SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more

 
Message Boards
FORUM:   Parenting and Family Support
TOPIC:  

How do you find time to exercise with kids??



 
  Reply Create A New Topic
Search the
Message Boards:
Search
  I Liked This Topic Subscribe to this Discussion Share
Add This to My SparkFavorites
SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more

Author: Message: Sort First Post on Top


SWEETGRL4EVAH
SparkPoints: (288)
Fitness Minutes: (285)
Posts: 6
10/27/12 12:13 P

Send Private Message
Reply
well i work from 8:30 to 5 mon thru friday, two days a week i attend college from 5:45 to 9 and one day from 5:45 to 7:45, and on sat my daughter has ballet at 9am and sunday church at 11:30.

the baby is 4 so she attend school during the day, her father gets her and drop's her at her grandmothers until i come out from school. days i do not have school i go straight home to get her. and so my schedule is pretty full with hw and exams and baby and life!!!

well this is what i do to exercise (dont judge please =] ) : the day that i come out of class at 7:45 i told them i get out at 9 simply because if i hadn't said that i would never have found a sitter to care for her, and so that day i hit my school gym (which btw if your in college its part of tuition fee so use it!!), until 9pm i usually do the elliptical climber for 30 min or an hour. and then try to squeeze in some reps for my strength (thighs hips, stomach and hands). whenever class finishes early even for 30 min i go and i do the elliptical (so usually i get to go to the gym 2 days a week). since i know that i would like to reach my goal faster what i also do is i do exercise at home. I do not have time and energy to do crazy intensive workout but what i do is vigorous jumping jacks, 30 reps jumping strength, and 20 reps jumping in all the directions, (since technically your a re jumping three times per rep your are actually doing 60 reps but this way you are moving your whole body off the ground consistency). and i make sure to this every night, (it only takes about5 to ten minutes before i go to bed. on days when i have some more time i add 3 minutes of crunches, 5 minutes of sittups, 15-20 pushups (i have arthritis so i try not to push myself to what i can't handle), and then i'll do my jumping jacks one more time, (same reps). when all is said and done its not a crazy workout nor is it gonna be a huge time consumer, but it works, in two weeks , (with eating healthy and counting calories) ive lost 8 pounds, and when i did this after giving birth when my daughter was small and i really could not go to gym it helped me big time, i went from 115 before being pregnant to 187 after giving birth (the baby was 1 day old when i measured this ) to 135 6months after having the baby, and then after 1.5 years i measured back to 125 but also did the strength a little more then, but i always maintained my cardio i started 4 weeks after giving birth, and after 6 months i did the exercise about 2-3 nights a week simply to maintain my figure.

anyways point is whether its at home or at the gym every little counts so as long as your are moving your body more then you were doing before you'll see some type of change eventually. and with kids you have to go around their time, whether its while they are at school at a friends house, or simply sleeping use that time wisely and move a little.



DEL-AND-COMPANY
SparkPoints: (10,621)
Fitness Minutes: (3,550)
Posts: 1,341
10/2/12 4:04 P

Send Private Message
Reply
Yep...I've struggled with this one for some time. I finally had to bite the bullet and recruit some help. If I receive a kindness from someone I ask for a "sitter" long enough to get a workout. If not I am up at 4:30 to get some kind of workout done. Even if it is some simple yoga or stretching. On a good day I manage a great workout but those are still too far between.



 Pounds lost: 29.0 
 
0
12.5
25
37.5
50


SENNAIRA
SparkPoints: (4,617)
Fitness Minutes: (3,847)
Posts: 138
9/19/12 10:08 A

SENNAIRA's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I work from 7-4. I wake up at 5am and go to the gym then go to work. Maybe you can exercise on your lunch break?



ESHUMPERT
Posts: 3
9/14/12 1:50 P

ESHUMPERT's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
It can be hard, but I try to exercise during nap time and other times during the day when they are quiet. They can actually help get cardio in. When we go to the park or play kickball it all counts. And I am teaching them to be active. I put my oldest on the bus while the two youngest are still sleeping and go for a run in my neighborhood. Hubby is usually still in bed too.



-BREEZY-ANN-
-BREEZY-ANN-'s Photo SparkPoints: (3,716)
Fitness Minutes: (2,650)
Posts: 16
9/13/12 9:47 A

-BREEZY-ANN-'s SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
During a break at work or by getting them involved... I sometimes push my 2 year old son in his stroller while my 7 year old son circles us on his bike! lol



 Pounds lost: 8.0 
 
0
7.75
15.5
23.25
31


SUNSHINE084
SUNSHINE084's Photo Posts: 3,561
9/9/12 1:13 A

SUNSHINE084's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I wait till my little girl is alseep for her nap. I also do sit ups while she palys. She thinks it is funny to try and crawl over mom.



