When do you have time/energy to exercise........Seriously?!

[tiff211]

DH goes to the gym in the morning around 5:30 or in the evenings around 8:00 once the kids go down to bed. He said I could do the same thing if I really want to.

Okay, let me break it down: M-F I wake up at 6-6:15, get the baby, feed her a bottle, change her and get her dressed. She plays while I get ready, I will put her back in her crib to take a shower. Then I have to wake DD3 up who is not a morning person, drag her into the bathroom to wash/brush teeth. Deal with her mood of not wanting me to help her get dressed and/or not wanting to get dressed at all. By then the baby is getting fussy because she wants to sleep again. But it's time for us to go, I will put everyone's coats on and head out the door. Now it's about 7:50. I drop them off at daycare and then head to work. I use my 45 minute lunch to run errands. After work, I race to pick up the girls on time. Then we get home around 6 and I put dinner on, and feed the baby her dinner and get her bath ready. She wants to go to bed by 6:45 so I have 45 minutes to and hour to spend with her until she goes to bed. DH and DD5 get home about 6:30. Dinner is usually on the table by 6:45-7. By the time we eat, kids have their bath, ready for bed, story time and lights out. It is now about 8:15-8:30. Dh will then change and go to the gym. I am already exahusted but the kitchen must be cleaned, clothes/baby bag prepared for the next day, laundry folded, house straighten up, etc. Now, it's 9-930. Twice a week, I have office hours, that I dedicate to my home party business. On those nights, I finish up about 10:30 and 11:00 and I crawl into bed utterly spent.

On the weekends, I do parties on Friday and Saturday nights, during busy times, people will book Sundays. I leave about 5:30-6pm and return home anywhere from 11-1 am depending on where the party is and how many guests were there. DH will let me sleep late (8am) when I get home this late, but of course when I get up, the house is a wreck. Everyone cleans up and then we go somewhere for family time,

I am trying to find the time and energy to work out at home. I just don't see how to fit it in. Any suggestions on ways you fit exercise into your busy life?

 

[FreshTressa]

It really is a matter of priorities.

You may need to live with a less clean house or something.

I'd go during lunch....I'd take a power walk and do a little weight lifting then drink a shake at my desk later.

You also have weekends...go at least one weekend morning. If you do that, you only have to squeeze two more in during the week.

You don't NEED to do the full on hour long work up a big sweat and take a shower thing. Little things are better than nothing at all.

You will actualy have MORE energy in the long run..I guarantee it!

 

[Christine]

I have the same schedule as you and have had it for years. There is no time. I already get up at 4:30 a.m. and I refuse to wake up any earlier. And I am not exercising at 8:00 p.m. Not good for sleep patterns.

My solution was to get a treadmill, put it in the basement, and try to hop on for 20 minute intervals whenever I can. Sometimes I never get on, sometimes I get on 5 days a week. I just found that with kids, it is too hard to actually leave the house--there's not enough time.

However, I will say, have you ever noticed how HUSBANDS make the exercise their priority and we women don't?

 

[FreshTressa]

Ohhh, I remember when i would work out when I had little ones...I would eat a light light dinner then go while DH did dishes. He never wiped off the counter, but it only took me 2 minutes.

I would go for a power walk, come back, lift hand weight and stretch a bit.

I know it is hard with a full schedule...but it means a longer more fulfilling life, so it really is not an option...it is as important as eating and brushing your teeth.

 

[FreshTressa]

Does DH go EVERY evening? I would consider that selfish. I would want him to let me go at least twice a week.

Also...don't give the kids baths on the nights you go...they don't need a bath EVERY night.

 

[mtemm]

can you alternate mornings with dh? one morning he goes at 5:30, the next morning you go at 5:30 (and he deals with getting the kids up and ready and to daycare).

Also, what about weekends? I usually get up early one day during the week then go both weekend days and between that and a couple of days w/o at home, I'm golden.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It sounds as if you have to make a choice between home parties or exercise. At some point something has to give.

You can always toss on the gym shoes and go for a walk.

 

[mrsltg]

I work out -religiously- from 4:30-5. I have a similar schedule to yours complete with kids similar in age.

I get up at 5:15 (it can be variable, though -sometimes it's 4:30 if I have to take the kids). I leave the house at 6 am usually in the office in the early 7 range. Work from 7:30-3:30 (lunch at desk). Drive to the gym. Work-out. Collect the kids and bring older dd to her activity du jour. Most nights we're home by 5:45 or so unless there is something late going on. Dinner on the table around 6:15-6:30. Baths, baby in bed hopefully by 7 ( I adjust the order of things a lot). Spend some time with older dd and she's in bed by 8. Run around like it's going out of style for 30 minutes and get as much done as possible in order of priority. 8:30 come hell or high water I am sitting down. There are no ifs, ands, or buts - I get 45 minutes to myself each evening. Sometimes older dd comes into bed with me and we get some extra time together.

The bottom line is this - what doesn't have to get done doesn't always. That basket of laundry can wait until tomorrow. My DH works evenings. He does some stuff in the morning. He is not excused from the household responsibilities.

Just make it a priority. You deserve it!!!

 

[lillygator]

I have started to do it on my lunch hour....DH has to be at work by 5:30, so there is no way I can hit the gym in the mornings....it's nice going at lunch - I eat less than I normally would and it's out of the way for the day!

 

[BabyTigger99]

I have just started getting back into the whole exercise thing. Every other morning I get up and do sit ups on my ball, and lift hand weights. Every night I try to hit the Y or get outside for a walk while DH spends time with DS (and I don't even what to know what they are doing, since I know it is usually something I wouldn't agree with, like dinner being a jar of olives in front of the TV!). I feel so much better since I have started (or rather, re-started!). Every mom needs some "me time".

