Keep fit at home

[Uhu]

Before my twin DSs were born, I used the gym regularly (cardiovascular and resistance training),jogged around the park, went to bellydancing classes and occasionally exercised to one of my fitness videos. Now, I have trouble finding time to exercise at home due to tiredness or having to spend time with the boys who are now 8 months. I try to go to the gym at the weekend whilst DH is home but I would like to go during the week as well. The trouble is, I'm now working 3 days a week, DH does not return home until after 6pm by which time we start the bedtime routine of bathing and last feed. By the time the boys are in their cots, it is 8pm and we still have household chores to complete. Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it.

On the days that I do not work, I try to do one of my exercise videos whilst they nap in the morning but lately I've been too tired to do anything. I want to lose another 14lbs before Christmas after losing 28lbs already with WW but the weight loss has slowed down. I know that I have not been diligent in my efforts but I am motivated because I want to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes again before the New Year. I do go for walks with the boys but I like the physical exertion from hard exercise. I've recently purchased an exercise bike but I do prefer to exercise in a gym environment where I know I can get a better cardiovascular workout. Does anybody else have this dilemma to contend with?

Well, as my 3rd baby is now 6, I decided that I couldn't keep blaming the baby fat and had to do something about it. I too work several days and week and, although all 3 boys are at school, my days are so full of "essentials" that going to the gym or similar just didn't happen. I now get up at 5.45am to do an hour's exercise dvd, which gives me time to wash my hair and shower before having to get the hoards out of bed.

I don't do it every day but try to do it at least 3 times a week. Sometimes getting out of bed at that time is dreadfully difficult and sometimes, I have to confess, I just don't have the willpower to force myself. However, if I do struggle out of bed, I feel so much better for it.

This may not be something you want to hear, especially if you are getting up during the night with babies, but it works for me.

I have thought about getting up earlier but since the babies still have some troublesome nights, when I get the chance of a lie in, I grab it with both hands !

I've recently purchased a Tae-Bo exercise video by Billy Blank. Its very energetic so I'm hoping that will give me a good workout. I also have a step exercise video and this is quite good but I have trouble finding the motivation to do it because it is strenuous. I guess that I have to accept that with two young babies, my energy levels will be low until they are less demanding toddlers (I'm assuming that toddlers are less demanding ).

Have you seen RED magazine this month as it has a "Drop a Dress Size in 4 Weeks" DVD free with it. It's pretty good and as she (Nicki Waterman) suggests a brisk bit of marching as a warm up you could easily break it down into sections and gradually work through it throughout the day. Lots of exercise videos use this principle I think.

She also recommends a foul sounding drink to kick start your regime (a bit of healthy eating in there too) which I think might have a laxative effect (!!!!!). Anyone tried it?