Really struggling to start exercise again

[drspouse]

I did some 30 day shred in nap time last year and then C25K but then was quite ill off and on for about 4-5 months including a really nasty chest infection most recently.

So I've really only managed to do walking with the buggy recently (and DC1 is 4 and doesn't walk fast so if it's both DCs it's not really power walking!), I'm only just able to walk fast without getting out of breath and I'm always either at work (only work 3 days a week so can't really justify lunchtime exercise beyond going to the furthest sandwich shop), with the DCs (older one doesn't nap any more either) or knackered (evenings and weekends, and before the DCs wake up at about 6 ).

Unhelpfully I think some medication I'm on is increasing my appetite.

Any wonderful suggestions? Please?

It's hard! which is why we don't see many new Mums walking around with 6 packs. Don't beat yourself up, life has these ups and downs. Put all your effort in to nutrition if you want to see body changes, and fit in short home workouts when you can, you don't have to go out walking/running. How about planks, squats, jumping jacks etc. Just 10-15 mins will release those amazing endorphins that make you want to do more!

Keep the walking as a habit, it will make it easier to keep when the DC get quicker. Transfer DC1 to scooter or bike for brisker walks? Or take alonger term strategy? eg I want to do a 10k/50 mile bike ride in 3 years?

Does your DP know that you want to get fit again? I've only been able to get back into exercise with the help of mine, taking over with the children at weekends due a while and coming home early from work at least once during the week.

It's hard to exercise when you're knackered but once you get back into it, you'll have more energy.

Do you like gardening? I find that gardening is great exercise. Xx

I do a bit of gardening and DC1 loves to "help" but we only have a tiny yard.
DH kind of knows but at the moment I'm too knackered to make a plan to exercise so I don't ask him to help. I did sleep better last night though so maybe I can fit in an earlier stage of C25K today.
He commutes which doesn't help at all.
DC1 does have a balance bike which he's quite fast on. Hmmm I wonder if he can make it to the CM on it...

Hooray! I did a very short run.
In theory I can run once at weekends but if I'm completely knackered it's hard.

I've been doing HIIT workouts on YouTube - they only last 15/20 minutes, so quite easy to squeeze it into the day! I feel fitter than I did when I started.

Try googling HIIT workout for beginners.

Good luck, it's hard when you're knackered

I am not sure my fitness levels are up to anything "high" yet but I managed Pilates yesterday which I used to go to religiously, and summoned the energy to walk with the buggy into town twice today.

When my two were tiny I used to jog for twenty minutes on the spot in the lounge :) we used to have a wii fit so sometimes I would do it to that but sometimes just in front of the news. It actually worked and I lost weight and felt better generally.
Now I get up at 5.15 every day and take the dog for a jog. It keeps me sane :)

I'm not particularly fit either! I like HIIT workouts as you can do as much as you're comfortable with and build it up.

Hope you find something that suits you