To think I can fit the gym in aswell??

[giraffes2021]

Wanting to join the gym me and my partner just for exercise purposes really!

However both feeling like when on earth do people fit it in? We've two small children 2&4 I work 3 days a week partner 5 days and we have a dog too!

Is it realistic to fit this in with school nursery and dancing class for eldest? Am I just trying to find an excuse or do people actually manage to get it in in their working week??

tbh, it sounds to me like there would be more appropriate ways to fit exercise into your routine, and cheaper ways too - but if you want to go to a gym, then its up to you.

I work 6 days a week. Me and DH alternate nights at the gym.

I wfh and go in my lunch hour, work 4 days and have dc in school and nursery. Try and do a run on the weekend as well. It’s really hard to fit it in to be honest! Sometimes I feel selfish going but it’s the only time I get to myself and it’s good for my mental health.

I combine dog walking with exercise so take them running, or I workout whilst they play in a field

I'd join all of you, then alternate who gets a workout while the other one takes them swimming because the kids get something out of it and although not much, swimming with the kids is still exercise plus, it tires them out too! This is what we do on the 50% of days I have the kids.

You can also go when the kids are in bed or early morning, again, alternating it.

You go in the morning while the other parent desks with the kids, or evenings. Or take kids to the pool or other activity on the weekend (or stay at home) and other person goes to gym. Take turns.

We have to leave the house at 7.30 in the morning so before work isn't an option I'm not an early bird! There is swimming at this gym for the kids so it does make it more appealing as can take the kids for free but it's still £60 a month! Lunch hours are a no go as I don't work close enough! Hmmmm hats off to those that go in a morning haha

I canx my gym membership because if this. I can't do early mornings

Some people are gym buffs and manage to fit it into what seems to be an already very full schedule. Others, including me, don't. You are best positioned to determine where you fit in.

Personally, I love working out at home. I do it first thing in the morning, before breakfast. There are many online trainers on YouTube. You need to find one that works for you.

If you're a beginner, try Lucy Wyndham Read and Rebecca Louise. Or Jo Wicks. If you are already fairly fit, there's Heather Robertson or Cindy Cummings or Growingannanas or Fitness Blender or Popsugar Fitness and lots of others.

If want to really challenge yourself, using dumbbells, Caroline Girvan is your woman - simply the best.

My husband and I work full time and have 2 children and a dog. I go to the gym 4 times a week for about 2-3 hours each time (that includes travel). I either time it so it’s when I’ve got to wait around for my daughter while she has dance class, or on the way home from work when my husband is already home.
It makes me so happy I’d give up a lot before I gave the gym up.

I brought a peloton, can fit working out around the kids!

With one child and flexible job I was able to gym regularly. Two DS and senior role I struggle I exercise from home on my breaks so any spare hour between meetings.

I go three times a week before work. Gym opens at 7 so as long as I’m there for opening and home by 8 DH can make his bus and I can get the kids to school.

i start work at 930 though.

Currently I work 32 hours/week, DH full time, we have two children who swim competitively (one swims 14 hours and the other 10 hours per week and nearly all their sessions are at different times!!). I have joined the gym where they train so often go to the gym or do virtual classes from 6am onwards. I’ll also go when they are training in the evening/weekends. It’s the only way to fit it all in.

@Blendandmix Any good? I'm planning on getting one once I've coverted the garage. Debating whether to get the real deal or a cheaper alternative.

I’m currently managing 4 times per week on average. When the kids were younger I’d go in the evening a couple of times/ week after work whilst DH sorted bedtime.

@TheRealKatnissEverdeen yeah fantastic! I was annoyed when my husband brought it but it's been an absolute game changer. The app is about £40 a month but has every class you could want. Couldn't be without it now!

They have some really good deals. The one with the rotating screen is so expensive and not worth it imo. The normal one is more than fine!

What do you want to do in a gym? What are your fitness goals?

I am at a 24hr gym, just equipment/weights and no pool etc. I chose it because I can walk to it and fits into my daily life so makes it easier to stick to.

I find choosing a gym that's easy to reach makes it better to arrange around work and childcare.

I only have one 2 year old but have just started going to a fitness class twice a week Monday and Thursday evening. Husband does bedtime and I sort the kitchen when I get home.
Pay as you go so no long term contract (husband has to do business trips so will miss a few weeks). A class is great as I feel I work harder than if I just went to the gym.
I work three days a week and husband full-time.

One partner watches kids while other goes gym

It depends how close it is and what your schedule is like as to whether you could fit it in (and whether you want to).

I go to the gym 4 times a week (usually 3 sessions at 6am during the week and one weekend session whenever I have time). I work 3.5 days a week (but have pre schooler at home so no daytime time during the week) and DH is full time. He usually cycles or runs rather than gym work. That works for us but obviously you'd have to figure out what would work for you.

@Blendandmix Tnx. Sounds ideal. I did figure in for a penny in for a pound. I reckon that will whip me back into the shape I need. I'll definitely do the monthly membership too.

I've just signed up to two months free peleton membership. I do the exercise classes through my firestick but ones without treadmill or bike. Classes include HIIT, shaddowboxing and other cardio plus yoga and pilates. There's weights too if you have those at home. My plan is to see if I stick to it for two months then will pay for membership. Might invest in the equipment later down the line if I stick it out.

Not sure how accurate this is but I heard peleton are in financial difficulties and there are concerns they might go bust which leaves people with expensive equipment in a rubbish position.

Get a rowing machine. Works almost every muscle

I'd love a peleton but they ain't cheap are they!!
Defo some food for thought here! Haha