How do you find time to get/stay in shape?

Siobhan - posted on 04/10/2009

I take 20 minutes at the end of the day before I go to bed...when I remember or can. If you figure out how to do it, repost and tell us your secret. I'm thinking we need to just tie our children up for an hour! :)

Sara - posted on 04/09/2009

Quoting Rachel:

I do 3 supersets a day everyday. It only takes about 10 minutes to get through the whole thing and it's straight toning - all lower body so it tones the BIG muscle groups which promotes the most fat loss over all. I could walk you through my supersets if you want to give them a shot.

That sounds really interesting - how has it worked out for you so far?  Can you give more information?  Thanks!

Sara - posted on 04/09/2009

I used to live in the chicago area when my son was first born, so when the weather was bad I would take him to the mall to walk with the old people!

Tricia - posted on 04/09/2009

The only exercise I can consistently motivate myself to do is walking.  My library is 1.5 miles away, so walking there and back takes me an hour (and I can check out books! Yay!).  I do the walk at least 3 times a week, no matter the weather.  I live in Chicago, so I understand your dilema about the cold.  My solution is baby wearing.  I bought a 3XL winter jacket at a thrift store for less than $20 and that zips over me and the little guy.  I use a knitted wrap to wear him because it spreads the weight over both hips and shoulders, which is way more comfortable than a sling over one shoulder.  And I know that if I am warm enough, he is warm enough, because we're sharing my body heat.  I use the gypsymama.com instructions for front and back carries, but there are also videos on youtube of different carries and wrapping solutions.

Pam - posted on 04/08/2009

I didn't start working out regularly until my son was 2 1/2! I just couldn't figure out when to work it in. In the last few months I've come up with a routine I can stick to and now enjoy. I wake up at 4:30 (ugh) and take the dog for a run. It's not great getting up that early, but it's only a 1/2 hour earlier than before and then I get some time to myself every day. That was another motivation behind it for me - I needed time to do something good for me each day. I'd suggest finding that time that you used to exercise before your son arrived and try doing a little something. Of course, you'll need to enlist help to supervise your little guy, but you do need to take care of yourself. Obviously, if you can find something where you can spend time with your little guy at the same time, that would be ideal - a jogging stroller perhaps? It's really tough, but start small. Good luck!

Beth - posted on 04/08/2009

I walk for half an hour at lunch (shoot for 3x a week). I download fitness music on my I-pod (fitmusic.com) which keeps me at a good pace. Once a week, I'll work through lunch, then leave an hour early to hit the gym. That will shift to more gym time this summer when it gets too hot to walk outside. I don't have the "hard body" I had before becoming a mother but it keeps me in decent shape.

Melissa - posted on 04/04/2009

I was having trouble with the same thing.  I started being cautious of the portions I was giving myself and weight started to come off.  Then I got an ellipical machine, and made the decision that getting about 30 minutes in atleast once a week was a must.  Now I find that the 30 minutes gives me a little more energy in the morning.  You just have to make up your mind that you are going to do it.  On the weekends I do things with the boys that get me out and about like play soccer in the back yard with them or walk to the park that is 1/2 mile away to play. 

Debbie - posted on 04/03/2009

Having the commute really jams u up.  I have a difficult time because my husband works shift work so the only way I could get a routine going is to go at 0500.   I am NOT a morning person so it really stinks when the alarm goes off but in the end I really feel better for doing it.

Caroline - posted on 04/03/2009

I was able to lose 80 lbs by making my work out fit in wherever I could. I have 2 kids (3 & 8) and work full time--at least 50-60 hrs per week. Our lives are VERY hectic, but I am still able to work out every day. I started just getting up 20-30 mins earlier and working out for short amounts of time. When I wasn't able to do that, I carved some time out of my day (lunch hr, etc) to at least take a walk. Also, with the nicer weather, take a walk wih the baby when you get home. The trick is finding time wherever you can. I am now hooked on exercise and have realized that taking that time for myself every day makes everyone better off. I'm much calmer, am able to focus on the different aspects of my life, and I can run around with my children without getting out of breath. I know it may feel selfish to be taking this time for yourself, but it isn't--you're doing something good for everyone!