 Pounds lost: 3.6 
 
0
3
6
9
12


DANAEBOYCE1
DANAEBOYCE1's Photo SparkPoints: (7,143)
Fitness Minutes: (5,649)
Posts: 139
9/8/12 1:23 P

DANAEBOYCE1's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
1. when they are asleep or eating. The trick is to give them something that takes time to eat. seeds, nuts, yogurt, raw veggies, or something like that. If they can cut their food, even better. Give them something they need to cut up themselves.

2. with the wii. Any kind of exercise that can be done with the kids is the best. I love to swim with them, or if you have it, a bike and a bike trailer. Rollerblading. Also, I take my kids to the park and let them play while I run around them. I also use the playground equipment to exercise.

I am changing my life one day at a time. I am creating a physically and mentally stronger version of myself. I am a work in progress, and I am determined and committed more than ever to accomplish my goals.
Highest weight: 242
Starting weight: 218
Current Weight: 210
195 by Feb. 23
185 by March 31 :
179 by April 29:
169 by June 10:
159 by Aug 7:
149 by Sept. 20:
139 by Nov. 5:
*GOAL WEIGHT*
135 by Dec. 23:
Maintain!


 May Minutes: 0
 
0
500
1000
1500
2000


DCARDOZA2
SparkPoints: (888)
Fitness Minutes: (2,253)
Posts: 7
9/8/12 4:12 A

DCARDOZA2's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I usually work out after i put the kids down for the night. I also walk my son to school every morning and walk down to pick him up most afternoons so that's a good 60 minute brisk walk *that's not counting the days my 4yr old insists on being carried each way :)*

I've also taught both of my boys how to use the elliptical machine so they take turns with me working out on it during the afternoons and on weekends. It's good exercise for me and teaches them that working out can be fun *also helps keep them from bouncing off the walls on bad weather days*



MRSBAILEY921
MRSBAILEY921's Photo Posts: 64
8/19/12 9:25 P

MRSBAILEY921's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
i have 4 daughters and a step son, and our home is ALWAYS busy! the way i do it is: during my strength training days, i use the spark people generated program via my husbands ps3, so it's on our flat screen and i can see it clearly. the baby is always with me, and she sometimes mimics the moves as best she can! when i have cardio days, i use my cable stations exercise dance programs. they are usually 10 minutes each. so i'll play an easy going one 2x and a difficult one 1x. i do this earlier in the day...and its always fun. then when my husband comes home, i take out 45 minutes and head on over to the gym, and i do my elliptical trainer for 30 minutes.

it's important that you take time out for yourself to get your exercise in. you can get your strength training and dance on (if you like to dance--it burns LOTS of calories per hour. i do belly dance at 80 calories burned for 10 minutes danced) with the baby. and when your husband comes home...take your gym time on alternating days!

living la vida low carb (not to be mistaken with no carb) and loving it!

30 minutes on the elliptical 5x per week is roughly equal to 3000 cal burned & 18 miles pedaled!

i weigh in every day to see how my eating habits the previous day are affecting my weight. my saturday weigh in is my "official" weight.

are you trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism? www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutriti
on_articles.asp?id=635


 current weight: 232.6 
 
234
223
212
201
190


TWINS_08
TWINS_08's Photo SparkPoints: (6,423)
Fitness Minutes: (4,120)
Posts: 500
8/19/12 8:42 P

TWINS_08's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I have 3 /12 year old twins and it is almost impossible for me. I try to have them do some quiet time in their rooms while exercise and that works a good portion of the time. Even though they are in preschool now, the teacher has them in different sessions, so I just do what I can. Even a little exercise is better than none.

starting: 159 8/20/2012
weight: 155 8/26/2012
weight: 150
weight: 145
weight: 140
weight: 135
weight: 130
goal: 125


 current weight: 155.0 
 
206
185.75
165.5
145.25
125


STLCARDSFANS05
STLCARDSFANS05's Photo Posts: 911
8/16/12 8:37 A

STLCARDSFANS05's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
involve your kids in your workouts.



13.8 Inches Lost
 
0
5
10
15
20


HEALTHYLADY12
HEALTHYLADY12's Photo Posts: 400
8/16/12 12:27 A

HEALTHYLADY12's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I don't drive so I walk my 2 year old in the stroller. I often walk to work. Lately, I ask my husband to watch my son while I run for 20 minutes. While he plays I lift weights. Yoga or any floor exercise is hard. He body slams me. I also take him to the park and as he climbs the play structure i pull my self up using arm strength. Or I step up and down on the steps of the play structure. I also kick the ball and have him chase the ball and I chase him.



 current weight: 182.0 
 
200
192.5
185
177.5
170


MOMCATTT
SparkPoints: (5,251)
Fitness Minutes: (2,696)
Posts: 31
8/15/12 8:37 P

MOMCATTT's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
It's a challenge. I have a 4 year old son. He has just started preschool. I have this week been able to work out and jog with out issue. I have to take it day by day and grab it when I can. I do run with him while he rides his bike now. Good for both of us. When he was younger, the bike he rode with me and a jogging stroller. I didn't do anything with out him.



