How Do You Find Time to Exercise?

Updated on June 07, 2009
M.A. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

Hey moms,

I'm a fitness professional and I write about health related topics on an online news site. I am writing a 'tips' article about how moms find time for fitness. In particular, how do you find time for exercise when the kids are home for summer vacation and you have little or no childcare!? Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Chicago on

I'm a mother of 3 . . .21,18 and 2 (soon to be 3--all girls). Imagine the rebound I had to make. I went from a size 10 (which is a pretty decent size saying that I'm an African-American woman)to an 18!!! I know right. But, what I found what truly and sincerely worked for me was to simply MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF! It wasn't easy, but it was that simple. I sat down one day and realized how I was taking care of everyone else except me. No one will take care of you better than you! Grab a hold of that concept and you'll make the time. By the way, I'm a size 14 now with an active membership at Bally's, work a full-time job, have my own at-home business as well, and my 2 year old is as active as she wants to be. So, yeah, I think you can make the time. Hope I motivated ya'! ;)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Exercise and proper nutrition are an absolute priority for me and I have made a lifelong commitment to both. Right now, the best time for me to workout is in the morning, so that means I exercise at work before my work day begins. What I like best about it is that I avoid traffic because I leave so early plus it is 90 minutes that I have all to myself to make me a stronger, healthier, and happier woman - which makes me a better mother! Plus, when I get it all done in the morning that means that I have all the time when I get home from work to spend with my kid and don't have to worry about trying to fit in the workout.

During the summer (I'm a teacher), I get to the gym and fit in my workout before my child wakes up (dad doesn't leave til I get home). If time is tight, I shorten or save my cardio until I get home and chase my kid around the backyard or take him on a power walk or jog.

To me, exercising and eating properly are just as important as getting 8 hours of sleep and breathing. Given the horrible epidemic of obesity and inactivity in this country, I want my child to see someone who models positive, healthy behavior and that really motivates me as well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.V.

answers from Chicago on

I am a morning person as well and the gym opens up at 5am and I do a quick/superset gym routine which also gives me cardio benefits 4-5 times a week. I also have the gear for the baby to be outside everyday-when I am power walking, I am multi tasking-making phone calls, listening to conference calls and just generally using every minute. During the winter months I do more yoga indoors and rebound. You can always find 20 minutes at least 2 to 3 times per day. It is all about planning and not giving excuses!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Chicago on

Brisk walks in the stroller and their nap time was my exercise time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.A.

answers from Chicago on

Personally, I am a morning person, and the rest of my family is not. During the school year, I need to leave at 7:30 a.m., so I end up getting up between 5 and 5:30 in order to exercise. Luckily, I bought a treadmill many years ago, and it really came in handy when the kids were babies-didn't have to tote them to the gym... just had the baby monitor right next to the treadmill and crossed my fingers I could finish my workout before they woke up!

Although I don't have to get up quite so early in the summer, I try to keep my schedule so that I'm consistent... I also swim occasionally, and the Y near me opens at 5:15am, so I can go and be back before my husband is up, usually.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Chicago on

My kids (5 and 3) sleep at 7:30.. so I work out after they go to bed. I usually run outdoors (my husband's home) or do an exercise video!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches