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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

How do you fit it in? - ideas needed to get me fitter please!

7 replies

MyNameIsInigoMontoya · 21/01/2009 16:51

Hello sporty ladies! Just wanted to pick your brains if you don't mind...
I have never been VERY good at fitting in exercise, but used to at least manage some - mainly running, swimming sometimes, or cycling at weekends (used to do country rides with DH, which I miss). But that was before DS... He is now 14 months and I'm feeling the need to get some fitness back, but since he was born I haven't managed to do ANYTHING apart from pushchair walks - and those have dropped right down too now, used to do miles when he was tiny, but now I am working p/t and he is older too and less keen on spending long periods in his pushchair, so we don't manage as much.

I am a bit "hmmm..." about doing exercise DVDs, I'm not really into aerobics-type exercise plus am put off by our wooden floors (elephant noises when jumping around!) and DH would probably laugh. But it's hard to find time for something out of the house - I would only be able to go during evenings (fitted around our meals and getting DS fed and to bed...) or sometimes at weekends, and there always seem to be so many other things to do as well, plus general tiredness.... And I am not sure what to do, as running/cycling in the evenings puts me off when it's so cold and dark and I would be on my own. I used to go with DH which got me motivated and was more fun, but can't do that now as one of us needs to look after DS! (We have bought him a bike seat now so might manage a few family rides, but would probably have to keep them v. short until it gets warmer).

So - can you give me some inspiration? What do you do to keep moving, and how do you fit it into your day? Especially if you have toddlers! Thank you!

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saadia · 21/01/2009 16:57

I am currently SAHM with dss in school full-time so have time to go to the gym in the day. But, at the times when I can't go - school hols, kids ill - I find my Davina DVD really useful as I feel the need to do SOMETHING. They have various options (I never do the aerobics one) and I usually do two 20 min workouts back to back and think I do benefit.

hatwoman · 21/01/2009 17:04

I feel for you - I think the situation you're in is really the hardest to make the time. it does get easier. In your situation I used to use my weekend day "lie-in" to get up and go for a run. and/or negotiate a swap with dh - so over the weekend he'd get a bike ride in and I'd get a run. the other thing is to try to squeeze it in/around your working days - any chance of a lunchtime run? (not something I ever managed but I know some do) or running to work (or back - or for part of the journey) and showering when you get there? You have an interest in running to your advantage - it's the easiest to fit in imo - but still difficult. other options are to (without wanting to state the obvious) find a bit of childcare (swap with a friend?) or a gym with a creche - the good thing about using gym creches is that you usually have to book in advance so you put it in the diary as a definite commitment - which, in my case, used to get me there.

hatwoman · 21/01/2009 17:08

the other thing I did was to walk everywhere - toddler groups etc. at one stage when I had dd1 in p-t morning nursery and then took dd2 to playgroup/swimming/whatever I could easily walk 3-4 miles a day.

MyNameIsInigoMontoya · 22/01/2009 11:23

Thanks for the thoughts - I might have to think about a lunchtime run when I'm working. Running or biking there/back is not workable most days as I have to drop off DS (and carry laptop) so need the car. Good to know it gets easier with time! Sadly I feel like I am starting to get a huge cold and cough again so might not be able to start for a bit, bother!

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bouncingblueberries · 22/01/2009 11:28

I find the only way to fit in a run, especially on days I work is to get up and go for a run at 5.30am! Shockingly early I know, but it's worth it. I know ds is still asleep and can grab a quick shower when I get back in time for him waking up.

Also, we bought a seat to go on the back of the bike for ds. He loves it and is always urging me to go faster mummy, go faster! Can't cycle up hills with the extra weight on the back yet though!

hatwoman · 22/01/2009 11:47

the only time I've been for a run at 5.30 was when I'd just got back from France and my alarm clock was still on French time. I set it for "6.30", went for a run, got home, looked at the kitchen clock and it was still 6.30...derrr

MyNameIsInigoMontoya · 22/01/2009 12:55

5.30am??? Noooooo! (though I do need a kick up the bum! )
We are hoping to try out the bike seat this weekend though, but it will probably have to be short rides at first as DS is only 14 months and it is pretty cold out.

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