No time, no money (can't run) but really want to get fit - please help!

[Bugsy2]

I want to get fit & I desperately need some pointers! I'm not particularly fat (5ft7 & a size 14 or 16) but I am so unfit. I have 2 DCs & work full-time & I sit on my bottom for hours & hours every day. Sometimes, I am surprised I can still stand up, given how long I spend sitting each day.
Before anyone suggests running / jogging - I can't. I have badly damaged ligaments in one knee that mean high impact sport is not possible.
I am also very time challenged. I get up at 6.30am every day & nothing is going to persuade me I want to get up earlier to exercise. I get home from work at 6pm & do homework with DCs, feed them & get them to bed. I usually have them all sorted by 8.30pm. I'm also a single parent, which means I am a bit housebound. What can I do? What exercise programmes, DVDs etc have you used & enjoyed that have actually kept your attention & got you fit.
ALL SUGGESTIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!

Awesome Bugsy! You can add light handweights too for an extra challenge (don't drop them on your toes!).

I like it Popbiscuit. I'm just so chuffed to have found something free I can do at home. Feel a bit of a noodle for not having thought of it before though.

A brisk walk at lunch will be a good start, honestly it will. IF you can manage a lunchtime swim, I personally find swimming quite marvellous. Trust me. I'm a health journalist

Another vote for the 30 day shred - OP you have the same stats as me and I was really unfit
Not sure how good she would be for bad back as she is OLD SKOOL in terms of jumping jacks and ab crunches but the improvement was RAPID.

Def going to do brisk walks at lunchtime too motherinferior. I love swimming but the hair thang bothers me if I do it at lunchtime (I'm very vain!!!!). Champagne I had a quick look on youtube I'm a bit worried about the 30 day shred from a knee & back perspective - although I have to say the 30 day bit is very compelling!

I put on loads and loads of weight after breaking my foot. Initially I began walking (with crutches) everyday and gradually building up my local park. I then was able to build up to start doing a ministry of sound work out dvd. I just didn't do anything I couldn't do but pushed myself to do as much as I could do.

I also chopped my portion size in half.

Ebay is great for second hand bikes, maybe visit halfords to work out what frame size would suit you, then look out on ebay and you'll get a bargain.

Good luck with your fitness regime!

Put a backpack with tins in it on your back when u r running up and down your stairs too.

LOL - i think it will take me a while before I do any running up and down those stairs! It was a long slow plod tonight - I am shockingly unfit. However, the only way is fitter from here. I'll be back for more tips when I get to the running up & down stage! Bugsy chuckles to herself at the thought of being fit enough to run up & down stairs.

skipping rope?

Stairs a brilliant idea Bugsy! But split your runs up and down the stairs with some toning, so do one or two up and down fast (enough to get you puffing so you feel you really have to rest) but don't rest, do 10 push ups (start doing ones on your knees if you need to, until you are strong enough for full ones). Breathe for 10 secs so your heart rate drops a bit then run up and down stairs again as before. Then do 10 tricep dips using a dining chair, low stool or 3rd stair up. Rest 10 secs, repeat stairs and then hold a plank position for 30 secs (build up to a minute). Break for a minute and repeat whole routine again and once again when you feel able.

Do this at least 3 times a week and it should soon make a noticeable difference to your fitness and shape and it shouldn't take you more than 20 mins. Mix up the exercises to include squats, lunges, side planks and maybe later use free weights. Even better if you add in a lunchtime swim or walk and weekend bike ride whenever you can. You do have to make the time though [stern face emoticon].

Good luck

Pushups are great on stairs too! Much easier than on the floor, but harder than against a wall, and you can vary 'how low you go'! :)

Have you considered an iJoy Rider? I've always fancied one as they're supposed to be very good - they mimick the action of horse riding and are meant to be very good for the stomach and bum. There are lots of them on eBay at the moment considering one myself and wondering where I can make space to put one in front of the telly

Another vote for the stairs here - I've decided to stop leaving things at the bottom of the stairs to take up later and also to leave my phone upstairs so I have to go up when I get a text. I reckon I should be going up at least 20 times a day that way. Add on 2 - 4 miles of walking a day and I think I can skip the gym. Hurrah!

Just youtube'd a plank & laughed. I've got a way to go here fitness MNers. Going to do another 10 sets of stairs tonight - as I can't do the brisk walk at luncthime because of meetings. I felt a bit light-headed & dizzy this morning - despite breakfast - can only presume that this is because I'm so unfit & my body is protesting.

you can do the plank on your knees if you can't hold a full one, you'll build it up. Also try side planks/hovers, it's quite amaxing how fast exercises like that work.

Thank you Hazle. I did 10 half press-ups last night & really struggled. I really am a jelly. I'll give the half plank ago - but think I may need to build up a bit more strength first.

Watching with interest

You should get one of those step counter thingys you put on your belt - or maybe if you have an iphone - it must have a counter app? Then you can challenge yourself to a certain amount of steps a day?

That's a good idea Tracy - I think the amount at the moment would be worryingly low. Sadly no iphone - but I think the counters are fairly cheap - Bugsy heads off to ebay to search some more.

www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Pedometer-Calorie-Counter-LCD/dp/B004AB3SNG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1319538248&sr=8-3 0.78p!!

Fab - thank you! I can't tell you how much you have all inspired me - even if planks do still seem laughable at this stage. I can't believe that there are women (as in normal women, not fitness gurus) who can actually do them! I will be one too. [hgrin]

OP, try the 'ten minute solution' pilates DVDs. They're brilliant... Every type of fitness is catered for. Can't type much more now but I think you'll find amazon v helpful!

yes the 10 minute DVDs are not bad, try the low impact ones like toning, abs, belly-butt-thighs, dance, fitness ball. Latin dance is easy and good cardio.