suck it up and do 1 early morning a week.0
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I don't count this as my exercise, but I have made a conscious effort to be more active with my kids. We kick the soccer ball in the yard, take walks, play on the playground, play Wii Just Dance, etc. together. Then you don't have the guilt and you are helping them establish lifelong healthy habits.0
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As a mom of 4 ages 7, 6, 4, & 2, I have limited time to exercise. I bought myself an elliptical and it seems to make exercise easier, because I don't have to find time to GO to the gym! I do all I need to with my kids, and when the homework, chores, laundry, etc, etc, is all done, and the kids are allowed their TV time, I get on the elliptical while they watch their show. I usually can squeak in 30 minutes. I do this 3 times a week, I alternate it with Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred, also 3 times a week, and one day I don't workout at all (usually Saturday). Hope this helps!0
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I am a working mom with a desk job too! I have found that it works best for me to walk during my lunch break. Then, when my younger son naps, I hit the stairs at home! (Still able to watch him but get a good work out too!). I also have started getting my whole family to go on an evening walk around our neighborhood. We put the baby in the stroller and head out! Now, if I don't suggest walking, my older son always asks when we are going! So, he holds me accountable lol!0
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Well, I have a 22 month old little boy and one of the things I have started doing is getting up early to work out and get it out of the way for the day. My son isn't up yet....heck, the house is still asleep, but I feel great getting it done, I'm not taking any time away from my son or husband and I don't have to worry about NOT doing it later. Also, my husband and I take our son on a walk to visit our neighbor's horses and donkey in the evening and that burns even more calories. No, it doesn't get my heart rate up really, but a calorie is a calorie, right? Also...if you work somewhere where there are stairs...take a break every so often and go down and up as much as you can. I've started taking the stairs alot at work (I work on the 9th floor) and I really believe it's helping to keep the weight off. Good luck to you and I know you can do it!!!0
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I always feel "guilty" about taking time away from my 2 kids if I were to go after work. But sometimes we need to sacrifice some of the time and think of ourselves first. There is a Lucille Roberts gym about 6 blocks away from my job so I take full advantage of that and take a class during my lunch hour. I also walk home from the train station on nice days (30 min ). Best of luck to you!!! : )0
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I'm in the same boat I work 40 hours a week but I do take a hour lunch and we have a gym at work so I head down there then I take a quick shower and back to work.. I find it hard to squeeze it in at night with 6 kids and my fiance... but I have been going for walks and having them ride there bikes.. (so I don't have to walk as slow.. and sometimes you can jog to keep up with them) or we play the wii.. The kids also like when I bring out the work out DVD's then they work out right along with me... and I'm still spending time with the kids...
Please anyone feel free to add me!0 -
My kids and I bike ride together. They are 12 and 10. I also play basketball, soccer, and football. I don't think it matters as much what you are doing, but that you are doing.
Also, I have a dance aerobic video that I bought at Wal-Mart. My boys do that with me. The majority of the time we end of laughing on the floor, but they are learning healthy habits and don't even know it. (score one for mom!)0 -
I would suggest 30 day shred as welll. The results are amazing. I didn't lose much weight but lost 11 inches! Definitly take your measurements before starting so you can really see how much your body changes even if you don't lose alot of pounds.0
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I have started talking a walk around where I work on my lunch break.
Great idea! I actually hit the gym at lunch but I'm usually a hot mess going back to the office. It's just the only time I have when my family is otherwise engaged.0 -
I am also a working mom of two boys, age 5 and 2, with a desk job. They are my WORLD and I don't want to use my time with them to exercise. I usually do my eliptical in my basement at night AFTER they go to bed. It is actually quite nice. Me and Pandora have a date and it is kinda relaxing. I don't miss anytime with them and my hubby gets a while to watch whatever he wants
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Girl let me tell you...I am a mom of 4. 10, 8, 6, 5 oldest 2 are boys and the youngest 2 are girls. I work 9-5:30 and am on public transportation thanks to my van I bought that broke down after 2 months...but that's besides the point. I get up at 5am get 2 of the 4 kids up and we leave the house by 6:45a. I walk a few blocks to drop my kids with the sitter and then proceed to walk exactly 3 bus stops further than my actual stop to catch that 7a bus. Hop on the 'L' (train) to my job where i'm lucky enough to have access to the free gym and I get there by 7:30a-7:45am and I work out until about 8:35ish and hit the showers get dressed and get my *kitten* to work.....I swore up and down I couldn't do it...some how some way I make it happen 5 days a week. MON-FRI unless I take time off from work. I am SO glad I'm able to do this because I feel accomplished and energized and STRONG. Tweek your shedule and just DO IT! You can!!! You will!! Good luck!! :flowerforyou:
PS...C25K is a GREAT start. I have also been doing it...sort of. I am still tweaking that up a bit!0 -
It's hard to find time when you work full time, my children like going outside for walks or riding their bikes. I find on days I don't have time to work out, if we can in the afternoon or after dinner just all of us go for a walk around the neighborhood. That way I'm with my kids and they get to be outside on their bikes or walking.0
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I also have a 40 hr/week desk job. I definitely agree with others who recommend walking over your lunch hour. Whenever I am able to do so I always feel better through the afternoon and find I do not "boredom snack." In the evenings why not try activities that you can do with your kids (it's never too early to start teaching them healthy habits) like walking, biking, soccer or even bowling, etc. If nothing else remember that an extra hour away from them everyday will lead to a longer lifetime to spend with them. Good luck!0
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Ok. here's my normal day, I'm sure someone here can relate!
Wake 5:30am (shower right away dressed by 6am)
Wake up 13 yr old twins by 6am
Leave house 6:30; arrive at work by 7:30 M-F
Leave work 4:30p
Home by around 5pm unless a stop at the store is needed.
Clean up house a little, get dinner started, around 6:30.
Eat by no later than 7pm; clean up after dinner until 8ish
Several days a week I work on computer doing my side business with husband, Ebay. Usually done by 9ish depending.
I try several days a week to get in our garage to ride the stationary bike for 30 minutes but some days it just doesn't happen.
I also LOVE LOVE my sports! I should work out during my beloved Blackhawks (in the playoffs!! Go Hawks!), Bulls or Michigan Wolverines football, but I'm usually trying to finish laundry or something during the games.
For work....I'm in large office (square foot wise not people wise) of only 3-4 people on any given day. My office is pretty big fortunately. So in order to get some kind of exercise in I try for the following;
(fyi we have no stairs here otherwise I would walk them always!)
Desk push ups try to get in at least 10-15 twice a day
Squats Still trying to accomplish at least 10 without keeling over! I'm short, you would think it's easier!!
**I keep a set of 1# hand weights in my drawer and pick them up to do curls, triceps, presses.
*********MIND YOU....I've tried to keep doing these things but somehow always fall off the chart! So I trying all over again...I like doing them but sometimes I forget!
If you are lucky enough to have an office with a door, just close it to get a 10 minute something in! You can can even log on the computer (if you're allowed to, if not use your own electronics) to youtube quick desk/office excercises!
Working out doesn't have to be done all at once. But think of this....if you do 10 minutes 3 times in your workday, that's 30 minutes. Then always, always include the work you do at home! I move so much when I'm cleaning I never considered it working out!
Hope I can help!
Good luck!0 -
I find it hard too, I work in a large hospital and at lunch I powerwalk around the whole building. When I get home I have to walk the dog so I combine that with exercising by powerwalking and throwing his ball and running around with him. At the weekends I use the EA Active 30 day workout on the wii, I compete with the old man so its good fun.x0
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I, too, have a desk job. I bought a set of pedals from Walmart that I keep under my desk. I also have a couple of resistence bands and a 5lb weight that I keep on my desk to do arm exercises. Every little bit of extra movement helps!0
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You can add me if you'd like! When I joined MFP I was working full time and driving two hours a day as well so I can relate! My son was 4 then and I hated taking the time away from him. The best advice I can give you is do what you can. Don't let anyone tell you have you work out 5 or 6 days a week. I lost most of my weight by sticking to my calorie goals and running about 3 miles 3 times a week. Occasionally after a Saturday run if my son was still asleep I'd do a DVD workout when I got home. Good luck!0
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Hi! I am new to this sight too, but in the 2 weeks I have started, I have been taking my kids for walks every evening after dinner. its done some good. But this past weekend Ive doubled my calories burned but playing bad minton in my front yard with my kids and a friend! its the best work out and the kids get to run out energy at the same time! Badminton to me doesnt even feel like a workout!0
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I have three kids and also a desk job 40hrs a week...I get up 2 hours before anyone else to workout, sometimes when the kids are at the table doing homework I will hop on our eliptical, that way I'm getting extra workout time in and if they have a question I can answer. We also like to take long walks at the park together and hiking...even a hike around the zoo is fun! . When I walk the dog I do walking lunges...I just try to fit it in anywhere I can. 0
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Leslie Sansone and workouts that are 20-30 minutes long that include circuit training for toning. I REALLY like Leslie Sansone walking..its easy and quick..15 minute mile..gets your heartrate up. Also stick to workouts you like doing. I have been doing a dance workout..I have so much fun with the music that I dont even realize how much time has passed. Hope you get what you need from your post/MFP supports. Best wishes!!0
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I'm a mother of two young ones as well (4 and 2). Have worked the same desk job since '95. My mother normally watches my boys during the day while I work so I don't expect her to watch them so I can hit the gym. I pick them up and go home and after we've eaten dinner is normally when I take the 30-45 minutes "me time" and hit my treadmill while they play with Daddy and/or watch their evening shows. There are some great exercise videos that you can buy and work out at home. Or find some outdoor activities that they can be included in...walking, hiking, biking, etc.0
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I'm able to work out consistently on Tuesdays and Thursdays because my little one stays the night at Grandma's house those nights. On weekends I try to get a workout in during her nap time on at least one of the days. I also wear a pedometer to track my steps taken during a day and set weekly goals for myself. I try to sneak a walk in at lunch time if it's nice enough out. Otherwise I pace around my house after my daughter is in bed to get up to my goal steps.
In a couple of weeks our daycare arrangement will change and I'll probably have to give up my Tues/Thurs nights while my hubby studies for the bar exam. I'm thinking about buying 30DS and doing that in the mornings.
I have a problem with people saying that they get up early in the morning to work out because it doesn't take away from their familly time. If I'm getting up an hour earlier that means I either lose and hour of sleep or I have to go to bed an hour earlier. I've learned I need sleep so losing sleep is a dealbreaker for me. That means that I'll have to start going to bed earlier. That won't take away from my time with my daughter directly, but it will mean that I'll have less time to get things done after she goes to bed. So I will likely spend a little less time playing with her and more time doing dishes, etc between work and her bedtime. Also, that cuts into quality time with the hubby. So it absolutely still takes time away from my family....
BTW, anyone feel free to add me if you'd like!0 -
I am right there with you. Even in my profile it says that I refuse to give up my evenings with my kids. I have 4 hours with them -- even an hour a day is too much (for me). I also sit at a desk everyday but luckily I can workout during lunch. I can get a great, GREAT workout out in in 50 minutes. If I didn't have that option, I'd get a locker at the gym, suck it up, and come before work (not an option for all moms either).
Good luck!0
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