 

[cepmom]

I would suggest getting a treadmill or some kid of exercise machine for your house. That way you can try to fit it in even if your DH isn't home. I got a treadmill a few years ago and use it in the morning after DD16 leaves for school, but before the younger girls need to leave. Granted I do not work outside the home during the day, so I do have some more free time to fit this in. Sounds like you have a tight schdule.

If getting equipment for your home doesn't work, I would ask DH to let you go some evenings or mornings instead of leaving all the household responsibilities to you. He should do a fair share of that too.

 

[mtemm]

see, now I would just caution you that if you do choose to w/o at home, that you actually can do it there...sometimes its easier to actually go somewhere. at home someone is often trying to find you, or you hear fussing and want to help, or you notice clothes that need to be folded or 100 other things.

 

[VSL]

You have to make the time (which usually means that something else has to take a backseat).

Now, I'm young, with no children, and in Uni/not working. However, I plan to be running twice a day, 6 days a week in a few months when I will be working full-time. It will just mean that I'll be up at about 5:30am/6am to run before work and then running at about 5pm/6pm after work.

Of course, that amount of exercise takes a lot of commitment/dedication/motivation - and finding these to drive you are just as important as making the time.

Running (fast) is what motivates me. When it comes to improving my condition and becoming a better runner, I can do anything (eat clean, run in horrid conditions, etc.).
For other people, having a lean physique motivates them (doesn't motivate me in the slighest, I'm afraid!).

Find something that will motivate you and you will make the time. Even if it's just 15mins a day.

Maybe during your lunch break - instead of running errands, just run!

 

[tiff211]

It really is a matter of priorities.

You may need to live with a less clean house or something.

I'd go during lunch....I'd take a power walk and do a little weight lifting then drink a shake at my desk later.

You also have weekends...go at least one weekend morning. If you do that, you only have to squeeze two more in during the week.

You don't NEED to do the full on hour long work up a big sweat and take a shower thing. Little things are better than nothing at all.

You will actualy have MORE energy in the long run..I guarantee it!

See, I have read/heard that in order for exercising to be effective, you have to do Cardio for at least 20-30 min and work up a sweat. That leaves out lunchtime, I can't come back to work funky!!!

 

[VSL]

See, I have read/heard that in order for exercising to be effective, you have to do Cardio for at least 20-30 min and work up a sweat. That leaves out lunchtime, I can't come back to work funky!!!

Maybe if it's for weight/fat loss. If it's for general health and fitness you really don't need to worry about getting all red and sweaty. You can leave that for the enthusiasts.

Seriously, go for a brisk walk at lunch to get those endorphins up

 

[tiff211]

Ohhh, I remember when i would work out when I had little ones...I would eat a light light dinner then go while DH did dishes. He never wiped off the counter, but it only took me 2 minutes.

I would go for a power walk, come back, lift hand weight and stretch a bit.

I know it is hard with a full schedule...but it means a longer more fulfilling life, so it really is not an option...it is as important as eating and brushing your teeth.

I am very active, running around doing errands, chasing kids, etc. I try to get my exercise when I can. I take the stairs, park far away from the sotre, etc.

I am looking forward to the warmer/longer days so I can power walk. I did that before I got pregnant with DD#4. I would put dinner on and DD13 would watch the little ones will I walked. I will start that up again, leave out when DH gets home. I just feel guilty about leaving while the kids are up, I don't see them enough as it is.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Why do you want to work out?

I need to tone, get my body back in shape, strength, and I love it.

For me, I love taking classes. That is what got me started.

However, I have the time to work out. I probably would just go for the "power walk" right now. You sound very busy.

 

[Ava83]

Okay I have a 3 year old and a DH and I work. I work from 6 am to 3:30 pm 4 days a week, 6-10 am on fridays. I am also home 3 days a week (working)

My workout sched is 2 days on 1 day off, more can be added.

DH also gets Ava ready in the morning.

I am up between 4:50 to 6 am (depends if I am in the office)

I also run errands at lunch.

After work I go straight to the gym. I just go. Now if I am in the office I go alone-if I am home I take Ava. We go to this amazing gym that has amazing childcare included in the price of membership. The child care center has a basketball court, one of those climbing mazes,about 15 computers, infant room (a different room) and a toddler room (huge with playhouses and tv's)

They also have a playground outside and art activities.

So I make the time and I drag my kid with me most of the time.

 

[grlpwrd]

On the fitness boards I frequent most people work out in the morning before work or for SAHM when their kids are still asleep if they don't workout during the evening. We use treadmills, ellipticals, jogger strollers, exercise DVDS/videos, and whatever else it takes to make it work. Some even have set up their system where they will safely place their child in a playyard with toys and workout at home that way. That is what I used to do, but now the kids know when I exercise so I don't have to block them off.

For me I do strength and Pilates 3 or 4 days a week plus at least 4 times a week I jog on my treadmill or take the kids with me or I use my elliptical. I also let them workout with me - I just make sure they are away from me if I kick or if I use heavy weights. I plan to do more more gym workouts because my baby is older now and won't need me to nurse her as much.

Can you have one of your older dd's tend to the younger one's while you do some exercise at home even for a little bit? Or how about bringing them along? There's even an exercise program incorporating a stroller nowadays.

You just do what you gotta do.

 

[tiff211]

I know I keep coming up with "excuses" but they're not really. I do want to lose weight. That is my main goal.

The gym that I used to belong to had childcare for over 1 year old. DD is only 6 months. There are no nearby gyms that take babies. I also felt so guilty because I would go afterwork, pick up the girls from daycare and take them to the gym daycare while I worked out.

I did buy an execise ball and resistance band set that came with a dvd last week. I will try it tonight after the kids go to bed.