Amy - posted on 04/03/2009

We don't have stairs at my company, I do walk around our building when it's nice out.  It's nice, but I live in WI and lately it's been raning/snowing :(.  The last three weekends I haven't been able to bring my son out on a walk because it was just too cold for him, I didn't want him to get sick.  That and I didn't want to deal with trying to drag the stroller though snow.  I guess it will get better once the weather finally warms up a bit.

I'm almost thinking that I will have to wait until he's older to really get back into the swing of things.  But I do want to try.  The hardest thing is I'm also going to be going back to school so I can get a non-desk job where I can actually move around and talk to people.  Soon I won't have any time at all.

Rachel - That would be great!  If you could walk us through some of what you do.

I think doing shorter time frames with more toning may be helpfull.

Amy - posted on 04/03/2009

We don't have stairs at my company, I do walk around our building when it's nice out.  It's nice, but I live in WI and lately it's been raning/snowing :(.  The last three weekends I haven't been able to bring my son out on a walk because it was just too cold for him, I didn't want him to get sick.  That and I didn't want to deal with trying to drag the stroller though snow.  I guess it will get better once the weather finally warms up a bit.

I'm almost thinking that I will have to wait until he's older to really get back into the swing of things.  But I do want to try.  The hardest thing is I'm also going to be going back to school so I can get a non-desk job where I can actually move around and talk to people.  Soon I won't have any time at all.

Rachel - That would be great!  If you could walk us through some of what you do.

I think doing shorter time frames with more toning may be helpfull.

Amelia - posted on 04/02/2009

Honestly, my son is reaching the 11 month mark too. I work full-time and commute as well. But where I get my excersise? Work. It's a little earlier for me as I work as a waitress in a high-paced restaurant but even with an office job, savor the small victories. Take stairs instead of an elevator. On your lunch break walk around.

Erica - posted on 04/02/2009

i take my 15 month old on my half mile walks. I just pop her in the stroller and bring a bottle and a way we go.

Rachel - posted on 04/02/2009

I do 3 supersets a day everyday. It only takes about 10 minutes to get through the whole thing and it's straight toning - all lower body so it tones the BIG muscle groups which promotes the most fat loss over all. I could walk you through my supersets if you want to give them a shot.

Linda - posted on 04/02/2009

Hi Amy, when I worked fulltime I would do crunches and push ups during 2 15 minute breaks, as many as a could.  Then during lunch I would do a fast walk for 30 minutes.  Having kids at home is difficult to find time for yourself.  Now, I work from home with an amazing company, earn the money we need and I have more flexibility then I ever thought possible.  I love my life!!!!!

Sara - posted on 04/02/2009

It's hard for sure. My husband wanted to join a gym recently and I said "That's great, but when the hell are we going to go?". What I do is I try to take walks during my lunch break and then I recently bought a stationary recumbant bike to have it home and I work out on it after I put my daughter to bed. Lunch and late at night is the only time I can find!

Marsha - posted on 04/01/2009

I feel the same way, I feel like if I go to the gym I sacrafice time spent with the kids, so I want ideas on how be active and exercise with the kids...so far walking and yard work are the only ones I have come up with, we are thinking of getting a bike with a trailer for the little ones, to pull them around, now that would be good exercise.

Alicia - posted on 04/01/2009

My son is 6 months old. We are both very regimented! I get up a 1/2 hour earlier than usual so that I can fit in some ab exercises and weight lifting.. I work full time, come home, feed my son, play with him, get him ready for bed. He goes to bed at 7. I walk on the treadmill after he goes to bed. I also have been careful about my diet. I have lost 13lbs over the past 2 months. I have about 20 to go!

Melanie - posted on 04/01/2009

honestly i didnt get to work out until my kids started school. i have a 9 yr 6yr and now a 4mo old. when the oldest two were in school i found time but now that i have a third one i dont find the time. i am very tired also. i work full time and its hard to find the time to work out. good luck to you and i hope you find your time.