KRISTINGETSFIT
KRISTINGETSFIT's Photo SparkPoints: (18,408)
Fitness Minutes: (8,375)
Posts: 415
8/14/12 9:06 P

KRISTINGETSFIT's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Walking with my kids- chasing the three year old- lifting the 6 month old like weights (he loves this :)- early morning DVD exercise or late night classes when my husband can keep an eye on things and after everyone is asleep.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!


 Pounds lost: 56.0 
 
0
18
36
54
72


MACKENZIE963
MACKENZIE963's Photo SparkPoints: (875)
Fitness Minutes: (545)
Posts: 143
8/12/12 11:53 P

MACKENZIE963's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Yoga DVDs in the morning.

Talking walks or going swimming or playing ball with the kids in the afternoon.

My complex has a gym and I go work out there when I can, but if I can't I just stand in the livingroom and use a big cinder block I have-- I step up and down on it (like a step class) for 30 minutes. I mean, you can even do it while you watch family shows or your kid sits down next to you coloring on the coffee table.

I'm not a fan of aerobics videos but I've done it.





Going down...


 current weight: 328.0 
 
374
329.75
285.5
241.25
197


ROCKONIOWA
ROCKONIOWA's Photo SparkPoints: (10,132)
Fitness Minutes: (16,810)
Posts: 23
7/31/12 4:03 P

ROCKONIOWA's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Myself, my husband, and my two boys go out to a local pond that has sidewalks all the around it. My husband and I walk, our 4 year old rides a bike, and our 1.5 year old rides along in the jogging stroller. We try to get out and walk 4 times a week, although, I do take the boys there some mornings as well. We know how far it is around, so it makes it easy to track how much exercise I am getting. I also do a minimum of 30 minutes on the WiiFit at naptime everyday if possible.

Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can. Unknown Author


 Pounds lost: 34.5 
 
0
25.5
51
76.5
102


CRAGNCRUDE
Posts: 222
7/31/12 3:13 P

CRAGNCRUDE's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Riding my bike with kid in his bike trailer and being active on the playground.



Total SparkPoints: 17,075
 
15,000
16,249
17,499
18,749
19,999
SparkPoints Level 12


SROSCH
Posts: 3
7/30/12 9:40 A

SROSCH's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
We stroller walk after dinner for thirty minutes, playing frisbee or tag or baseball with kids, and during nap time is awesome for random videos :-) my older daughter likes the dancing ones :-)



PARADISEGRL
PARADISEGRL's Photo SparkPoints: (1,622)
Fitness Minutes: (905)
Posts: 17
7/29/12 5:30 P

PARADISEGRL's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
My daughter is eleven now, so every night we just grab her bike and go to the bike path. Having her bike allows me to walk/jog at a fast pace without her getting too worn out. We average about two miles per evening, one mile there and one mile back. When she was younger, I would have someone watch her for an hour three times a week for a zumba class.



 Pounds lost: 0.0 
 
0
13.5
27
40.5
54


MAUETIME
MAUETIME's Photo Posts: 190
7/23/12 2:10 P

MAUETIME's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply

I try to do my regular exercise in the morning before anyone else gets up. Then I go outside later and start playing basketball and soon my son or daughter will come out and play. The trick is not only keeping me in shape but getting my teenagers exercising too.



 current weight: 224.0 
 
230
216.25
202.5
188.75
175


SWEETEYES0601
SWEETEYES0601's Photo SparkPoints: (16,713)
Fitness Minutes: (20,207)
Posts: 321
7/23/12 11:25 A

SWEETEYES0601's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I take off with my son on Saturday and Sunday mornings and we do 2.5+ miles of half speed walk and half jog/run. We talk and we get fit...together.



 current weight: 179.0 
 
191
177.75
164.5
151.25
138


FRUITLOOP740
SparkPoints: (1,652)
Fitness Minutes: (71)
Posts: 66
7/22/12 6:51 P

FRUITLOOP740's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
It's hard for me to get exercise in. Mostly I'm so worn out from work (McDonalds manager) that I just want to prop my feet up, but most of the evening or morning before/after work is cleaning the house.

I have a 2 year old and hubby to raise :) Hubby helps some but maybe I'm a control freak but it's easier if I just do it myself. He doesn't have a job, but free babby sitter!

