think i may cry at having to cancel my gym membership help me to find a cheap time effective allternative please

[mothersmilkandherchickenseggs]

due to me going back to college and dh being self employed and working really long hours and having 3dc's and not having much money or time at the mo its looking like we are going to have to ditch the joint gym membership as we just arnt able to utilise as we should. I honestly feel a bit down hearted about the whole thing as i love excersise (and the spa facilities) i find it hard to motivate myself at home to excersise i enjoy running but its too dark at the mo and iv no one to watch dc's whilst dh is working. If there is anyone who can advise on my predicament i would really apprieciate it. thankyou

I am in the same boat in having no time- I have 13 mo twins, DH works long hours and I work 3 x 12 hour days.

A DVD? I have Tracey Anderson's one but also lots of people say the 30 day shred is good. I also go for a quick run on weekend mornings when DTs are asleep (obviously DH is there too!)

Do you have a local council gym you could use on a pay as you go basis? Also some gyms have offers in January so maybe wait and see. Or join groupon as they sonetimes have good offers - I bought 6xpowerplate sessions for £24 recently

How about Parkrun on a Saturday moring- it's great and if you pair up with another runner you might be able to organise a run/ watch the kids in the park rota.

Surestart used to do exercise with Mum sessions and some dance studios organise kids dance lessons/ parents exercises sessions at the same time. I used to get my kids cycling down a safe cycle path whilst I ran or if you joined a running club you might feel safer running at night.

Do you have time for a run during the day? I'm a full time student, and have no partner to look after ds so I run each day while he's at school. I live close to uni though, so I end my run at home for a shower. It means I don't have as much time for study during the day, but I have all evening once ds is in bed.

thanks guys think I will try to start running sat and sun maybe move on to early morns if im brave enough its motivation I struggle with somehow going to the gym is like a break but working out at home is not I have got some jillian dvds and I know they get results but its just not the same you know? need to just man up and get over it really dont I?

I have a Gillian Michaels dvd but have been told that Tabata training is good, uick and effective.

Join a local running group - will make you get out there to run. Look into dvds and mix it up. Maybe consider investing in some kettlebells and get a friend to come over to train with you.

ps you may be able to find cheap gym/exercise classes through college when you start there.

Have you looked at the cheaper basic gyms? There are a few around here for £15ish... Pure gym, fitness for less etc.
They don't have the free towels and 100s of classes but they're ok.

I used to go to the gym, but much prefer my current routine of running and fitness dvds.

I can do either whenever is convenient for me. No travel to and from a gym.

I do hear WhT you say about running I'm the dark though. But,we have passed the shortest day now, so things are loolimg

Gah...

Looking brighter.

I use shred and ripped in 30, also Davina fit and an old turbo jam. I like to mix them up to prevent boredom.

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251413.php

never done this, but it's meant to work

I would second the weekend run. I have 3 dc's and my DH works long hours and is often abroad working. 2 of the DC are at school, but DD2 is 2 years old and with me all day. When it was spring and summer I would get up at 5:30 for 6am runs with a running partner. With it being so dark in the mornings (and currently 30cm deep in snow!) I have foregone the morning runs for weekend ones. I can't go as often, but I class it as my 'off' season and try not to stress too much about it. During the week you could try the workout DVD's as others have suggested. I've never enjoyed them personally, but I know people who swear by them. Actually, having said that, I LOVED doing Darcy Bussell's Pilates for Life DVD.

By the way, how old are your dc? I presume they are at school/nursery during the time you are at college - could you not fit in a quick 20 min run during breaks in your timetable? A few of those a week would be quite beneficial.

How about the boot camp classes in the park? Like military fitness ones? I think some of those run on weekends. If you google military fitness parks and put your location in then it gives you a list
Usually quite cheap too

www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-02-28/horizons-three-minute-exercise-plan

he also 'fasts' 500 cals 2 days a week