Well I’m not a mom, but I will say that right now my exercise routine in this app is only eight minutes long. I am a big believer in something is better than nothing. And I also love the one minute just getting moving options they have. It’s like 15 seconds of jumping jacks 15 seconds of high knees and five push-ups. Personally my struggle is more personal motivation, and depression and anxiety, and it’s hard to argue with just one minute.
Dear working mum of 2 children. May I say by the time you clean house washing ironing running after children get to the work I think that is lots of exercise. I believe woman need to rest. Gentle exercise is the way. A little yoga in a quiet spot. I am a healthy 77 year old and I have found the above to be true. Also a walk with a friend if you can find the time.
At home and in the time when I say first, "I’m bored and I don’t know what to do", thats when I make that time to exercise.
I am not a mother, but grew up in a family where my mother worked long hours and took care of all the children. Later in life when I asked her how did she ever manage to find time for herself to do something she wanted or exercise, she told me that the only way that worked for her was that she scheduled time for herself. Be it five minutes or two hours, just make it like an appointment that you can’t skip.
Depending on their age, find ways to involve them in your exercise routine – a baby can help with weight-lifting, toddlers love to dance, older kids could do a routine with you…
I’m a working mom of two as well! It’s hard to find enough time in my schedule to always do a full workout. I get up in the mornings before the kids wake up and do my stretches and weights. At work I make the time to step away from my desk and take a walk outside around the building or walk inside around the building if the weather is bad. I’m trying to find workouts that I can do with the littles so that I can do them when they are around! Before bed I stretch again and do squats, planks, and other “quite” workouts while everyone is going to bed. Some days I can accomplish everything I just listed and other days only one or two of those things get done! Just try different times of the day and ways to fit a work out in!
It is very hard… i tried a step-wise approach. 1. Create environment at home where I can exercise. Threadmill and yoga mat in basement. (Threadmill is recent since we could not affird it begore but a last year work bonus helped us). 2. When the kid is asleep or away. I alternate putting our little one to bed with my Husband. When it is not my turn, i exercise for 30 min. Some nights i can’t because I am too exhausted, but I do my best. When my son has karate, i send my husband and go to a yoga class or to the gym. Again, not everytime but as much as i can. The gym subscription is new from this year.
One answer to your question is to take advantage of short HIIT exercises like the 7 minute one on this app or others you can find on YouTube and Darebee. Other than that it really depends on how old your kids are, your work hours,and whether or not you’re a single mother. For instance waking up an extra hour early sucks at first, but when you get used to it and use 30 minutes for exercise and 30 for relaxation it feels really good. Also make sure you have time enough for a good breakfast. You can also exercise right before bed if it doesn’t amp you up. Some have trouble sleeping right after a workout, but many don’t. Using this tactic you could workout right after putting the kids to bed. You might also try having your kids workout with you which could be fun whatever their ages. Also it may help if you monitor what you do throughout the day for a day or two. You may notice that you have 20 minutes to an hour when you are doing things that could be replaced with exercise. For example you could workout in front of the TV instead of sitting on the couch. You could workout for 15 minutes instead of scrolling through Facebook. Bake instead of standing in front of the stove. Try different things and incorporate what you like then make it a routine.
On this app actually are some really good, really short workouts, about ten minutes or less. If you do the exercises as intensely as you can, you can get a decent workout for half the time.
Early morning when kids are asleep, even 10 min will help. If this is not an option, it is always good having a gym at work or near work and exercising during lunch.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