Its hard to keep a house clean with a 2 year old and it's been so hot outside. Usually for exercise I jpaly zumba on the xbox kinect. So if anyone else has it, pelase join me! Gamertag: Loopykat



HEALTHYLISA
HEALTHYLISA's Photo Posts: 434
7/20/12 10:25 P

HEALTHYLISA's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
My kids are 8 and 10 and we swim most nights, weather permitting !

When kids were 4-5 years old we started going to park, they would play and I would walk around the perimeter of park where I could watch them play.

When they were toddlers we took lots of walks and did nature hunts. We would gather leaves and then come come and sit at picnic table and do leaf rubbings.

Chasing little ones and playing hide-n-seek is great with little kids. Just go outside and enjoy the great outdoors doing anything.





 Pounds lost: 32.0 
 
0
18.75
37.5
56.25
75


MADAMFALCON
MADAMFALCON's Photo SparkPoints: (2,244)
Fitness Minutes: (2,561)
Posts: 19
7/20/12 2:21 P

MADAMFALCON's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I am a stay at home mom, so I'm guessing it's easier for me to work out when the little one is napping, or even just eating in his high chair. I think a great thing for you to do would be to look at the gyms in your town or city, where we live there are at least two gyms in close proximity that have a daycare included in the gym membership fee. emoticon



 current weight: 243.0 
 
250
237.5
225
212.5
200


CLARK971
CLARK971's Photo SparkPoints: (14,277)
Fitness Minutes: (8,312)
Posts: 529
7/20/12 8:16 A

CLARK971's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
There never seems to be enough time in the day!

I tried to make my goal small and realistic to start. Something I could stick with. Maybe start with 20 minutes one weekday and one weekend day. Since you aren't with your daughter during the day, maybe start with an exercise video while she plays. At the end, you can put on some music for your daughter to dance and be silly. Then you can increase the days you workout.

I have realized that I can't do everything-have the house clean, workout, laundry folded, gormet dinners. Something has to give-and I try not have that thing be my workout.

Maybe on your workout day, plan a quick dinner or plan to have leftovers when you make dinner the previous night.

Good luck!



 current weight: -1.6  under
 
5
2.5
0
-2.5
-5


JEN_MCLACHLAN
JEN_MCLACHLAN's Photo SparkPoints: (1,978)
Fitness Minutes: (1,512)
Posts: 27
7/19/12 11:26 A

JEN_MCLACHLAN's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I work out after my daughter has gone to bed. I work out for at least an hour and more if I'm up for it. And I walk with her in the mornings after breakfast. It's a nice way to start the morning. And it's less hot. And sometimes we walk in the evening too.

WE CAN DO THIS!


 Pounds lost: 64.0 
 
0
66.5
133
199.5
266


MISSBEARYLOVES
MISSBEARYLOVES's Photo SparkPoints: (56,245)
Fitness Minutes: (39,078)
Posts: 3,939
7/18/12 9:11 P

MISSBEARYLOVES's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Nap times are great! I also walk a lot so I put him in his jogger and away we go! It gets us both out of the house and he loves look at everything. We walk anywhere from 3 to 4 miles when the weather is nice.

I have changed my life for the good and long term is for the better!


 current weight: 183.0 
 
187
176.5
166
155.5
145


FITNESSMOCHA
SparkPoints: (115)
Fitness Minutes: (240)
Posts: 12
7/12/12 2:02 A

Send Private Message
Reply
I have 5 children, ages 13 to 18 months old. I just include them. In the morning I hit the gym and use the free child care. Gives me a break and tires out the younger ones. My older ones workout with me at the stadium in the evenings. We put the baby girl in the stroller and oldest daughter walks her around the stadium and gets her excercise in. When they were younger I would take them on hikes.



JDAVISON83
JDAVISON83's Photo SparkPoints: (10,192)
Fitness Minutes: (7,317)
Posts: 349
7/9/12 12:56 P

JDAVISON83's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I am a single mom to 5, plus 2 more i babysit 10-12hrs 7 day a wk. I find that i have next to no time to do a complete workout everyday. I try and do 10 min here and there. Plan around the younger ones naps and the older ones coloring/other activities. I put them on a movie and watch my workouts online. If i have not been able to get it done while they are up for the day, i do a quick workout just after they go to bed, then relax in the shower for a long time. I use to get up 30 min before they did, did a 10-20 min workout then showered and was ready for the day. It only works when my 7 yr old gets up and helps when the others start to get up. they seem to know i am getting up early and also get up.

emoticon emoticon

Edited by: JDAVISON83 at: 7/9/2012 (13:16)
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!" ~ Dr. Seuss


 May Minutes: 0
 
0
300
600
900
1200


INDIASTEWART22
INDIASTEWART22's Photo SparkPoints: (392)
Fitness Minutes: (308)
Posts: 6
7/9/12 10:34 A

