How do you balance work, being with lo, and working out?

Ambeerose

I can't go in the mornings b/c I can't stand being rushed and then DH and I would have 0 time together at night if I had to be in bed sooo early. So that options out. I just started back to work 2wks ago so I'm trying to figure out a way to make it to the gym and spend plenty of time with DS. What do you do? (I have a gym membership until Sept or Oct. SO I can't cancel that until then)

mrseggs

I don't have a gym membership, but here's what we do: DS and I hang out in the mornings from 6-7:20 when we leave for work/daycare. I pick him up at 5 and then DH hangs with him while I work out at home until 6:30 or so. We start our bedtime routine around 6:45 (bath, cereal, jammies, bottle) and he's in bed by 7:30.

ooKATEoo

Is there a gym you can go to on your lunch hour. ?I work out after I put LO to bed. ?It's hard, but I do it. ?

kaitlyn65

For me working out has been getting pushed aside and happens infrequently. DD goes to bed at 7:30 so I could workout after that, but have a difficult time motivating myself to hit the gym at night when it is my time to relax and get things done around the house.

Rachel2315

Right now I get up ridiculously early and work out then drink pots and pots of coffee.  

 But I cannot wait until its not freezing, because then it'll be stroller walks and/or walks in the carrier.   

wheelenl

Well, before, I did it on my lunch hour or took my 3yo to childcare at the gym. Now, it's whenever I can get DH to watch both of them. I'm looking forward to returning to work (PT) so I can at least get a workout in at lunch! The gym I'd already belonged to for 8 years is across the street from my office....

BlairWaldorf

I'm still trying to figure that one out.

mquila2000

Can't, it is too hard with work, school, and home. I am going to try the WiiFit or something soon.

scherza

My kids are both in bed around 6:30, so I have a little time to do stuff in the evenings.  I take a belly dance class with a friend one night a week, which is about all I can handle right now.

sophiara

I actually blogged about this very topic last night! My poor readers got a brain dump from me. I wonder how some moms juggle it all. I am downright exhausted lately. But I can honestly say I have been getting better with the workouts. I am also starting to see results after starting this 3 weeks ago. That helps keep me motivated.

I have a treadmill so I workout after my DD goes to bed and my hubby only has to watch my DS or I'll do the 30 day shred. Last night I ran at 9pm and didn't get in bed until 11:30 (I'm up at 4am for a feeding or if it's hubby's night at 6am ). I also try to squeeze in something at lunch when I can. We have a gym at work and a park across the street.

Thanks for posting this! I'd love to know what other moms do.

DDearinger

I have definitely been wondering how other moms do it b/c I have not figured it out yet! Currently working out is at the bottom of the list, which sucks but I just can't bring myself to get up at 5am to workout before starting my day.  That's the only time I have figured I will be able to do it, and I guess I will try to make the effort eventually...

septemberdreams

I go to the gym at lunch and also a couple of times a week work out at night after lo goes to bed (7:45pm) and DH will work out with me-we do weights-p90x or yoga.

LaLaSweets

I can't wait for the weather to be nice to run otherwise i workout at home with taebo or the firm. DD is the room with me with toys and plays while i work out. We stretch together. That way i feel we are still together

anglynn1124

I just started my workout routine and have been doing it for over a week now. We bought a bowflex for christmas and spending $1300.00 on it is motivation enough for me to use it, LOL !  

I get up at 5 am, so there is no way I will get up earlier than that to work out. DD goes to bed around 7:30, so as soon as she is down I get on the treadmill for a half hour, then do crunches & the bowflex for 20-25 minutes. I work out 3 nights a week and Sunday mornings. 

