I'm going out of my mind from stress. How on earth am I supposed to exercise when I'm getting my kids to school in the morning, working all day, and doing housework / homework / bedtime routine at night? Am I supposed to get up at 5:00a.m. and treadmill? Cause I'm sure not going to do it at 10:00p.m. I work through lunch, so walking at lunch isn't an option.
How do moms who work full time squeeze in a workout? P.S. I have a toddler who is extremely needy and will not leave my side for a second. If I get on the treadmill, he hops on too, which is dangerous. There is NO sitter at night and husband is AWOL (long story).
I'm overwhelmed and I feel like I'm destined to be fat because of my work & parenting responsibilities.
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For working moms: when do you exercise?
Started by Inkiri, Oct 04 2010 03:54 PM
16 replies to this topic
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Posted 04 October 2010 - 03:54 PM
Suffering the pain of regain. Back to square one - AGAIN! 165/156.4/135 First mini-goal: 150 by end of May!
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Posted 20 October 2010 - 11:18 AM
Hello., I'm a working full time mom( husband works long hours), almost a single mom to three boys aged 5, 7 and 13 .
As long as you squeeze at least 15- 20 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.
Do you take your kids to the park? Do you have a stroller? You can put your toddler in the stroller and just take them around the block a couple of times. When my boys were smaller that's what I did. Do not give up.
We make our own destiny.
Good luck to you.
As long as you squeeze at least 15- 20 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.
Do you take your kids to the park? Do you have a stroller? You can put your toddler in the stroller and just take them around the block a couple of times. When my boys were smaller that's what I did. Do not give up.
We make our own destiny.
Good luck to you.
Larisa
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joined Jenny Craig 10/11/2010
#3
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Posted 20 October 2010 - 01:48 PM
I want to say that I feel your pain. When I was working full-time with 2 children I was wiped out. I taught Kinder and I literally dropped with fatigue the minute I got in the door and then had to deal with my own children's wants and needs.
I managed to get in some exercise on the weekends and then tried to get some walking in on Thur. when I had a little more energy at the thought of the upcoming weekend.
Could you corral your kids to go to the park for 20 min on weekends? I used to chase mine around a little just to get some exercise in. You may need to forgo traditional exercise if your husband cannnot give you a break and be creative about how you squeeze it in. I would do floor exercises while my kids "worked out with me".
It is hard - there is no doubt about it - my best advice is work it in with the kids instead of trying to do it without them. I hope some of this helps - my best to you!
I managed to get in some exercise on the weekends and then tried to get some walking in on Thur. when I had a little more energy at the thought of the upcoming weekend.
Could you corral your kids to go to the park for 20 min on weekends? I used to chase mine around a little just to get some exercise in. You may need to forgo traditional exercise if your husband cannnot give you a break and be creative about how you squeeze it in. I would do floor exercises while my kids "worked out with me".
It is hard - there is no doubt about it - my best advice is work it in with the kids instead of trying to do it without them. I hope some of this helps - my best to you!
Kristin
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Posted 20 October 2010 - 01:56 PM
I totally empathize w/you guys. I couldnt imagine working all day and then coming home, taking care of the hubby & kiddo's then working out....................I applaud all you who do this!!! <raising glass>
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#5
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Posted 20 October 2010 - 02:12 PM
Oh, it's so hard, but makes you feel so good! It's been a while since my son was that little, but I do remember. Life revolves around getting the kids what they need, and then it becomes little league/swim team/soccer practice and meets on top of everything else.
For me, the only way to do it is to literally get up at 5 am (though now that he's a teenager, I get up at 6). I have a step and throw on a step aerobic dvd with a 30 - 45 minute routine (it's mix and match, so you can do more or less as you have time). My other favorite is yoga.
The best part is that it actually gives me more energy for my day this way. I could never do it at night. I wouldn't be able to get to sleep!
