How do you fit in exercise with young children/work?

[lechatnoir]

I'm looking to get back into running after a 6 year break and but now have young children & work part time so wondering how/when I'm going to fit it in? When do you all exercise and how often?

[Beamur]

My exercise routine has gone out of the window I'm afraid. I manage one class a week if I'm lucky, although I'm generally pretty active.
You need to be organised and ruthless and have a supportive OH or access to creche/babysitting.

[dontpetthesweatythings]

Hello, I try to do things like body resistance stuff (push ups, tricep dips, crunches, plank etc) at home in the evening for 15 minutes as you don't need a gym to do that. I go to my work gym during my lunch hour a few times a week at work. I wouldn't be able to go to a gym after work or at the weekends! Have you got a gym near where you work at all where you could visit?

[PutIcecubesDownTheVestOfFear]

I walk for about 40 mins everyday to get places, just as part of my daily routine, which counts as exercise for me! I also do 15mins-30mins exercise most days at home, alternating between a ballet DVD and a Pilates DVD. And I do some sit ups most days, whenever I can fit them in. It's all about getting into a routine - as soon as you stop it's really hard to start again for some reason.

[YusMilady]

I cycle to work!

[onedev]

I work full time & run after work 2-3 times per week for between 30 mins & an hour whilst DH is putting the boys to bed. I also do a longer run on a Sat or Sunday.

My DH is v supportive of me doing it so it's not an issue. When on maternity, I went to the gym but struggle to find time for that which is why I run so much now. I also do proper press ups after each run, but could do with more weights sessions (but I dont have the motivation for that!).

[indiegrrl]

I quite enjoy the fact my exercise routine is disrupted some of the time, as it makes me exercise at different times of the day and stops things getting boring. I try to think that instead of opening the biscuit tin I'll go for a run. But tbh, I also get up really early to run 4 days per week and am lucky enough to live near a yoga studio offering classes at all hours of the day, so try to get down there when I can.

[TheArmadillo]

I do weight lifting at home 3 nights a week (when dc in bed), we walk everywhere and I'm starting to cycle - on my own if I can, but I have a baby seat for dd and hoping to get a bigger bike for ds tomorrow so he can go further as his is a bit too small.

I do mini challenges supposedly monday to friday but usually 3-4 days. Start with 150 (different exercise each day) and add 10 every week. Yesterday was leg lifts (used to be ab crunches) today is lunges (75 per leg/150 total) was squats previously. I break them up throughout the day if necessary.

I used to do dvds - 45min circuit training or 30min tae bo.

[TheArmadillo]

should mention I live on a network of cycle tracks (one runs behind my house) so I don't cycle on the road with the kids or by myself as I am a coward

[MarianForrester]

I find it really difficult and very much miss my classes at the gym.

And am too tired early morning or at night. It's rubbish

[Neeko]

I took up running in June because my Dh's job means that he could never guarantee to be home in time for me to make a class. I go out in the evenings three tmes per week and, occasionally if I can get away early, I'll go out on the way home from work before I pick up the kids.
I find if I change into my running gear around tea tme it stops me from giving in to the lure of the sofa once the kids are in bed.

[BsshBossh]

Early in the morning before work and school run. DH looks after DD (and gets himself and herself ready) and I relieve him at 8 so he can go to work. I do drop off at 9 though so still have time to shower etc.

[BsshBossh]

I'm a lark though. I know a few working mums who run at night after kids in bed and their OHs are home.

[Catandthecream]

I have a creche at my gym open all day for my almost 2 year old, plus I go to classes late at night and weekends when DH is home and kids are in bed (he would moan otherwise). 3-4 spinning and 2-3 pilates classes a week. The creche is a godsend.

[Idocrazythings]

I go to boot camp at 6am 1x week and another one at 7pm.

Then I run on 3 other days- I negotiate a time slot on the weekend with DH with what suits both of us, go at 5.45am for another-DH leaves house about 7.15am) and either just before dinner (dish it up for them all- then I eat later) and DH will then do baths, ill be back to put them to bed, or after bedtime- when the days are long.

[tulip27]

I get up at 545 and run 4 days per week for an hour and I brought a spinning bike on ebay which I use three times a week and just organise the children into an activity in the same room so I can still supervise them. I also use the swiss ball twice a week with a DVD and go to the gym 2 evenings when the children are being put to bed by DH.