moms, when do you find time to exercise?with kids?

Question

i have to drive my husband to work and pick up for health reasons. so when i pick him up its early afternoon-and my childs naps in the van. im too tired at 9-10 when she goes down for the night.when at home, i cook, clean, play with my child-so when should i exercise? my husband goes to school and studies during the week, then i work on the weekends.

She is 2 years old, well (27 mo).

Answer 1

I scraped together the money to join a gym with babysitting. It's nice to know that I can claim an hour and a half just for myself any day I want, and that I can work out and read a book, too. What a win-win situation!

Answer 2

I am a stay at home mother. When my boys were babies I would put them in the double stroller and we would go walking around the neighborhood. Now that they are older we go outside in the afternoon and toss the football and kick the soccer ball around. Then in the evening after supper my husband watches them while I go walking about 4 miles 4-5 nights a week. It takes about an hour. Also I am a clean freak so I am always cleaning. A lot of the time they help me or they get on the computer and do their learning programs or play while I clean. You didn't say how old she is but it will get easier. Believe me, when they were first born I used to wonder if I would find time to take a shower before my husband came home from work. But it all works out eventually. Good luck.

Answer 3

It's easier with a single, older child.

You can settle them with a book or a video while you spend 20 minutes on a treadmill or ride a bike on rollers or a stationary bike.

If that doesn't work, a good all-terrain or jogging stroller can be a lifesaver. You don't have to run; you can just walk fast and talk to your child the whole way.

I have two, and a double jogging stroller has made a big difference for me.

But you can also play tag or soccer or other "chase" games to get a little exercise for both of you in if you don't have many other options.

Not to make light of your husband's studies, but if you plan a bit ahead, so you have something ready for dinner, can't he watch the kid(s) for 30 minutes so you can do something? Run, ride a bike, walk, go to a community ed aerobics class, something? You don't need much time. You could make soup or chili or stew in a crock pot, or make a casserole ahead of time, and work out, shower, and still have a nice dinner on the table.

But it's definitely hard to get motivated, especially when you have obstacles in your way. If you really want to do it, you'll find a way. You'll have to ask for the specific help you need.

Answer 4

My husband is in Afghanistan and I am a SAHM of a 10 month old and a 3 year old. I found the only way I can find time is to go to the gym. My gym has a great daycare, so sometimes I go in the morning and sometimes I go in the evening. It is totally worth the money for me, it has really saved my sanity to go five days a week! That's my advice-join a gym with childcare! Good luck!

Answer 5

Put the baby in a stroller or a native carrier and take a walk in the park. Use the baby as a weight to do leg exercises and dance in front of your baby to make him or her laugh!

There is always time to exercise with your baby, especially when they get older and you can roll on the floor with the baby and play, it sounds like you meant to get out and exercise alone at a gym or something. They have gyms with onsite day care.

Hope this info helped you!

Answer 6

I think you answered your question yourself. You said you 'cook, clean, play with your child'- $100 bucks says you are getting a lot of exercise right there!
Maybe while you're cooking dinner, do squats at the stove or do lunges while vacuuming.. With as busy as you are, you need to incorporate the exercise into what you already do.
Good luck!

Answer 7

Sounds like you are already. Running a house and playing with your two yr old is excercise, you just dont realize it. I found taking the kids to the park helps too. You could try even taking your daugher for a walk. From the sounds of it , you already are. You sound like a busy lady and i applaud you. i know how hard it can be.

Answer 8

Children are so full of energy and life, trying to keep up with them is an exercise within itself! It may help if you don't set aside time to exercise by yourself; however, if you get the child involved it may go more smoothly and the child will enjoy the time they get to spent with you. It may be difficult at first to establish a routine, but stick with it and you are bound to have fun with your child.

Answer 9

Just make it as a routine to put your child earlier for a nap then you have a chance to do something and she will be going to sleep earlier too.
Or find another mom that have the same problem mebay you can watch her child for an hour and then she watches your child for an hour.

Answer 10

i know how this feels, but ive worked out a plan for each day that i can do, i get up before they do about 40mins and workout with my abroller and my exercise ball, when theyre awake i do aerobics with the radio playing theyve got a tv in their room so they watch a show, i sometimes jog while my hubby rides them on the four wheeler. its hard making time but it s worth it later, u will feel better once u get into the swing of it. also eat healthier with ur kids.get vitamins, juices, and nutrients.