Single mums & exercise

[Hashbrownsandbeans]

I wondered if anyone had any bright ideas about how to fit some exercise into my week. Single mum, work part time and use all my family good-will up on childcare when I’m at work so I don’t feel I can ask for more outside work hours eg evenings or days off. I have a long commute and it’s not possible to factor in running/cycling to that realistically, especially in terms of getting home in time. I like swimming, yoga/Pilates, circuits/gym classes but can’t really run since probs in pregnancy and I find motivation to do workouts at home really impossible. Can’t afford a PT. Really drawing a blank with this! Help!

How old are you kids?
Can you do activities with them e.g. swimming?
When I was about 9/10 my mum used to take me to her exercise classes - yoga or callisthetics i think. I was the only kid there but enjoyed it.

Ah that would be lovely but they’re too small really - 1 and 2 . Maybe there’s not an answer. Maybe I just have to wait until they’re older to do anything?

I see quite a few people doing park run with DCs in a buggy. You don’t have to run, a brisk walk is as good.

Any classes you could do at lunchtime?

Most realistic options would be to exercise when children are in bed or before they get up. The Jillian Micheals 30 day shred is only 20 minutes.

Double running buggy. Fitness blender workouts on you tube. Sports centre creche?
Your biggest issue is actually your motivation not your young children as you can do all you need in your lounge with no equipment at any time of day or night.

We have exercises class in a soft play, half hour in the party room while the children are supervised in the play bit

Any chance you could swim at lunch time? Or at least go for a brisk walk?

As soon as possible, get the dcs on balance bikes. In 1-2 years you could be in a position to jog while they cycle.

Actually, with bike and buggy, you could get going sooner.

Hmm yes tricky at that age. Might be worth looking on Hoop app there are babies and mum exercise classes so you might find something suitable.
Or how about going swimming with them and another mum and taking it in turns to look after the kids/go and do a length of the pool? Or even better go with a friend who doesn't have kids but doesn't mind helping out?
Get a babysitter? I know that's probably financially difficult but thought I'd put it out there.

I know you said hard to get motivated at home. So am I but I got myself an exercise bike and use it while watching my soaps in the evening.

Thanks everyone - lots of good points and ideas there. You’re right, my motivation is definitely part of the issue. I’ve just always dealt with that in the past by getting myself to a class. I will investigate static bike, possible classes near work, if there’s a sport centre crèche anywhere near me, Hoop app, and maybe doing some kind of lunch walking club at work or something. Surely something will stick!

I was going to suggest Jillian Michaels too - it really is 20min and gets amazing results. Get up early to do it or do it in front of the kids for their amusement!

Also there are lots of 7 Minute workout apps where you just do as many circuits as you can / have time for.

I second fitnessblender.com workouts. I could probably find time to go to the gym but I think fitnessblender gets me to a similar result in the comfort of my home. It is not always easy to find motivation but I try and prioritise workouts over other things (for instance, I try and stay away from MN until I am done with my exercises:) ).