Hang in there...like Kristin says, any amount of movement is good. Don't be too hard on yourself. You've got enough stress as it is.
For me, the only way to do it is to literally get up at 5 am (though now that he's a teenager, I get up at 6). I have a step and throw on a step aerobic dvd with a 30 - 45 minute routine (it's mix and match, so you can do more or less as you have time). My other favorite is yoga.
The best part is that it actually gives me more energy for my day this way. I could never do it at night. I wouldn't be able to get to sleep!
Hang in there...like Kristin says, any amount of movement is good. Don't be too hard on yourself. You've got enough stress as it is.
Denise
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#6
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Posted 20 October 2010 - 03:18 PM
My husband takes our daughter to school in the morning - so I go to the gym at 5:00 AM before going to work at 7:30 AM every day. On the weekends I don't exercise because I get enough activity catching up on house work and doing things with the family.
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Posted 10 November 2010 - 07:28 PM
I do as well feel your pain....it is hard to struggle with everything. But remember that being busy with the kids and house stuff is burning calories as well.
It can be done....I was able to loose over 60 lbs with little to no excise. But......the down fall is that you will have extra skin....nice thought....but it happens and you will learn to find the time. I still feel guilty...because I work full time....want a clean house, clean car, clean kids, clean dogs....and taking time for me.....well something has to go.
Believe me.....it is not sleep. I did that like 2 times....hated every minute of it.
But is it true what you've heard.....you will be too tired to do exercise...but once you do...you will have more energy!
Good luck and stick with it.
My consultant would say to me.....not to beat myself up....you are busy enough.......
It can be done....I was able to loose over 60 lbs with little to no excise. But......the down fall is that you will have extra skin....nice thought....but it happens and you will learn to find the time. I still feel guilty...because I work full time....want a clean house, clean car, clean kids, clean dogs....and taking time for me.....well something has to go.
Believe me.....it is not sleep. I did that like 2 times....hated every minute of it.
But is it true what you've heard.....you will be too tired to do exercise...but once you do...you will have more energy!
Good luck and stick with it.
My consultant would say to me.....not to beat myself up....you are busy enough.......
#8
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Posted 14 November 2010 - 06:26 AM
I can totally sympathize. I am a working mom as well and have a beautiful 2 year old and a 4 year old. As much as I adore my children, they are major time consumers and energy depleters. Keeping up with the responsibilities of being a wife, mother and working full time is EXHAUSTING, especially if you want your house to be clean and have clean clothes in your closet. So, I am taking some advise that another JC member gave me...daily dance party with my kiddos, squats and pushups during ANY downtime (while talking on the phone, while your entree is microwaving, etc...), sit ups with my youngest on my legs. We live on a dirt road and our mailboxes are at the end of the road, so the kids and I now WALK to the mailboxes instead of picking up the mail on our way in or out in our car. We park in the very back of the grocery store parking lot and walk a farther distance. I took my 4 year old out to ride his bike the other day and ran beside him. This is my first week on the program but I have already found myself making some minor changes in my daily routine to squeeze in more activity. I am hoping these small changes will lead to big results!
Hang in there! Your children will only benefit from seeing their mom live a happier and healthier life! You are not destined to be fat, you are destined to be a HOT MOMMY!
Hang in there! Your children will only benefit from seeing their mom live a happier and healthier life! You are not destined to be fat, you are destined to be a HOT MOMMY!
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#9
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Posted 17 November 2010 - 08:46 AM
The little things add up! Parking further away from stores, walking to mailboxes, etc. I know one woman walks around her house. I did that once after hearing her describe doing it, when I was babysitting my 2 year old nephew. (My son is 17) My nephew thought it was funny, and would run up to the next corner of the house, so I'd run and chase him. He was ready to keep on doing this - over and over and over, lol. We did 8 rotations of the house in about 20 mins.
