How do you stay in shape?

[SixFootMum]

How do you other busy, tired mums find the time, motivation and energy to excercise? What do you do? Would love some tips or insights into how you stay in shape whilst raising kids.

I have a 2 yr old and a 4 month old, and I look after them full time. I’m up multiple times at night, don’t stop all day, and by the evening can barely find the energy to have a shower! I want to be fit and strong for my kids and for myself, but how on earth do I do it?!

Pushed the double buggy long distances.

Have to admit I did not get fit when mine were tiny but did do a lot of pushchair walking.

It sounds like you could do with a break though. Could your partner look after them for half an hour each day before or after work so you can do an exercise dvd or go for a jog and then have a shower? on rest days you could have a nap, or relaxing bath during that time too. It is possible to do that stuff with them around (walking while they are in buggy for example) but nice when you know they are being looked after and you can just switch off. The advantage of these types of things over the gym is that you don't spend lots of time getting to and from the gym so it isn't a huge amount of time to fit in - could literally be 20 minutes exercise 10 minutes for shower.

I think there are more and more mum and baby activities around though, if your 2 year old is going to a playschool that might be an option for you to take a class just with the baby- buggy fit or mother baby yoga etc. Creche at a gym might be another possibility?

Good luck, go for it, especially if you find the exercise makes you feel stronger/ refreshed etc. But don't feel pressure to get fit if you are not ready as sleepless nights and looking after 2 young babies is a lot to cope with.

Good thought about the double buggy

I find it
dead easy - as long as the required shape is round 😆😕

Sorry didn't mean to post unnecessary smileys. Car sat on the iPad

Cat ffs

... sorry, currently typing one handed with a baby on the chest ... Don’t own a double buggy yet, have just been wearing the baby in a carrier with toddler in the pram, but baby’s getting bigger and not so practical doing this all the time. Must head down the research rabbit-hole and find a good double pram.
I really appreciate the full, thoughtful response. Thank you much, those are good ideas! Organisation is so key, I am realising...

Ahaha! Yep, ‘round’ is pretty much my only attainable shape right now. Between cats and babies it’s a miracle any of us get anything typed at all...