How do you fit exercise in?

I have three dd's and work part time. I do a dance class one evening a week, I swim one morning and drop baby dd off at the crèche, and usually squeeze in two or three 30 minute runs during the week. Usually weekend mornings, plus I sometimes try and incorporate a run ending with picking the dcs up from the childminder. Good luck! For me it's a about routine, and looking at the week ahead and at your and your dh's schedule to see where you can fit in some exercise. Running is great for fitting in around family life.

I walk everywhere and i do pilates 5 times a week on the floor whilst ds 22 months is in his highchair next to me. This is when hes eating something that takes forever like toast.

Running I am seriously impressed!

I walked a lot (pram pushing) & cycled for local commuting (to shops) when DC were small. Had to wait until youngest was at least 6yo before I could do frequent aerobic exercise.

I work ft and have a 3 and 6 yo.

They stay at my mums 1 night a week so I either go that night or before work the next morning as no school run, then gym one day at the weekend for an our while they di something with their dad.

Other than that I I either do a YouTube video or just basic exercises at home, I have some free weights, 6kg ball and a kettlebell- that's all I need and just do 30 mins after the kids have gone to bed, or 1st thing

I'm in a very similar situation to you as regards having no time. I work FT, have 2 small DC, and evenings are out completely as I'm working on my MSc, as well as doing some other voluntary stuff.

So here's how I fit it in...
At weekends, I do Parkrun on a Saturday morning and run to and from the event, meaning about 5 miles in total. Home by 9.45am for a full day with the kids.

Sunday is long run day, and I go in the dark before the rest of the family are up. I run for a max of 3 hours/20 miles, and am home by 9am ish. That means I still get full weekends for family activities - we do a lot of climbing, biking, walking etc - as well as visiting friends and grandparents.

Weekdays are tougher to find time, as I can't do anything in the evenings. So I cycle to and from work, and run at lunchtimes. Even if I can only squeeze in a 30 min break, that's enough for a fast 3 miles and a super quick shower. Usually though, I take a full hour if meetings allow; which means I can go to the gym or do a proper run.

So on average I run 40-50 miles a week (less if I'm not in marathon training), plus gym once a week, and daily cycle commuting. It's hard to find the motivation sometimes, but it's worth the effort IMO.

We alternate bedtime duties, so on the nights that DH is doing bedtime I go to the gym for an hour then. I also go on saturday mornings when he's taking DS swimming. In your schedule it would mean you'd be spending less time doing something, but you might find that exercise energises you the rest of the time. It does for me. (The more I do, the more I want to do)
Maybe try and fit in a little bit for now, I'm assuming after May you'll be less pressured and be able to find more time for yourself.
Good luck with your course.

Realistically if you’re that busy it’s hard. Once your dissertation/course is done it will be easier. Can you go for a walk at lunchtime when you’re at work?

I run at the weekend and one other day during the week. I fit in a few 10 min ab/thigh workouts from YouTube in between.

Can you fit any walking into your commute as that's probably the easiest way to slot it in ?

No answers really but watching with interest. I'm heavily pregnant with number 2 at the moment. Like you I also have a 2yo, a job and a commute (no dissertation though!)

My plan is to get into running, as I figured i can do it right from my front door any time that suits. I'm also going to try doing some of the Joe Wickes youtube videos. Theyre only 15 minutes of hiit, so I'm hoping I can maybe get one done most days involving my toddler in it, or maybe while he is eating breakfast for instance.