INDIASTEWART22's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
i am a single mother of three a 1yr old a 2yr old and a 5yr old and i never have time for myself but i try to make time when they take a nap or its bed time but by the time that comes im all worked out an i'm so tired but i still try to exercise but sometimes i don't i just don't know how to schedule my time around them but you know everything works out for the best i'm going to stay positive because i know it will work out

every one can do it if they put their mind to it


 current weight: 255.2 
 
266
253.25
240.5
227.75
215


BCUPCHEERS2U
BCUPCHEERS2U's Photo SparkPoints: (8,403)
Fitness Minutes: (10,417)
Posts: 45
7/7/12 12:46 A

BCUPCHEERS2U's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I am a single mother of a 5 year old. I have an advantage right now because I am also a teacher, so I do have the summer off. I try to do a 30 minute workout when I first get up in the mornings. In the afternoon/evening I try to do various workouts that include my daughter. These include playing the wii, practicing t-ball (if weather permits), hula hooping or jumping rope with her, or even just running around outside chasing the dogs. I do this for approximately 30-60 minutes. When I go back to work at the end of this month, I'm not sure what I will do. I will be working full-time (leaving home at 6:30am returning at 5:00pm),and working on my doctorate. I will have to try to figure that out a little later. It stresses me out just to think about it.emoticon

Good, Better, Best Never Let it Rest Until Your Good is Better and Your Better is Best!


 current weight: 158.6 
 
177
167.75
158.5
149.25
140


SCHEHEREZADE
SCHEHEREZADE's Photo Posts: 378
7/4/12 6:03 P

SCHEHEREZADE's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I am just beginning to work on getting back into shape with a 3yo and a 3mo. Yesterday, I got on the treadmill while my partner watched the children, which was a good workout, but induced a tantrum in the 3yo, who wanted me to pay attention to HER! Today, I took a different approach- we put "Just Dance" on the Wii and exercised as a family! So much fun, and I am at least as sweaty as I was after the treadmill. And no tantrum! I will still want to use the treadmill at times, but this is a great one to do with kids.

"Deine Zauber binden wieder was die Mode streng geteilt" -Schiller





 Pounds lost: 6.6 
 
0
15
30
45
60


CAMACHOROSE
SparkPoints: (333)
Fitness Minutes: (310)
Posts: 1
2/5/12 8:46 A

Send Private Message
Reply
Trying to get your workout in when you are a working parent can be a challange. I have found myself working out early in the morning or after work. I work from 7 to 3:30. Between kids homework, kids sports, work, reserve duty, lia sophia, mommy duties, wife duties, etc. i find working out helps with my stress levels. I started at a new gym and they have an awesome child care. As a matter fact, the new gym offers classes for kids as well. We have developed a routine. You can do it!!

Another thing that has helped me is Sparkpeople. Being able to track what I eat motivates me to ensure i workout. Keep your head up!!





NPPMOM
NPPMOM's Photo Posts: 579
2/5/12 8:05 A

NPPMOM's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I exercise after my son (4 yrs) goes to sleep. I've found for me, working out late works out better than trying to drag myself out of bed early. I'm lucky b/c we've managed to accumulate a good amount of work out equipment over time so we have a decent "gym" in the basement. I'm not sure how successful I'd be at night workouts if I actually had to drive myself the the gym.



 current weight: 177.6 
 
177.6
170.7
163.8
156.9
150


EN10011
Posts: 557
2/4/12 4:27 P

EN10011's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
It is so hard to be a working mom! But it is important to make the time!
I also work full time, leave home at 8, back around 6, and we make it a point to cook fresh food every day.
During the weekdays, i do very little: I do a 10 minute workout in the morning before the kids wake up and another 10 minutes after they go to bed. I use either the spark workouts or some free apps that I have downloaded.
I make it a point to go to the gym both days on the weekends and spend one hour each day.
So I do not get to do a lot, but my short workouts are always intense.



 current weight: 172.0 
 
175
165
155
145
135


SUSIQZER
SUSIQZER's Photo SparkPoints: (54,732)
Fitness Minutes: (27,134)
Posts: 2,017
2/4/12 3:30 P

Community Team Member

SUSIQZER's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
First, let me just say that I'm SO impressed by the moms here! Oh my goodness!!!

I'm another one who gets up early to hit the gym before work.

If the weather is nice, I'll often take DD out for a run in the stroller after work (to my way of thinking, that counts as twice the workout!), which is a great way to de-stress at the end of the day and also lets me reconnect with DD.

Also consider doing a video (so many are available on demand, or stream instantly from Netflix) while your daughter naps or plays. My DD loves to dance along with me (and her downward dog is amazing!).