Another thing you could do, which would be like an extra workout, is put your toddler into a kiddie backpack and walk him while you're on the treadmill. My sister has been doing that. And it always puts my nephew to sleep, which is a bonus, lol.
My DH is starting an exercise/diet plan of his own, and he's been walking up and down the driveway as his exercise, or just doing 5 min intervals on the treadmill. He works full time and doesn't have tons of time to spare.
Another thing you could do, which would be like an extra workout, is put your toddler into a kiddie backpack and walk him while you're on the treadmill. My sister has been doing that. And it always puts my nephew to sleep, which is a bonus, lol.
My DH is starting an exercise/diet plan of his own, and he's been walking up and down the driveway as his exercise, or just doing 5 min intervals on the treadmill. He works full time and doesn't have tons of time to spare.
My Journey:
10/07/10 - SW 268.2
10/14/10: -8.4
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10/28/10:-4.8
11/04/10:-5 **20lbs gone!**
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11/18/10: -4
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Measurements:
11/04/2010: -9.3in
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12/30/2010: -8in
03/22/2011: -10.3in
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10/21/10: -2.8
10/28/10:-4.8
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11/11/10: -4.8
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12/16/10: -2
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12/30/10: -5 **50lbs gone!**
01/06/11: -3 ***HALFWAY!!!*** 54.8
01/13/11: -2
01/20/11: -1
01/27/11: -3 **60lbs gone!**
02/01/11: -1.5
02/08/11: -4
02/15/11: -3.6
02/22/11: -1 **70lbs gone!**
03/01/11: -0
03/08/11: -0
03/15/11: -0
03/22/11: -2
CW:195
Measurements:
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#10
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Posted 17 November 2010 - 09:46 AM
I work from home so I know it's not the same, but I still typically go to my local YMCA with kids after dinner and drop them off at "kid's club" and do an hour of zumba. On the days I can't go, I plan to be more active throughout the day. There are moments throughout the day you may be able to squeeze in a walk or plan on cleaning out something that is way past due like a closet, anything really to get yourself moving!
#11
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Posted 17 November 2010 - 03:39 PM
Bubele's suggestion is great. Many YMCAs have child care so you can work out and leave the kids to play for an hour or so (plus they also offer great parent and child activities to do together).
I know I can NEVER get up early to excersise, and - like you - cant manage it in the late evening. Hopefully you have a local center in your area - the fees are really low.
My daughter is now finally past the needy years, so I have that 20 minutes I can squeeze in when I get home from work, but I can recall the challenges of trying to meet fitness requirements with entertaining the kiddos.
Plus just think - all the chasing around the house after a toddler is getting you some workout no doubt!
I know I can NEVER get up early to excersise, and - like you - cant manage it in the late evening. Hopefully you have a local center in your area - the fees are really low.
My daughter is now finally past the needy years, so I have that 20 minutes I can squeeze in when I get home from work, but I can recall the challenges of trying to meet fitness requirements with entertaining the kiddos.
Plus just think - all the chasing around the house after a toddler is getting you some workout no doubt!
#12
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Posted 18 November 2010 - 12:56 PM
I cant do mornings =/ lol I get up at 7am take the kids to school, clean up the house or do the laundry etc. Starrt work at noon - and finish at 10pm. So as soon as I finish work - I throw the dishwasher on and run to the gym.. get home take a shower and try to get to bed fast LOL
I went to this gym since its open 24/7 so I can go whenever I can fit it in. I have two kids and a hubby so I do feel your pain!
I went to this gym since its open 24/7 so I can go whenever I can fit it in. I have two kids and a hubby so I do feel your pain!
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Posted 18 November 2010 - 02:03 PM
Thank you everyone! Very good suggestions. I live in a two story and my consultant suggested walking up and down when doing laundry. Like taking a piece of clothing down at a time. Parking further is a great way too and running around the house. 
good luck! Dont be too hard on yourself. doing squats and situps with the kids is fun too, they like to join in. Even a workout video, they like to dance to it.
good luck! Dont be too hard on yourself. doing squats and situps with the kids is fun too, they like to join in. Even a workout video, they like to dance to it.
