Time to Workout

It really is so hard to find time to work-out with toddlers since our free time is limited. However, once you get started on a routine it will be a habit you won't want to break. I make it a point to run outside three time a week for thirty minutes. I just walk out the door for 30 minutes and run (some days walk). I typically go early (before husband leaves for work / when sitter arrives). It really helps release stress and clears my head allowing me to happily manage life.

Mom of three: 4, 3, and 6 months

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What time do you start work? can you get in a good run before you start your day? or after work now that it is gettin warm out, take the kids for a run before you start dinner??

I stay home with my kids and it is still kinda hard to fit working out in. But i do it after i take my husband to work and just take the kids to the daycare that they gym provides.
i would rather go early morning or later at night but that doesnt work with the kids..

I go to the ballys in melrose park... do you have a membership with them??

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I've been a working mother of five for 20 years, and the only way I managed to fit in a regular workout was in the morning, either before they go to daycare or after that but before going to work. Then it's DONE and you can do whatever you have to the rest of the day. I haven't been able to afford a gym for years but I work out at home - there are lots of exercise plans, tapes, DVDs, whatever. You can even use a treadmill or exercise bike while watching TV with or without the kids, if you like that sort of exercise. The point is, it's like maintaining a car - if you don't do it, you break down, and you're a person in your own right as well as the support system for two kids, so you don't want that to happen. Great work on jogging on weekends - what a wonderful example you're setting, and everyone knows kids pay more attention to what you do, than what you say! That's a wonderful idea.

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I was struggling with this same problem when my first child was a baby. We finally bought some home gym equipment-an elliptical and a stationary bike. I now have three children (4, 2, and 5 months). I work out in the morning before they wake up or during naptimes(on my days off). I also started doing pilates dvds, sit-ups, push-ups, etc after they go to bed. Are you able to work out during your "lunch" at work? I also used to do that occassionally when I was working full-time. Good luck!

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Doing three 10-min bouts of exercise throughout the day still counts as a single 30-min session. Not sure where you work, but perhaps you can start a walking club where you can go for two 15-min bouts during the day. Or go for a 10-min walk before work and aim for one more 10-min bouts during your breaks and a 10-min walk with your kids at night. After all, look at how long smokers take their breaks througout the day...If you can take one bout around 2pm where everyone hits their mid-day slump and reach for the junkie food, you'll do your body much better to feel refreshed than reaching for the cup of joe.

Get up 10-min early and do some crunches and push-ups, aim for three sets of 10-15. Try to take 10-min before bed to stretch your muscles, spray some lavendar on your pillow for relaxation, you'll be less tense and your muscles will thank you.

Get a ball and use it with your kids. A great book that shows you how to incorporate them is "Bounce Back into Shape After Baby" can be bought on Amazon. Make it fun with them and set an example to be a healthy mama!

When mom takes some time for herself (though its hard, I am realizing that) she'll be more productive, happier and healthier for the whole family. Tell Ms. Guilt to find a new home :)

Good luck!

J. W, MPH
Certified Perinatal and ACE Personal Trainer

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I think that this has to be something you make time for. :) There are ALWAYS a zillion other things to do! Personally, I find it easier to do a little every day rather than plan specific days. This way, I cannot procrastinate by saying I will go tomorrow. I also do it first chance I get every day so that it is done and over with. Sometimes that is before he wakes up, his morning nap, his afternoon nap or the worst is when he goes down at night. :) Once you make a habit out of it, it gets easier. You just need to begin by making it a priority. Start by setting aside 10-20 minutes each day to do anything...yoga, stretches, a walk around the block. Once you start doing this, you will see that it makes you feel better. Then gradually mix it up by going to the gym. To me, the first thing is to do something everyday...no excuses. :)

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I am a full time attorney, I run a group for parents of kids with food allergies, I am involved with a non-profit organization, and I attend activities at my church. I have a 2 and 3 year old. I AM BUSY.

Last year, I just became too busy to use my gym membership. My friend gave me a nice double jogging stroller. I began waking up 30 to 40 minutes early and running every morning. If my kids are still sleeping, I go alone- my husband is getting ready for work. If one or both of them are awake, they come with me (in their pjs) and we talk the whole time about the flowers, trees, squirels, ducks, lawn ornaments, birds, anything. It is a great time with my girls- they look forward to our "special walks." I have not been in such good shape in 18 years!