My DH and I take turns putting DD to bed, so on my "off" nights I'll sometimes do a yoga or pilates video (nothing too strenuous at the end of the day!).

Co-Leader of the Sole Sparkers!
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=58347



Co-Leader of the Southeastern MA Team
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=28570


--
If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.


 current weight: 134.0 
 
150
142.5
135
127.5
120


MOMNGUITARMAN
MOMNGUITARMAN's Photo Posts: 209
2/4/12 11:05 A

MOMNGUITARMAN's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I exercise when she is asleep



 current weight: 253.4 
 
275
250
225
200
175


BRANDY0411
BRANDY0411's Photo SparkPoints: (115)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 7
2/4/12 6:48 A

BRANDY0411's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I just try to fit in 15 minutes here and there. I try for at least a 30 minute workout but it rarely ever happens uninterrupted. I'm a stay at home mom but it feels like I'm always needed or there is something to do. My husband is currently deployed, again. So, I'm on my own. No sitter. No daycare. I'm a Mom 24/7. Literally. No breaks here. With that said, I have a 7 year old and a recently turned 1 year old. I'm super thankful for the larger than usual age gap between them. It's helpful. My 1 year old has only been napping once a day. And usually during that hour, I'm doing something other than exercising. lol Hey! The lawn has to get mowed somehow. And how else do I have time to take a shower? After school is usually spent at my son's sports practices/games, homework, etc.

I breastfeed (no bottles), so we don't do daycare which means no gym. None around have in-gym daycares. Ugh. There is a new fitness studio in town that I've been DYING to go to and take a class. They do have free daycare - with purchase of a class. It's just an hour and it's there at the studio so it's perfect but the catch....children have to be 1 year old and walking. My little munchkin isn't up and going yet. So, I've been waiting and waiting. It's not the easiest but, I'll get the hang of it. For now I'm just doing DVD's and my recumbent bike. When you get interrupted over and over again after only 10 minutes, it can really kill the motivation though. That's something I've got to just learn to deal with.

Edited by: BRANDY0411 at: 2/4/2012 (06:52)

 Pounds lost: 0.0 
 
0
18.95
37.9
56.85
75.8


JAZZKATO
Posts: 55
2/1/12 1:43 P

JAZZKATO's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I have four kids (ages 3 months to 5 yrs!) and work full-time so I can definitely relate. My husband gives me 3 days during the week (usually after dinner but before kids' bedtime) where he is solely responsible for the kids and I get 30-60 minutes those days to work out (stationary bike or DVDs). While I felt guilty at first for not spending that time with my kids, I realized that they watch me intently and are learning good habits. Now when I do a DVD they try to do it with me (the 5, 4, and 2 1/2 yr old). They do almost as much cardio as I do! When I do pushups they try doing pushups. They actually love to exercise now and look forward to it. This in itself keeps me motivated to keep doing it and I'm spending time with them. My 3 month old is usually asleep by 6pm so we don't have to worry about her. As previouse posters mentioned, you just have to MAKE time and it doesn't have to be 30 minutes all at once.



 current weight: 127.0 
 
155
148
141
134
127


COOLEYFAM
COOLEYFAM's Photo Posts: 170
2/1/12 12:21 P

COOLEYFAM's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Their hour of TV time is my hour of exercise!



 Pounds lost: 0.0 
 
0
17
34
51
68


JENYBEAN78
SparkPoints: (609)
Fitness Minutes: (354)
Posts: 2
2/1/12 6:09 A

JENYBEAN78's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I have three children right now but when my second child was born and I went back to work I had the same struggles. I was at the highest weight in my life and very ready to change it all. I was up at 5:30 every day and came home by 4. By the time everyone was in bed I was exhausted! I started small and realistic. I made a commitment to go to one "class" a week. I LOVE kickboxing and Zumba and those are usually pay as you go, which works for me. My sister came with me so we kept each other going. Then I decided Saturday or Sunday morning I would get up a half hour earlier and do a workout video (Jillian Michaels 30 day shred is quick and effective). Then the weather was nicer, I felt better, and I was more motivated to add to my own routine as well as take my kids outside and run with them in the stroller. I also rewarded myself with new workout DVDs and clothes as I went on. I have three kids now and am a stay at home mom for a while but I am following the same technique and so far so good! =)



KJOURDENAIS
KJOURDENAIS's Photo SparkPoints: (1,555)
Fitness Minutes: (634)
Posts: 17
1/30/12 10:56 P

KJOURDENAIS's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
KAIKAI77, be easy on yourself! I have to admit I wasn't even THINKING about exercise 3 months after having my daughter, I can't imagine it with twins! Maybe focus on the healthy eating right now if that is easier, or maybe going for a short walk by yourself during nap time when others (your older son?) can listen for the babies as they sleep.
As they say, 9 months on, 9 months off... although in my case it was 9 months on, 24+ months off.



