When do you exercise and what do you do?

[startofanewlife4]

Hi, I'm trying to work out what the best way to fit exercise into my life is. I work full time and I have my children 10 days out of every 14 (I'm divorced) so would ideally have to do workouts at home either early morning or once my children are in bed. I do have a partner and we do walk quite a lot when we're together but that is usually only every other weekend.

I've looked at joining a gym but I really don't know when I'd manage to go as my children are too young to leave. I'm just wondering how other people do it, what they do and when?

Thanks

I go for walks/runs as I can't fit in classes. A friend of mine pays for Less Mills online which she does at home.

Les Mills!

Joe Wicks Hiit. 20 minutes job done!

Fiit! It's an app where you watch a video of an exercise class. I bought it impulsively in Feb 2021 and it changed my life. I do 25 mins 3x a week with the odd 40 min class. I used to do it in the evening or during the day but now I do it when I first wake up. I absl adore it and am evangelical. I have a toddler and work full time.

Les mills or Jillian Michaels app have 15/20 min proper workouts

Les Mill on demand, workouts are 30-55 mins generally. Plenty to choose from.
There is a FB group too, it’s very friendly and supportive, some people on the FB group do zoom workouts together for motivation.
Really early is best for me, or my lunch hour if wfh.

Caroline Girven on YT is good. Also James Smith has some good advice and his academy is relatively inexpensive and the PTs can make home gym programmes and they give you tips and encouragement. Us there are videos showing what the exercise looks like which is helpful

I have been a member of the app RWL for over a year and average 3/4 30 mins home workouts a week. I connect the app to my TV. I love running too so when I can 5k is a bonus. I tend to work out in the mornings. This app has been my lifeline and I love it, I do a total mix of things. I have a corner in my Lounge with dumbbells, a mat, resistance bands.

Similar to you I'm a single mum with younger kids so I literally workout with them sat on the couch some mornings.

Caroline Girvan on You Tube
The Girl on the Mat Pilates (usually with resistance bands) also YT
i also have a PT once a week for heavy weights.

These responses are great, thank you. Les Mills I've looked at in the past and have looked at them again recently so that could be an option. Caroline Girvan I've never heard of so I'm off to do some research now. If anyone has any tips about how to find motivation to get out of bed super early in the mornings to do this I would be very grateful 🤣

I like Tracey Steen's YouTube videos, get a set of dumbbells and you're good to go.

You tube is the answer - 7 minute workouts, so many options and easy to fit into your day whether you prefer am or pm.

MadFit is great, either the youtube channel or app - I find lunchtime the best time to fit them in.

Peloton app here, 3 times a week whenever I find the time. Sometimes evenings and sometimes weekends. Best £12.99 a month spent. They do all sorts of classes and have decent music.

Re tips to get out of bed on the morning, find something you really enjoy. I would have thought that a ridiculous thing to say a year ago as I'd always have preferred a lie in, then I found weights and now happily get up at 6 to go to the gym. Finding the thing that actually gives me the endorphin hit has been life changing for me. So I'd try out lots of the ideas people have given and see if one does that for you.

My dc are older and I go to gyms and classes, but in the lockdowns I did les mills at home and still do sometimes (got a special deal on an annual sub which works out at about 4 quid a month). It really is excellent, loads of variety and buzzy classes. The FB groups says the new "base" offer is not such good vfm - better to sign up for a free trial of the main sub, then cancel and see what offers you get.

I think always exercising and motivating yourself on your own is tough tho, for many people. Is there a class - boxing or Pilates or a park bootcamp? - on the days you don't have dc that you could go to? I'm suggesting those because IME doing them once a week works (perhaps topping up Pilates with Lottie Murphy on youtube, also excellent).

Can you fit in exercise on your way to work e.g. cycle, walk a slightly longer route to get there or at lunchtime?