I am so jazzed about losing this weight that in many ways has kept me captive. My new is waiting just around the corner. I could get around that corner a bit more efficiently if I could find more time to exercise. I do have a tug-o-war with myself daily...go to the gym vs. spend time with my child. My child always wins. Granted there are things I can do around the home, but the effective weight trainning equipment is at the gym which is about 4 to 5 blocks from my home.
Struggling single mom...
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Time for me
Started by proudmom94, Jun 03 2005 11:14 PM
16 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 06 June 2005 - 02:32 AM
Good for you, if you keep up with that attitude you will get to your goal weight. Wishing you lots of luck on your new lifestyle!!
Tricia
Tricia
#3
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Posted 06 June 2005 - 02:56 AM
I completely understand about feeling pulled in two directions.
When my son was small sometimes reality was that there wasn't a way to get to the gym; it just wasn't possible.
Use this to motivate you to really focus on the food portion. Since you are a captive at home; you can spend the time to prepare salads with roasted veggies, make jello, experiment with smoothies using yogurt, fruit and milk.
People used to suggest exercise dvds but that didn't work for me; I found taking my son to the park was probably the best way to incorporate movement into the schedule dictated by my child.
The good news is that you will never have anything as restricting as this situation; if you can find a way to work around this all other obstacles are easy.
When my son was small sometimes reality was that there wasn't a way to get to the gym; it just wasn't possible.
Use this to motivate you to really focus on the food portion. Since you are a captive at home; you can spend the time to prepare salads with roasted veggies, make jello, experiment with smoothies using yogurt, fruit and milk.
People used to suggest exercise dvds but that didn't work for me; I found taking my son to the park was probably the best way to incorporate movement into the schedule dictated by my child.
The good news is that you will never have anything as restricting as this situation; if you can find a way to work around this all other obstacles are easy.
#4
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Posted 06 June 2005 - 06:19 AM
Hello,
I may not be a single mom, but I live with one (my sister) and I've seen a lot of her struggles. My heart goes out to you, as it's so hard to commit to doing this kind of thing with little ones who depend on you and only you. You go!
The suggestion of a park outing a few times a week is a good idea. Even better if your little one likes stroller rides to the park, or is big enough to walk there with you.
Another idea is one that I use, and won't take away from your time with your child. You are already stuck at work for lunch, right? Does your office have a gym really nearby, or a shower at the office? My office has a shower, so I started running 3 times a week at lunch. Before I discovered the shower, I used to lift weights while I walked. Fast enough to get my heartrate up, but slow enough that I didn't really sweat. That way, you can just go back to your desk.
Also, how far do you live from daycare and/or your office? Could you walk to one or both? Could you bike?
Could you and your child sign up for swim lessons? That's a great activity builder which you and he/she could do together.
I hope at least one of these will fit into your life. Good luck!
Melodious
I may not be a single mom, but I live with one (my sister) and I've seen a lot of her struggles. My heart goes out to you, as it's so hard to commit to doing this kind of thing with little ones who depend on you and only you. You go!
The suggestion of a park outing a few times a week is a good idea. Even better if your little one likes stroller rides to the park, or is big enough to walk there with you.
Another idea is one that I use, and won't take away from your time with your child. You are already stuck at work for lunch, right? Does your office have a gym really nearby, or a shower at the office? My office has a shower, so I started running 3 times a week at lunch. Before I discovered the shower, I used to lift weights while I walked. Fast enough to get my heartrate up, but slow enough that I didn't really sweat. That way, you can just go back to your desk.
Also, how far do you live from daycare and/or your office? Could you walk to one or both? Could you bike?
Could you and your child sign up for swim lessons? That's a great activity builder which you and he/she could do together.
I hope at least one of these will fit into your life. Good luck!
Melodious
#5
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Posted 06 June 2005 - 06:26 AM
Proudmom94, I'm also a single mom but I have great neighbors and a boyfriend who is very supportive. He will watch my younger two children so I can go to the gym.. I also get them on their bikes and do my run/walk on the days I can't make it to the gym.. this way they get excercise too! Take care and good luck .. Trysh
#6
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Posted 09 June 2005 - 06:27 AM
I am a single mom of two teenagers. I tired toget them to go to the gym with me but so far nope. I wish I had the energy but I just cannot find it. How do you guys keep it together?
#7
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Posted 09 June 2005 - 01:23 PM
Thanks to you all for your support! I really appreciate it!
