Busy girl here (just like everyone else). I'm going to start fitting some work outs in again, but the only time I have to do it is after the baby goes to sleep (around 7:30). I am already up at 5 am so that I can drive my son to my mother's before I have to go to work, so exercising before work isn't realistic. And my only window to spend time with him is between 4:30 and 7, so I'm not willing to fit in a work out during that time. Weekends are all over the place too (usually me working job #2).
Does anyone have any issues with working out so late and trying to fall asleep shortly after? Based on past experience, after I work out I have no desire to take a nap or go to bed for several hours. And I'm a 9:30pm go-to-bed kind of girl.
I usually workout out around that time or later most evenings. I don't usually have a problem going to sleep afterwards but I like to veg out on the couch before going to sleep as well. That times seems to be the best for me and I'm glad I started doing that! Good luck - and hats off for making time to workout!
I used to work out at that time (now I do the early AM thing) and at first I had trouble sleeping - but eventually I got used to it. I think the other bonus to the 8PM work out is you don't SNACK after dinner!!!!
Way to go being a busy mom and making time to work out. It's so important and sets a great example for your kids.
I workout at about that time every night. I have found that when I don't workout, it's harder for me to fall asleep because I didn't wear out my body. I usually watch TV for a half hour to an hour after my workout. Take a hot shower and go right to bed. Good Luck and good for you for doing something that's good for you :)
I have had great experiences working out at night. When my son was a baby I always had my workouts late at night. I have to say when I worked out at night it was a little harder to get motivated but I had the BEST night sleep and I am typically a poor sleeper. So I am a firm believer you can get a very good workout right before bed and have a good night sleep along with it:) I would say to avoid the insomnia, just have something very light to repair your muscles right after your workout. I would say turkey, cottage cheese or a small bowl of kashi cereal would be a good solution. Hope this helps!
I used to work out at that time. I found that at night I could put in a really good 2 hour workout, come home (the gym was at my apt), take a long shower... eat (critical after working out that much) and curl up in bed with a book and fall asleep. Shorter workouts tend to wake me up, but nice long relaxing ones (like an hour of weight & circut training, and then an hour on an eliptical, followed by a really good stretch, plus hot shower, pjs, protein rich food) and I was zonked out very happily.
I think it depends on the person. A friend of mine can workout at higher intensity and fall asleep right after taking a shower. I have to do easy walking or other exercise rather than really moving it or I can't sleep. And I get sick if I workout really ealry so that is the only time I have also. I figure a fast walk on the treaadmill or with workout bands is better than nothing.
What if your workout was something like yoga or pilates? May be relaxing and strengthening at the same time...
I know there's an old rule to not work out so many hours before bed, but my husband gets home from work at 11 pm - he does Wii Fit Plus for a half-hour, then Wii Sports Resort for a half-hour & ever since, sleeps better & wakes up with fewer kinks in his back & neck. I know everyone is different, but it's working great for him.
I haven't tried yoga but have heard that it can be both a good workout & relaxing. I know it's dark now but maybe as it starts staying lighter longer, you could walk, run or bike outside for your workout and the fresh air may help you sleep. Good Luck! I know how hard it is to try to squeeze in a workout for yourself in between spending time with a child & working. I too try to be in bed around 9:30 as I have to be up at 5:30 and it is definitely hard to cram everything in but I think the sleep is important as well.
That's the only time I can workout too (when I workout...haven't done that in months LOL). However, I'm a late-night person. Before we moved into our house we had an elliptical so I would put my son to be and then jump on the elliptical for a bit. I'd get off the elliptical, shower and then play around on the computer. But, like I said, I'm a late night person and I don't go to bed until 12 or 1 AM.
When the weather is decent, we take our bikes out to trail and ride 15 miles a day on the weekends and any other days we have off. We have a trailer for our son and he just sits there with snacks and drinks hanging out.
We work out at the same time. I have had no problems adjusting to going to sleep afterward. Just make sure you have about 30 minutes or so to vegg out in front of the tv or with a good book/magazine.
From my past experience, I can't fall asleep for several hours after working out. I actually think that they say that it may not be good for you to try and go to sleep soon after you work out. I have the same schedule as you but I actually go to bed a little earlier and wake up at 4am to exercise.. It seems insane but I guess it feels important to my overall mental health to be able to work out several days a week. Good luck.