 current weight: 149.8 
 
167
161.25
155.5
149.75
144


SURA_MUNEER
SparkPoints: (5,176)
Fitness Minutes: (3,065)
Posts: 22
1/29/12 12:41 P

SURA_MUNEER's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
Kaikai, wow i cant imagine what it must be like for you, but believe me small things make big difference, i used to rock my baby standing up not sitting down, moving my legs around as i breast fed, or walking around while preparing food and the best thing u can do is ASK FOR HELP, not only to make time for exercise but for u to rest and relax, i used to do everything by myself until i completely broke down by six months, good luck dear



 current weight: 327.0 
 
334
328.5
323
317.5
312


KAIKAI77
SparkPoints: (405)
Fitness Minutes: (110)
Posts: 5
1/29/12 5:13 A

KAIKAI77's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I don't...usually. So, I'm trying to figure out the same thing. I have 3-month old twin boys and its so hard to take time out to exercise. I'm usually so exhausted because they very rarely sleep at the same time nor do they sleep for the same durations. So, I'm usually dragging myself out of bed just to feed and change diapers. I've tried to will myself to get them in the stroller and walk to go pick up my daughter from school on wednesdays (her early release day). Usually I send my teenaged son to pick her up though. I've only walked once. Its a hassle getting the babies washed up and dressed in time to make it there on time because someone's always throwing up on their clothes or considerably grumpy or poopy or hungry...and the list goes on and on. I'm usually late everywhere I go for these reasons. I really haven't gotten into the swing of things yet. Exhaustion rules my life it seems.

For christmas my bf bought me an xbox with kinect, which I requested, so I could get some exercise at home. That's not even working out so well. I only get to really use it on the weekends when others are home to tend to the babies. Any suggestions???



LUANN_IN_PA
Posts: 15,379
1/28/12 3:00 P

LUANN_IN_PA's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply

"For me it's not so much about finding time as it is I have to make time."

So true CAPPYKIM!

Time is not sitting around, waiting for you 'find' it. You have to make time for the things that are important to you.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
~ Randy Pausch

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results."
~ Art Turock

"We have a saying in Tibet: If a problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it. If it can't be solved, worrying will do no good."
~ 7 Years in Tibet


GIRLYGURLMOMMY1
Posts: 21
1/28/12 11:31 A

GIRLYGURLMOMMY1's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
My children are a bit older and my mom lives with us so when I go to the gym its either when she's home or when they kids are at school. I also have an eliptical machine at home for when I don't "feel" like going or can't get out for whatever reason.
I know many gyms offer childcare. You have to make time. :(



 
334
328.5
323
317.5
312


LISADAWN1312
Posts: 273
1/27/12 11:01 A

LISADAWN1312's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I think we have to remember that we do not need to do a full hour to get the benefit. Doing 10 minutes during our breaks, and lunch, doing jumping jacks during commercials all help. If 30 minutes is too hard find, break it down.



 Pounds lost: 11.6 
 
0
18.75
37.5
56.25
75


BALTIC_GODDESS
BALTIC_GODDESS's Photo SparkPoints: (3,480)
Fitness Minutes: (2,123)
Posts: 26
1/27/12 9:52 A

BALTIC_GODDESS's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I have struggled with this dilemma myself, as I have a 2 year old attached to my hip! On top of that, I am a working mom who holds a full-time job, so I always feel guilty if I think about trying to get a workout in during times when I'm home - when I'm home, I want to spend time with my daughter. So I thought about it and figured out a plan - I used to skip lunch at work so I could leave a tad bit earlier. However, with my newfound determination to get some fitness in (and some much-needed "me" time), I now take a 30 minute lunch during my workday, and I spend that time on the treadmill or elliptical in the Fitness Center in our building. It's not much, but it something - and every little bit counts!

In addition to that, I also try to make my playtime with her a sort of "workout" by doing active things together (i.e., going sledding, rollerskating, bike rides, playing in the backyard with her, chasing her around the playground, etc.). That seems to work well for me, too! emoticon emoticon



 current weight: 219.0 
 
236
217
198
179
160


CAPPYKIM
CAPPYKIM's Photo SparkPoints: (11,387)
Fitness Minutes: (7,967)
Posts: 195
1/27/12 9:34 A

CAPPYKIM's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
For me it's not so much about finding time as it is I have to make time. I have to consciously set time aside each day to work out. Whether it's getting up before the kids, during naptime, or after everyone has gone to bed. We moms tend to take care and worry so much about our kids (and husbands included) that we forget to make time to take care of ourselves.