Proudmom 94
Proudmom 94
#8
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Posted 10 June 2005 - 04:05 AM
Beth.. I've been very lucky to find a supportive and loving significant other who has taken on my kids as they were his own..He helps me out when I want to go to the gym by watching them.. When he is not around I get the kids on their bikes and have them ride while I run.. they know why I'm trying to lose weight (my Mom, brother, Father and Grandmother all were diabetic and have heart disease) they don't want to see this happen to me so they come along.. Try talking to the kids and tell them how important it is for you to get the excercise and you want to include them so it can family time.. Hang in there...
#9
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Posted 13 June 2005 - 05:24 AM
When my kids were little I took them to the gym daycare, which sometimes was a financial burden, or I would put them in a stroller and walk, take them to a track at a school with their bikes and let them play while I walked or ran.
You have to be really creative when you have little kids to get your exercise. I always needed it to make me feel better too!
Good Luck!
You have to be really creative when you have little kids to get your exercise. I always needed it to make me feel better too!
Good Luck!
#10
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Posted 14 June 2005 - 05:36 AM
Susanb47: I use to do that as well.. that always got them on their feet and ready to move!
#11
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Posted 14 June 2005 - 08:20 AM
What has really worked for me is tae kwon do! I signed my son up (he's 6) so that he would learn discipline and stay active cause being overweight runs in the family. I wanted to teach him good healthy exercise and eating habits young. So instead of just signing him up, I signed us both up. He can't go on his own (he's too young and its too far), so mommy has to go. It is very difficult to teach him something that is right and then go back on it. 'Cause it's more difficult to explain why mommy is going back on her word, then to get the initiative up and go too. Also, if mommy is watching the class, why not be in it too! I've been in it for almost 2 years and now that I am on JC, I don't need to add exercise to my plan, I just need to fix the way I eat. If I can find the way to do it on my busy working mom schedule, you can do it too! Good Luck!!!
#12
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Posted 16 June 2005 - 01:48 AM
I am a single mom and have a 4 yr old daughter. I take my daughter to the park with me to walk, she loves it and she knows at the end of our walk (we walk 2 times around the park on a walking path, hills and all!)she gets to go to the playgorund...well she asks to go at least 3 times a week! Also I bought a bike to ride with her now that she can ride her own bike, so we are going to venture out on that....but another fun thing to incorporate your kids in is stretching and dancing, kids love music and love to dance...so dont be shy just feel the beat and let go! We laugh and have a great time, this is probably my favorite!
Missybell
Missybell
#13
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Posted 03 July 2005 - 06:26 AM
So, I've never done JC before. I have a 3 yr old little girl , and filed for divorce last August. Although the divorce is finalized, I have full custody of Hannah, and am Tired of the Yo-Yo dieting and ups and downs of my weight. I got up to 265 when i was pregnant with hannah, and am currently at 182lbs. I've met a wonderful man, and have been slacking on the gym, and we've eaten out quite a bit. I need to achieve my goal once and for all, and make it a life change, not a temp. change. I've always been athletic and carry my weight well....How do you guys do this?? AND be parents? isn't it hard? How do you guys find the time to exercise, when there are days i can barely keep my eyes open?...I'm glad I've joined..I havent been to a Centre yet, but have taken all the steps to have them contact me, etc. Thanks for reading my life story in a paragraph
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Posted 08 July 2005 - 02:15 AM
My daughter and I have had lots of fun putting on various CDs--rock--folk dance--rap---broadway musicals and we dance. She's 11 now, but when she was real little it was my way of helping her get out of a bad mood. Dance your life away is what I say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#15
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Posted 09 July 2005 - 10:20 PM
Keep up the good work, I am a single mom too and it is hard trying to fit the gym and taking care of the kids. I currently work graveyards and have just started going to the gym after I get off work. Normally I will work out anywhere from 30 mins to an 1 hour. My problem is trying to keep the routine going. Sometimes sleep is more important. I need to find an even balance.
#16
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Posted 16 July 2005 - 12:01 PM
I am single mom of a 3 year old. I have a hard time finding for me. The best thing for me has been the walking tapes. I love them when I am stressed this seems to help. I started this program to build my self esteem. I have been going through a bad divorce for over a year now. But I am encoraged about the future, I have lost 8lbs in 2 weeks!!!! YEAH!
#17
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Posted 19 July 2005 - 02:18 PM
I know where you are coming from. I am the single parent of 6 year old fraternal twins who are both autistic and I lost my husband to cancer two years ago. But I figure if I don't take care of me who will? I'm all my kids have left. So I try to get in some exercise every day. Sometimes its an exercise tape after they have gone to bed. Sometimes a walk at lunch time. Sometimes just dancing around with the kids. Good luck to you
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