Full time job, nine month old- when do I exercise!!

[cocoachannel]

Hi everyone,

I have just gone back to work full time. My job is usually a ten hour day, but flexible so I'm usually at my desk by about 7.30am (30 mins commute), or have to work a couple of hours in the evening if I've gone in later, as I want to put DD to bed every night if possible. Anyway, by the time she's asleep I'm exhausted anyway.

Because I visit clients I am not always in the same place, and have to be very smart (make up etc.) at all times, so going to the gym during the working day isn't really an option.

DH and I split the cooking and laundry 50:50 and our cleaner looks after the ironing etc. (very lucky on this front, I know)

I know lots of you are in a similar position, and I just wonder how you fit in exercising? My diet is pretty good, but I am about two stone overweight. Exercise is the missing link and I drink too much wine

Is I'm honest, I probably just need a kick up the bum to start going for a short run a few times a week. But I'm just so tired the thought terrifies me

Please help me get motivated!

Start by doing little things like taking the stairs wherever possible, or parking far away and walking.

Make sure you do at least one proper session of exercise at the weekend.

Most full time working Mums that I know get up very early to exercise first thing in the morning.

In the morning before anyone else gets up I'm afraid. The first few weeks are a killer & then you (sort of) get used to it - just make it as much part of your routine as anything else ie set days/times and you notice it far less. I go to the gym for a 6:30am class & on the train (next door to the gym ) by 7:30am but if you can't find a class/gym to suit then running is probably your best option.

Thank you both! I feared the very early morning thing may be my best option. I walk a lot already as I live and work in London, but I need something more intense to shift the weight!

It does sound like early mornings and weekends are the only way. Do you have an office that you go to at least some mornings? Is there a shower there or a gym nearby? Would cycling in and getting ready there be an option sometimes (leave a set of clothes there)?

Bike plus baby seat? Great for getting around and DS loves it (he looks a bit like a Russian Cossack in his furry hat with ear flaps though).

If you are about 2 stone overweight I would go for cutting calories first and see if that works.

I am not a morning person, so I usually try to fit in 2 exercise sessions over the weekend (am a Jillian Michaels DVD fan!) and one or two during the week, usually in the evenings after DCs in bed. Can you fit in a session on an evening after your DD is in bed and while your DH is cooking dinner?

I've got twins the same age and have just gone back to work. I do back two hour back to back classes at the weekend and do the Jillian Michaels DVDs during the week the minute i've put the babies to bed. I was a bit sceptical about doing workout DVDs but they really are very good.