 current weight: 167.0 
 
169
161.75
154.5
147.25
140


JANJANA87
JANJANA87's Photo Posts: 41
1/27/12 8:12 A

JANJANA87's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I totally understand. I get up at 4:15am for work and dont return home until 5:15pm, so I feel super guilty if I dont spend enough time with my husband and daughter (15months). And since getting up at 3am isnt an option lol, I play hard with my daughter until bed time which is around 7/7:30ish, we dance and run around, sometimes go for walks outside or play on the swing set. When she goes to bed, I pop in my workout dvd or jump on the ellipitcal or rowing machine that we have at home. I try to plan it out where my husband is doing something he likes to do in another room, like those History channel shows lol, so its like our "me time". On weekends or days off, I normally get up before everyone else, so I take advantage of that time and get my workout in. Making time for yourself is really important!! As much as we want to be around our family, if we dont take care of ourselves we arent going to be healthy and are going to miss out on a lot of special moments. You can do it!!! Good luck!!!



 Pounds lost: 14.0 
 
0
4.5
9
13.5
18


IZZYS_MOM
IZZYS_MOM's Photo Posts: 97
1/26/12 4:05 P

IZZYS_MOM's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I work from home and take care of two kids. I have found that the easiest way to incorporate exercise is doing dvds at home. Going to the gym is way too much work - I always feel I have to shower before and after, the drive and the childcare problem makes it impossible for my tight schedule. And I have found that I work out way harder at home than I would at the gym.

If you get some workout dvd's, then you could potentially do them while you take care of your daughter in the evening. I often do a video while my kids (3 and 1) are around. I usually set up my daughter with some crayons and my son with some blocks. A lot of times they join me and try to do the moves with me.

There are some truly great DVDs now! I purchase them on half.com for a fraction of the price and I have a small collection. I love Jillian Michaels Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones. I also like a lot of the 10 minute workouts, and I do them all in a row. You can also get some free online (I love this one by Kendell Hogan - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtYgmDEddug)

Another idea is runs or walks with your kids. Get your kids incorporated! Good luck!



 Pounds lost: 0.6 
 
0
6.5
13
19.5
26


JENMC14
JENMC14's Photo Posts: 2,699
1/26/12 2:26 P

JENMC14's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
What do you do from 2:30 (or whenever you get home) until bedtime? Surely there's some point you could work out.

I work fulltime and have 2 kids. I get up at 4:45-5:00 and work out at home. My husband goes to the gym. I workout, grab a shower and get dressed, then I get both kids up and around. (My 10 year old is pretty self sufficient, but I have to get the 2 year old dressed.) Sometimes the little one gets up before I'm done working out, but you do what you gotta do. We leave the house at 7, we're home at 5:15. Sometimes I go to a class after dinner. I've been known to drive to work seperate from my husband (we usually carpool) and will stay at work a bit late, then hit a class right after before going home.

Don't be afraid to leave your daughter with your husband for an hour a few nights a week. Why can't he watch her while you go to the gym or do a video? Again, you could do it any time after you're home as well. How old is your daughter? Will she watch a movie? Can you get a Wii and play the dance games together? Can you join a gym with a childcare? Can you workout before you pick her up? There are many options. You HAVE to make time for yourself. Don't feel bad if that means leaving your daughter at home or daycare while you work out.

Edited by: JENMC14 at: 1/26/2012 (14:27)
I am 5'4".
Starting Weight (4.6.11) 164.6
First Goal 130 - Reached September 2011
Currently maintaining under 120 and working on changing my mental image of myself!


 current weight: 127.2 
 
165
152.5
140
127.5
115


DAWNSIGKAP
DAWNSIGKAP's Photo Posts: 14
1/26/12 1:13 P

DAWNSIGKAP's SparkPage
Send Private Message
Reply
I only have one child....I work from 6am to 2:30, when I am off at 2:30 and I take care of my daughter...I then put her to bed...sometimes my husband does and that is when I can sneak off to exercise...but Im really curious to know , how do people do it?

Do you do it at home? Did you join a gym? If so how did you get away? Do you do it early in the am or late in the pm? Do I just wait till she is in school to do it - do you do it when your kids go to school? Do you do tapes or do you have a machine at home?

Any information would help! I cant imagine getting up at 4:45 ... if I have to I guess I have to but I its hard to drag myself out of bed....and by the time my daughter goes to bed...to be honest, Im exhausted!

Thanks for any feedback!

Dawn



 current weight: 168.0 
 
181
169.5
158
146.5
135


 
Page: 1 of (1)   [ 1 ]
Search  

I Liked This Topic Subscribe to this Discussion Share
Add This to My SparkFavorites
Report Innappropriate Post


Thread URL: http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageboard.asp?imboard=61&imparent=26623958

Review our Community Guidelines



 
Diet Resources: calcium rich foods | what is potassium | kcl potassium chloride