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#14
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Posted 16 January 2011 - 05:05 PM
QUOTE(Inkiri @ Oct 4 2010, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm going out of my mind from stress. How on earth am I supposed to exercise when I'm getting my kids to school in the morning, working all day, and doing housework / homework / bedtime routine at night? Am I supposed to get up at 5:00a.m. and treadmill? Cause I'm sure not going to do it at 10:00p.m. I work through lunch, so walking at lunch isn't an option.
How do moms who work full time squeeze in a workout? P.S. I have a toddler who is extremely needy and will not leave my side for a second. If I get on the treadmill, he hops on too, which is dangerous. There is NO sitter at night and husband is AWOL (long story).
I'm overwhelmed and I feel like I'm destined to be fat because of my work & parenting responsibilities.
How do moms who work full time squeeze in a workout? P.S. I have a toddler who is extremely needy and will not leave my side for a second. If I get on the treadmill, he hops on too, which is dangerous. There is NO sitter at night and husband is AWOL (long story).
I'm overwhelmed and I feel like I'm destined to be fat because of my work & parenting responsibilities.
I sooooo feel you. And I'm married!!! I recently made virtually the same post on a different forum. IDK. I just do the best I can. I put on TV in the kids room and hope she stays there for more than 5 minutes. You're not alone. I'm stressing too.
Kisses from Wonderland!
#15
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Posted 16 January 2011 - 05:35 PM
QUOTE(Inkiri @ Oct 4 2010, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm going out of my mind from stress. How on earth am I supposed to exercise when I'm getting my kids to school in the morning, working all day, and doing housework / homework / bedtime routine at night? Am I supposed to get up at 5:00a.m. and treadmill? Cause I'm sure not going to do it at 10:00p.m. I work through lunch, so walking at lunch isn't an option.
How do moms who work full time squeeze in a workout? P.S. I have a toddler who is extremely needy and will not leave my side for a second. If I get on the treadmill, he hops on too, which is dangerous. There is NO sitter at night and husband is AWOL (long story).
I'm overwhelmed and I feel like I'm destined to be fat because of my work & parenting responsibilities.
How do moms who work full time squeeze in a workout? P.S. I have a toddler who is extremely needy and will not leave my side for a second. If I get on the treadmill, he hops on too, which is dangerous. There is NO sitter at night and husband is AWOL (long story).
I'm overwhelmed and I feel like I'm destined to be fat because of my work & parenting responsibilities.
Family walk after dinner?
Sure it will be toddler pace but it's something!
And wear a pedometer - you may be walking more than you think!
Since starting JC Jan 2 2010
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Posted 16 January 2011 - 07:30 PM
I know my situation isn't quite the same, since my kids are older, 16, 15, 13 and 9. But I felt guilty about leaving them in the evenings when I went to Zumba. But I bought a family membership to the rec center, where my class is. Now the kids go swim while I go to class, so they don't even care that I'm in my class. That's helped with my guilt feelings.
On days I can't go, I try to jump right onto the Wii when I get home and do either a 20 minute Zumba routine or play Just Dance. The kids love playing Just Dance with me too.
On days I can't go, I try to jump right onto the Wii when I get home and do either a 20 minute Zumba routine or play Just Dance. The kids love playing Just Dance with me too.
Becki
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Posted 19 January 2011 - 02:57 PM
Do not get discouraged about exercising. I too work full time and have 2 young boys who require a lot of Mommy time when I am home. The one thing that has worked for me is hooking up the Wii and playing with my boys. We even have tried out the new Biggest Looser game and my 5 year old was right there with me for 20 minutes. Its a great time to spend with your kids and get your exercising in. I also once or twice a week get up 15 min earlier and hop on the treadmill for 10 minutes. It gets me started for the day.
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