In the beginning, I was not a runner. I took it one day at a time and went as long as I could. Now I knock out 45 minutes and I am ready to keep going (if I had time).

When I get home, I shower and go to work.

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Hi S.. I live in Oak Park as well and used to teach a 6 am cycling class at the YMCA before I had my son. I know it's early, but it really makes you feel good the rest of the day. There are also some workout classes taught by a former Y instructor that opened his own business. He is a wonderful motivator and the classes are great for core strength. He offers them on M, F at 5:15am and M, W, F at 6:15am. Here is his website, http://www.livfit.net/ You wouldn't be missing time with your boys if you worked out in the morning.

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I joined Curves 2 months ago and I really love it. It's only half an hour and a really good workout. I lost almost 4 inches the first month. And let me tell you, the difference in the amount of energy I have is amazing. I highly recommend it!

Where are you located? Starland in Deerfield has some mothers' aerobic hip hop dance classes that run at the same time as some kiddie classes, and there is a Curves next door as well. Also, I used to belong to Xport and my Xsport had a little kids' play park kind of place-- like some mcdonalds do-- and it was always staffed by somebody. Those are my thoughts. Good luck!

Hi S.,

Just remember - being a mom IS already a workout! Humans were created to work - that is why we are built the way we are - but often the sedentary life requires that we need to get to the gym to keep in balance.

But, mama, you are doing a LOAD of work already - I bet that you burn so many calories already that your body is getting a workout with just the things you are already doing!

And if you feel like you need to get to the gym to fulfill some silly model of what a woman should look like, remember that you are perfect as-is. We all have room for improvement, of course, but don't stress yourself out over little things.

Don't feel guilty for not being able to meet unhealthy standards - either image-wise or schedule-wise. You are being a great mom already, and giving your time to your children and taking care of yourself emotionally is the best workout you can get!

But good luck, any way you decide!

Warmly,

~L.

I work full time, so time is precious for me. When my tot goes to bed by 8pm, I go into 'autopilot' mode and put on my workout clothes. Too tired, too many things to do, etc...doesn't matter. Exercise is one of those things you have to do, like brushing your teeth. Simple.

I have workout DVD's and a home elliptical trainer. I mainly workout to Turbo Jam, which is fun kickboxing and house music. I lost 10 inches in the first 2-3 weeks and now I am at goal weight and still do it 5-6x a week.

So as a busy mom I suggest maybe get some home workout DVD's to back up when you can't go outside. The point is, do any moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes, whatever it is. And since we are always pressed for time, I found home dvd's work the best.

Remember: It's easy to say you're too tired, too stressed, too busy, too this or too that. Too bad. The only way you'll strip away the fat is to start by stripping away the excuses.

Forget the gym!

Work out at home with a dvd. Train your kids that this is your time...they'll still interrupt you but at least you don't have to go through all the stuff required to get out of the house. This will really cut down on the time involved with working out too. No travel, no packing stuff...etc.

You can buy used dvd's and videos at thrift stores. Some of them are a hoot! The outfits and hair they wear are so dated, but the workouts are great.

Good luck!

I have been doing this for about 20 years.

Why not buy a workout tape & do it at home, with the kids? Or take them for walks everyday instead of going to the gym?

Is there any way that they could do some "in house" exercise with you mom? Then put them in a playpen with some toys for a while and you finish with them in the room where they can't get kicked or hurt in any way. Give them a treat to keep them busy in the confinement.

Hi S.,

I hope you've gotten some good tips from all the other moms out there. I just wanted to put in the two cents that I've heard from many sources--your exercise doesn't have to all be at the same time to be effective--10 minutes here, 15 minutes there during the day can all add up! I would also say to remind yourself that working out doesn't have to always happen in the gym, either--just walking around the block or doing some situps/pushups will also do you some good. Lastly, I'd suggest some exercise videos--I grew up with and love Kathy Smith myself--and who knows, maybe if you pitch it right your kids will want to join in and do it with you (and therefore not prevent you from doing it yourself!). Good luck, and hang in there!
A.