feel guilty much?

Heather - posted on 02/11/2009

I work out during working hours (ie lunch time), so I never have to spend anytime away from my daughter. Unfortunately its impossible to get a run in on weekends, but I can deal with that as I work out everyday monday to friday.

When I was on maternity leave I brought my daughter to the gym with me. I explained to them that I was a single mom and I really wanted to be able to work out everyday. They allowed me to keep an exersaucer stored there and I would just put it next to the treadmill while I ran everyday. My daughter loved it because there was so much to look at and every person who walked by stopped and told her how cute she was.

Danelle - posted on 02/06/2009

Two of the best investments I've made have been on a double jogging stroller and a treadmill. While I prefer to run by myself at least once a week - and big thanks to my husband for supporting me - in the winter the treadmill allows me to be "with" the kids while they play in the basement and in the summer we run on a path close to a local park which motivates them to behave since we can play afterwards. Another bonus to that is the added work of pushing 70 lbs!

Sarah - posted on 01/23/2009

I think excercise is important for you and your family.   It shows your children how to live a balanced healthy active lifestyle.  You are setting a good example, and it is good for you to have that time.  To answer your question, yes I do feel guilty...and then I tell myself "I deserve this time"  I deserve to do something for me ...it makes my house a much more peaceful place in the end!  Keep it up and don't feel guilty!

Molly - posted on 01/22/2009

Quoting Kathy:

How do you fit it all in with being a working mom and keeping running as part of your routine?  I am having a hard time balancing it all.  I feel guilty being at the gym, since I am away from my son at work, yet I feel like this is the only "me" time that I get.  Help please!

I have a very supportive husband.  That is key.  (It is also another source of guilt, however) I work three days a week.  Two of those days I work out at home: either 30 min on the treadmill or bike or sometimes I use one or both days as a day off.  On one of the days and the days I don't work (at least at the office) I get up exceedingly early (4:30 ish) and am out the door by 5:15 to meet friends to run for about 1-1.5 hours.  I get home in time to say Bye to my 9 year old as he gets on the bus, and wake up my 5 year old for preschool.  I leave for work at 7:30.  I get home at about 7 pm.  The afternoons I am home are "kid time" as are weekend afternoons ~ sometimes at the Y for swimming, sometimes hikes or snowshoe hikes.  It's hard, but for my sanity (and my family knows if I have exercised or not) and example to my kids that exercise is as necessary as food and sleep and work ~ it is worth it.  You will be a better mom when you feel good about yourself, too!! 

Fiorella - posted on 01/22/2009

I had my second baby this July. It was so easy to get back to running with my first one. Had my mom watch her and off I went for a run. It was awesome. The weight, well... it took me about a year to shed. THis time around it is so so hard to fit exercise in my schedule, plus work and school. At first I did not want to miss out on spending time with my kids but I've decided that me time includes running time! I am starting slowly and shooting for at least 3x a week of 30 minute runs. Setting realistic expectations is working out better than stressing myself for missing out on quality time and not exercising.

Kathy - posted on 01/22/2009

How do you fit it all in with being a working mom and keeping running as part of your routine?  I am having a hard time balancing it all.  I feel guilty being at the gym, since I am away from my son at work, yet I feel like this is the only "me" time that I get.  Help please!

Stacie - posted on 01/13/2009

I was prior to my hours changing at work. My oldest is in school and my youngest is home with Grandma while I am at the gym. I am home by 4 p.m. so I have the entire evening with the boys. I like that my kids see that fitness is a part of everyday life and I also think I set a positive example by showing my children that when dealing with stress I run rather than participate in less than desirable activities!

Katie - posted on 01/03/2009

Absolutely! Luckily my kids are ALL school age now (16,10 & 6 1/2). It is sooo much easier to get in my run as soon as they are all dropped off at school. When they were younger and I couldn't get someone to watch over them, I would literally run circles IN my house for an hour. It gets easier!!!!!!!!

Melissa - posted on 12/13/2008

Guilty because of the time you spend away from your child?