To think getting enough exercise is ridiculously hard?

[lemonzest123]

I'm on my way home from work and I'm supposed to be going to a training session this evening at 8pm...first one of the course, the only sport I truly, truly love. Except I'm not going to go because I'm so exhausted I could fall asleep right here and now if I shut my eyes.

I don't even have DC! I just work (45 hours per week plus some evenings) and spend a lot of time with my DH and DF on weekends, which involves quite a bit of travelling around.

Does anyone actually get the required 30 mins 4 times a week?? Please tell me I'm not alone.

Feel like a lazy slob!

Sorry but I think most people are intrinsically lazy when it comes to exercise and make excuses

Of course there will be 11,000 piling on to the thread saying they work 22 hours a day and volunteer for charity to other 2 leaving literally no time for themselves but in reality people do have time.

I think it really helps to get in to a routine though. You'd feel so much better if you just went to the 8pm class....

I agree I am either at work or here looking after my kids. I probably could do an exercise DVD when they're in bed but I can never get motivated.

It's really, really hard! I try to do T25 twice a week, yoga once a week, swimming once a week and then go for a big long walk on the beach with DH at the weekend. Am currently pregnant though so the T25 has been ditched regularly and it's so hard to motivate myself to replace it.

Anyway, usually the T25 helps me as I can do it at home and it really does only take 35 minutes, no faffing about driving somewhere etc. Seems much less effort somehow.

Yes I do. No DC here which helps obviously. I do shift work but usually go around 6:30pm or 9:30am. I don't always feel like it and I do feel shattered, also due to long hours, the heavy workout and the environment I work in but when I get there I enjoy it. Plus I feel great afterwards. I actually find it builds up my energy levels.

GO TO YOUR CLASS!!!

I was ker-nack-ered earlier. Felt like I'd been up all night crying. Exhausted. Could have fallen asleep on the washing line.

I DRAGGED myself to Crossfit. One foot in front of the other and LOVED it.

Got swept up in the moment, didn't I. Feel most virtuous now. And even more knackered (and fucking sore TBF) but I ain't pissed off with myself.

GET YOUR SORRY ARSE TO CLASS!!

I do. I have to force myself to do it sometimes through the exhaustion but I make sure I do it!

I think the point is that it doesn't have to be 30 minutes at the gym, doesn't have to be 30 minutes in one go either. Anything that raises your heart rate and makes you breath harder, while still able to hold a conversation, is adequate. Walk up and down the stairs on your lunch break, do some energetic hoovering etc.

I do, I go to the gym 5-6 times per week for 45 mins. I work full time and have one dc. I have to force myself there sometimes but it is worth it.

It is hard. It helps to have a job where you are on your feet - I cover miles a day in a hospital. Sometimes cycle to work but am very fair weather. Gym at weekends. Children are 9 and 14 and so I can go (v supportive DH). Used to run but bad Achilles so can't. Agree hard to motivate in evenings! Go gym wed when older DD goes swimming too as in same sports centre. Though I'd rather sit with a costa and mumsnet!

You'll never regret a workout.

I do an hour and a half in the gym on a Monday morning then a 45 minute Zumba class. Pilates and an hour in the gym on a Wednesday and I swim for half hour on a Monday night (I pay for swimming lessons)

I really have to force myself to go but always feel better once I've been.

Is 45 hours the norm? I only work 40 hours per week plus we get one hour exercise during office hours as a gift, if we decide to use it. (Thus 39 hours.)

It gets easier once in a routine

Put down that phone or switch off your device and just do it! you will sleep better and rightly feel smugger than smug!

It is crucial to accept short sessions are better than nothing. I now tend to fit in 20-30 minutes at home while DC are watching their bedtime to programme.

Before I did nothing because I thought I needed 45-60 minutes without DC to either go out for a run or go to the gym. Which isn't realistic given my current circumstances ..

I think probably YABU actually. It just depends on how high a priority exercise is for you. Most people could probably fit in a 20 minute high intensity exercise dvd, circuits session or bodyweight strength session at home most days if they really really wanted to. 20 minutes is nothing, but doing it every day would be enough to make a real difference to fitness.

YANBU in thinking that getting scheduled sport is difficult to fit in. I try to use the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or bike at least part of the way to work.

I took leave this afternoon because I was falling asleep (menopause is great) - but made myself go and run this evening - go on get to your class - you'll feel better for it

(and yes I manage 4.5 hours of running, aerobics and weights a week)

lemonzest yes, I get more than 30 mins (more like 45 mins to 60) at least 5 times a week but more often 6 - 7. I know how good it makes me feel and it's a habit. It has to become part of your routine. For me, it's been a regular thing for around 25 years (am late 40s).Now I have 2 DCs at school and I work 3 days a week, so being organised helps. I would only miss a workout if I logistically can't make it work with childcare / work commitments etc (for example if my DP is not around) or if either me or one of the DCs was really unwell. Getting it out of the way first thing in the morning helps. I'm bloody knackered by the time the DCs are in bed, no way could I go out in the evenings to exercise.

Agree with SinglePringle - you will feel better afterwards - more energetic - JUST GO!
Much harder with DC as someone has to be at home all the time, sometimes I will take one on their bike while I run if no alternative. But I cycle to work which helps as well. Many would drive this distance (about 2 miles), so that's a choice.

Okay MN! If I Uber there I may just make it on time!

can I have Mac and Cheese and watch Bake-off afterwards?

You really don't need that much exercise to be fit and healthy. In fact there was recently an article showing that 50+ year olds actually got fitter by reducing exercise from 3-4 hard workouts per week to 1 hard workout, a weights session and generally walking more.

It is also important to 'listen' to your body.

I do but it took me til I was 37 years old to get into it so absolutely no judgement from me. What helped me is the knowledge that the less exercise I do the MORE tired I feel generally. Exercise gives me energy. It's counter intuitive after a long day at work I know though.

The only way it works for me at the moment is slotting exercise intoy everyday life. I cycle to work. I try to walk everywhere with the kids. I have an allotment I do some work in weekly. The kids and I do silly dancing in the loving room.

It isn't ideal. I miss swimming but just can't seem to motivateyself on the couple of days a week that I have some time in the evenings. I also miss the relaxing aspect of focusing on exercise, it used to be my time for myself!

You are actually motivating me to reprioritise exercise!

I work full time and have two kids under 4. But I know that exercise gives you energy, it doesn't take it away!

Go to your class!

Nooooo my stupid Uber is going the wrong way! I really want to go now and they don't let you in of you're late!