Exercising at home

[Oubliette0292]

DH recently started a new job and now commutes to London. I also work FT and am responsible for getting DD and DS to and from their schools. I really need to do some exercise, but can't find time to go out and do it (no childcare and DH leaves early and gets back late). Any suggestions for how to exercise without leaving the house?

Running. Either at the weekend or before dh leaves / after he gets back. Or with dcs scooting along.

I run once at the weekend and dcs go to breakfast club one morning so that I can run before work.

Would love to but not practical (DH out of house from 06:20 to 21:00 most days - might manage a run before bed in the summer but don't feel safe out in the dark in winter). He has DC on Sunday am so I can go swimming but need some mid-week exercise too.

There's lots of good work out dvd's out there you could try - have a look on Amazon and try what takes your fancy. Doesn't have to be the latest fad, so you don't have to spend a fortune. I used to do Billy Blanks Tae Bo - pretty cheesy American 'c'mon guys!' but they're a good workout.

You could always put your own body weight session together as well. Even a 20min session can work wonders 3 or 4 times a week. You can mix squats, jumping squats, burpees, press ups, tricep dips off a chair, planks etc. Do the same routine for a week and then change the exercises so you don't get bored. Don't need any equipment and there's so much variety of exercises - Google for new ideas. That way as well you can do when kids are asleep in your own time. Can be quite hard to motivate yourself sometimes (been there!) but you feel great after, especially if you can get it out the way in the morning

Anything by Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper will be good, if you are already quite fit try Insanity, T25 or P90X1, P90X2 or the new P90X3 is very good. P90 if you are new to exercise.

I used to have an exercise bike for when the kids were in bed. Either put on some music, or watch tv while doing it. You cant use bad weather as excuse for not doing it.

I do my arms every other day - lifting up and down using a chair.

Will be using exercise bike daily when we've got the room for it.

Looking into yoga or pilates if anyone can recomend a dvd or book?

Thanks for the advice - I will look into getting some exercise DVDs (and possibly se kind of exercise mat). I have space for exercise equipment, but don't want to buy something I won't use (and can't justify the expense of buying an erg at the moment which is what I really want - in the days before kids I was a serious rower)! I am worried about how motivated I will be - especially after a full day at work followed by sorting out homework and supper for the DC. I used to find keeping an exercise diary really helped, so will try that and see how it goes.

Lyn Robinson Pilates is quite good for a home workout, probably of you've done Pilates before.

I am also liking Tara Lee yoga atm.

And there are loads of those ten minute workout DVDs on amazon dead cheap. I have got a couple of different ones, kick boxing and a danceyourself thin one. All good fun.

I need different ones at home as I get bored quickly. Usually do a mixture.

Dcs have made me promise never to do my new found dance moves in public though...

If you have sky there are a couple of fitness channels with various types of fitness routine programmes.

Try looking on Pinterest in the fitness section. There's load of ideas and monthly challenges which are short and sweet and therefore may keep you interested.

Rather than going for a full blown workout you could do some sit ups, press ups, plank etc whilst watching the tv

have a look on youtube, sometimes some of the exercise dvds have been uploaded there then you can check them out without buying them and never using them

Just thought I'd come back and update my old thread. Although I was sceptical about exercise DVDs, I have to admit I'm a convert! I'm currently working my way through 30 Day Shred. I'm surprised at how easy fitting 30 min of exercise into my day has become. I've gone down a dress size since January, and I'm certainly feeling more toned.

Thanks for all the suggestions and support!

After you have done the shred, try you tubing and doing Jillian's ripped in 30, it runs along the same principle. It's certainly working for me, I am now sporting toned arms (never had those before),and have also never lost the baby weight this quickly (he's 14weeks) :). Well done on the weight loss!!