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How can I build strength and fitness at home as a busy parent?

8 replies

Eileen101 · 26/05/2026 20:03

I am wanting to get a bit fitter as I am worrying that I will be losing muscle now and that I am destined for weakness in older age.
I am about to turn 40 and have ended up more sedentary than I ever have been. I used to be quite active before children- running, swimming, gym etc (although not weights, they're alien to me).
I am now a single parent to two small children with no evening childcare, so I can't go out in the evening. My job is full on (desk based) during the day so i can't go to the gym during the working day.
Saturday mornings are getting the kids to their sports, so that's parkrun out.

What can I focus on to improve my fitness and strength and prevent losing strength as much as possible in later years?
I don't have much spare cash so although I would love a PT, it can't happen for a long while. I can't go to the gym and would need a home workout for the evening.
Are there any particular channels I could follow? Any particular routines etc?
Grateful for any help from people in the know.

OP posts:
searchforthesun · 26/05/2026 20:54

Joe wicks and Caroline Girvan. Get yourself a few weights and bands.
I did it for 5 years when I couldn’t get to the gym and it was the fittest I’ve been. Good luck!

ButlerianJihadNow · 26/05/2026 20:58

Get a walking pad

Sartre · 26/05/2026 20:59

Treadmill, exercise bike or YouTube fitness videos are decent, also get some dumbbells and ask GPT to write a routine out.

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FionnulaTheCooler · 26/05/2026 21:00

Aldi have pilates stuff in for £5.99 each this week, I'd recommend the ring. Lots of pilates ring workouts on YouTube. Pilates has really made a difference to my muscle tone since I started going.

HeidiLite · 26/05/2026 21:21

Caroline Girvan is a good suggestion, get yourself a set of weights, maybe a kettlebell too, and you can do plenty at home. In your 40s you definitely need resistance training (weights) not to lose muscle.
Any chance to go to gym when kids are doing their sports on Saturdays`?

Buildingthefuture · 26/05/2026 21:34

Sydney Cummings. I LOVE her, free on YouTube, with some cheap weights from Amazon. I only train at home and she keeps me in good shape.

Theonewhogotthecake · 26/05/2026 21:46

It depends on space, but you can get a cheap stationary bike then pay for the peloton app for live and recorded classes.

anonhop · 26/05/2026 22:11

Bump up steps! We get off the train a stop earlier & then walk a mile home every day (with buggy)
walk during lunch hour
Also housework with a weighted vest.

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