I know it sounds like I'm making excuses...

[ameliarose2012]

But I really don't know where to find the time to exercise! Before I had DD I used to be a member of a gym, and run twice a week with a local club. I really miss it.

My problem is that, in order to cut down on childcare, my DH works evenings while I work the 9-5. I leave the house at 7, and he doesn't get home 'til 1030. That's 4 days a week. On a Wednesday he's home, but I have a driving lesson. At the weekends we are always on day trips with DD, so don't seem to get chance.

I've started doing a short run 2 days a week to the childminders. It's only 10 mins though, so not very far! Can anyone suggest ways I can fit more in?

At the weekend, go for a run first thing while dh gets your dd fed/dressed etc, or in the evening while he does bath.

Could you do a bit of a loop on the way to the childminders to extend your run?

Take dd to the park, dh watches her and you do intervals up and down?

Go to an off road cycle hire place and put dd in a trailer while you and dh cycle?

Swimming, take it in turns to do lengths? Or push dd in a swim ring in front of you (this is hard work!)

DH and I bought a turbo trainer, so we can cycle train in the evening which was pricey to buy (though we paid with vouchers I won on MN), but has been great

Theres lots of way to build a bit of exercise in, you just have to get a bit more creative!

Look on ebay or freecycle for a treadmill, rowing machine or exercise bike. I got a rowing machine off ebay for £11 and I use it in the evenings when the DDs are asleep, or in the mornings when they're awake but then I have to watch My Little Pony while I row.

Hula hoop. Weighted. I swear by it. Not very expensive from amazon. Good for doing in a small amount of time.

Could you plan a regular weekend activity for dh and dd and you could exercise while they do that? My dd has swimming lessons on Saturday mornings, dh always takes her while I do a class at the gym. Other than that, you can do plenty in your living room after your dd goes to bed - google fitness blender for lots of workouts you can do with minimal space.

Oh that fitness blender is awesome! Have already done a workout thanks!

You are on day trips all day every Friday and Saturday? After working a full week? 1. That sounds exhausting! 2. When do you get time for yourself? Exercise is like brushing your teeth, don't think of it like another chore to try to incorporate into your week, it's what you do to look after yourself and your health. If you have very little time, you have to make it count. 15 minutes is all you need if you go at it hard and make it varied. Unfortunately Hula hoops, belly dancing, lolling about in a pool, rollerblading, brisk walking, walking the stairs instead of taking the lift, and all these that give an appearance of exercise are not going to cut it. Yes, better than sitting on your arse, but won't get you fit or make you lose weight. No, you have to work at it and accept to be uncomfortable. As an example

1. Warm up with 5 minutes of Shuttle runs on the street, park, or garden with increasing pace, sub for skipping with a skipping rope if indoors, then 5 mins of mobility exercises - dynamic stretches, squats, shoulder rotations.
2. Set a timer for 8 , do as many rounds as you can in 8 minutes of:

6 burpees 9 push ups 12 air squats 15 sit ups Don't stop during those 8 minutes, keep moving. At the end you should be lying on the floor in a pool of sweat. That's 13 minutes, 3 times a week, make every workout different, vary time domain, movements, repetition creates plateaus as your body adapts. Lots of stuff online, pinterest is great for ideas.

I'm with CMOT on the weekend first thing idea. As the days get longer i find going for a run first thing works for me as does a static bike at home when it's bucketing it down outside
Walking every chance you get is also a good one and here's another vote for fitness blender- brilliant! You don't need lots of space or equipment. The upper body and core workout requires only a bed or coffee table and dumbells. Hopefully you can find what works for you