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AIBU?

To think you can't fit in exercise around work/children?

131 replies

PostmanPatisacrappostman · 16/07/2017 21:06

If you manage to, how do you do it?

I'm looking for inspiration, I'm working albeit part time and have two young children. Desperately need to do some exercises to tone up.

I've got exercise DVDs but have no motivation to do them. I really want to get out in the fresh air.

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NapQueen · 16/07/2017 21:07

Can you part walk/part public transport or drive halfway and walk?

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NapQueen · 16/07/2017 21:07

I mean to abd from work.

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Dozyoldtwonk · 16/07/2017 21:07

Get up earlier, work out before DCs wake.

Do you have a DH who could watch the children whilst you go out to exercise, in the evening?

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megletthesecond · 16/07/2017 21:09

You can if you lower your housework standards and reduce your social life a bit. I'm a total lp and manage a couple of classes a week and the odd parkrun.

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Bestbees · 16/07/2017 21:10

I work 3 days a week and have 3 year old twins. Most nights i run or swim. I tag team wih husband, when he gets in at 6 he does bedtime whilst i exercise. We often do yoga together in the evening.

We have it quite easy in terms of small commute and husband runs at lunch time so he can fit it in. However i think what makes the difference is considering exercise not as an extra but an essential. I am no gym bunny, but regular exercise is good for body and soul. You wouldnt say i dont have time to eat (usually). So a change of mindset is what meant i managed it. Hope that makes sense!

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Llanali · 16/07/2017 21:10

6am runs and 11pm gym sessions here. I've just got in from a 12k cycle, I left after DC were asleep.

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areyoubeingserviced · 16/07/2017 21:11

Get up earlier. I wake up 4am.

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PostmanPatisacrappostman · 16/07/2017 21:11

Unfortunately I can't work to and from work because there just wouldn't be enough time. I get up at 6, leave house 7.15 to drop kids at 7.30, arrive at work for 8.

I could get out in the evenings, have dh back from 7 but it's so hard to motivate myself by then.

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AtSea1979 · 16/07/2017 21:12

I joined an expensive gym which had childcare, there are cheaper ones like virgin active that have crèche too.

When they were older about 5 ish I did the couche to 5k in a local group. My DC ran along side me, they were faster than me!

I took them swimming and stuck them in a rubber ring and swam with them etc

Got a bike with kids seat and cycled the local canal.

Went horse riding whilst they sat in buggy and now in car etc (obviously old enough to regulate temperature and get out etc)

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FusionChefGeoff · 16/07/2017 21:12

I started couch to 5k in January. It's 30 minutes start to finish inc warm up and cool down. I'd get up at 6.45 straight into running kit, out of the door by 7. DH does breakfast for kids, I'm back by 7.30 jump in shower, ready by 8 to tag team as DH leaves.

Obviously you might need to get up earlier but it was just so 'doable' and made me feel great for the rest of the day.

Plus I then got the running bug after doing that for a few weeks. Now I love it and it's easy to make room for something you love!!

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NotTheDuchessOfCambridge · 16/07/2017 21:12

Look on You Tube for HIIT sessions, plenty of body weight ones or ones using basic home furnishings such as chairs. They take between 10 mins and 30 mins to do. Kayla Itsines, the Body Coach etc.

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user1497480444 · 16/07/2017 21:12

there is stuff you can do in front of the tv in the evenings, exercise bike? if you can afford the money/ space. If not, there are other exercises with cheaper and smaller equipment

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user1497480444 · 16/07/2017 21:13

do you walk to work?

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Andcake · 16/07/2017 21:13

Early is fine in summer I am screwed after the clocks change. Feels indulgent / vain to leave do with someone else to exercise as see so little of each other as I work.

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sparechange · 16/07/2017 21:13

Body Coach workouts on YouTube
20 mins per day with no equipment needed. Super easy to follow so you can do them in the park or garden with your phone nearby

And walking. Aim for your 10,000 steps a day (12k is even better) and walk part of your commute to get to your target

How old are your kids? Will they cycle or scoot with you while you run? The good ol' couch to 5k programme is great

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SuperBeagle · 16/07/2017 21:13

Yes, you can.

I swim twice a week and walk the dogs twice a day every day, with the exception of the mornings I swim because DH takes them for a walk then. I swim at 5:30am, as soon as the pool opens.

A lot of people are not morning people so exercising in the afternoon/at night works better for them, but I am a morning person so it suits me well to swim first thing in the morning.

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anniroc · 16/07/2017 21:13

Definitely HIIT sessions.

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Groupie123 · 16/07/2017 21:13

Sorry but that's a bullshit excuse. You can lose weight as a parent you just have to be really organised and fit it into your day to day life. Get a step-counter/fitbit and start by getting your 10k steps per day. Then work on your diet.

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BeepBeepMOVE · 16/07/2017 21:14

How small are DC? Can they join in with you? Fun circuits and such? Or take them to the park and workout next to the play area if they are old enough to not need constant supervision. If they are small then power walk buggy uphills, get a bike with a kiddy trailer thing and tow them around.

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FusionChefGeoff · 16/07/2017 21:14

What's your routine on non working days? Could DH pick up the morning stuff then so you can get out?

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Vonklump · 16/07/2017 21:16

I used to get up twenty minutes earlier and squeeze a quick workout in.
I loved it. It meant when I got the children up I was fully awake and had had a little time without"Mummy, can you just....."
Also used to make me feel slightly smug that I had already done some exercise and could now not think"I should really do some exercise," for the rest of the day.

Before six would be painful though.

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Ilovecoleslaw · 16/07/2017 21:16

Op i don't think your problem is fitting it in, I think it's a motivation problem

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rosy71 · 16/07/2017 21:16

How old are your children & do you have a partner? If you do , then just leave him with the children. If not, do they go to school/nursery? Could you go then? Or fit in with them. I used to swim whilst they had swimming lessons & cycle with one riding & one in the seat on the back. Now, I run whilst they play football & squash.

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Onetedisbackinbed · 16/07/2017 21:17

Cycle to work with youngest on the back of my bike. Park run every week

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PostmanPatisacrappostman · 16/07/2017 21:18

I suppose non work days I could get up early and run, dh leaves 7.30 but I could do school run in exercise gear.

My eldest could exercise with me but youngest is still a toddler so more tricky.

A lot of it is just excuses/tiredness.

Bestbees I take point of seeing exercise as essential.

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