How do I fit exercise in my daily routine?

[Halfling]

Please can I ask for some advise and help. I am 43 yo, with two DS (8 and 14 yo). My DH travels a lot for work and I am in a senior high pressure role myself. I have never really exercised previously in my life.

Due to a variety of health issues (obesity, pre diabetes, hormonal imbalance, knee pain) I have been asked by my GP to exercise.

I grew up outside of UK in a country where physical sports and outdoor activities for girls were discouraged, so never really built up an exercise routine or went to gym, pool etc.

I don't have the time or motivation to go to gym due to really long hours at work and DH working away. I try to do some yoga and cardio from YouTube but always end up skipping exercise on most days. Life seems such an endless cycle of work, chores, parenting that I really don't know how other people manage to train for marathons and work out regularly. How do they find the time

Has anyone been like me previously and has now gone on to incorporate regular exercise in their lifestyle? What has helped you to stay motivated? Will really be grateful for any tips and pointers. Thank you.

I'm currently doomscrolling on the foldable exercise bike that I bought from Argos during lockdown. It's a foldable one and lives in the kitchen. I have an interval timer on my phone, and am currently doing a high interval for 1 minute, low interval for 90 seconds, repeat. I usually also put a cheesy film on, tonight it's The Proposal.

I do my exercise during my lunch hour. I either go for a run or go to a class at the gym. Things that help are:

1. Figuring out when is the best time for you. I am not a morning person so getting up early to do it would be horrendous for me. I feel much better about myself since I accepted this!
2. Making it a habit by having a routine, including getting your clothes ready etc. It's automatic for me to pack my gym bag before work every night.
3. Making it social by doing it with other people.
4. Setting a goal. I have just signed up for a half marathon. Before this I was always making excuses and therefore only exercising on average 1-2x per week. Now I am doing ~4x per week.

If you work from home then I'd suggest a peloton. Then you can work out in your lunch break or before you pick the kids up.

If you don't work from home, is there a gym near work you could go to?

I've enjoyed outdoor boot camp classes. Being outside and the social element seem to help.

I totally sympathise by the way. I have a busy job and 3 kids. I would love to do more exercise. The peloton has helped but I'd like to do more. Would also like to get my steps up. I'm going to try and do more calls while I'm walking in the new year.