I think the main thing to do is dont try to do too much, you will get burnt out..Just 3 or 4 days a week of exercise along with eating healthy will get the weight off and once you see results that is all the motivation you need to keep going !    I can't wait to see some results, the first month is always the hardest, if you get past that, you're good !

newlywed26

Is there a gym at your job or near your job?  I go during my lunch hour, and it works out perfectly.

shouldbworkin

I work out 3x a week, W, Fr and Su.  On Wed, I work out after kids are in bed, so around 8 pm.  DH handles bedtime while I work out and once I'm done the kids are sleeping so we have some time to hang out together.  On Fr, I work out in the AM before the kids wake up b/c I WAH that day.  And, on Sunday I work out in the AM when DH is with the kids.  It works for me and doesn't seem to get in the way of family time.  I think it makes me a better mom and wife too. I have so much more energy and think much more clearly when I work out. 

Teresa

Rachel2315:

Right now I get up ridiculously early and work out then drink pots and pots of coffee.  

 But I cannot wait until its not freezing, because then it'll be stroller walks and/or walks in the carrier.   

Ditto, and good for you!  I gave up working out for the first 6 (ok 8) months of DS2's life, but now I get up super early and get it done.  I have no motivation in the evening right now when it's so dark.  Can't wait for spring and walks/working out outside.  At that point I'll figure out how to incorporate the kids. 

worleygirl

I've started going to boot camp T/Th at 630.  DH handles bath and bed on those nights.  On the weekends I do the 30 Day Shred during nap times.  Drew is 9 months old and I am just now getting to the point where I feel like I can fit working out into my day.

GL!

kickenb

I work out in the evening after he goes to bed at 7:30.  I could get up at 5 am, but can't get myself out of bed at that time. 

I bought a treadmill and elliptical and set those up in our basement.  We also have a tv down there so I watch my evening shows while working out.  I try to get down at least 4 times a week.  Granted, there are some nights my workout is only 30 minutes.  But it's stills something.  On the weekends, I work out while he naps. 

My next project is to get his playroom set up in the basement which is in the room next to our workout room.  Then I will work out right after work while he plays.  He'll be right there so I'll still feel like I'm spending time with him. 

jlw2505

I didn't work for a while as I just was too tired and could not figure it out.  Now that my kids are a little older (3 1/2 years and almost 2 years) and I'm getting sleep and just have a more balanced life - I have found what works for me.  I work out over lunch at work - my office has a gym so that works great for me.  I work from home 2x a week and either work out in the morning after dropping the girls at school and before I start working or I do it over lunch if I have things that need to get done right away in the morning.  Sometimes, DH and I will do the Wii Fit together at night (really wanting to get the Wii Biggest Loser).  At the office I do the treadmill or eleptipcal and at home do a combo of the Shred, Wii, the treadmill, and free style weights and crunches or whatever I have time for.  When the weather is nice, I walk and am hoping to get back on my bike this summer after way to long.  It is hard and I refuse to take away time from being with my girls to work out.  I do take them on walks we me in the summer and sometimes, if we are playing, I'll do some crunches or simply stuff with them.  If we are at the park, I try and do some pull-ups or other stuff that I can do while they play.  Even if I get 10 mins here and 10 mins there, it is better than nothing.

seaturtle19

i get up at 5AM to work out- it's tough but the only time that i can- so i do this monday through thurs and sleep in on Fridays- plus i get in at least 1 workout on the weekend which is obviously easier to do.  it's tough but if you are commited, it's a great way to start your day.  Keep in mind- LO goes to bed about 7ish and then i am headed up about 8:30 and really need to be lights out by 10PM.

DiaMT

I work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday at the gym during lunch. Then I run/walk/hike/ or ski on the weekends. Tuesdays/Thursdays I spend lunches with LO so they're my rest days.

lisaNov3

mondays i usually skip
tuesdays - DD goes to bed around 7:30, I go to the gym around 8:30 - 9:30
Wednesdays - usually skip
Thursdays & Fridays i work from home but DD still goes to daycare so i try and go out for a run or do a workout video during lunch.
saturdays & sundays i either go for a long run or to the gym for an hour or hour & half.

MrsT1209

I work for an incredible company and we have a gym in our building.  So I work out either during my lunch break or I run down for a half hour in the afternoon. 

On the weekends, I'll either hop on the Wii Fit or go to the gym in our community. 

butterflyflight

I have asked myself that same question this week. I am in two weddings, and my first fitting is on the 31st of this month! I was athletic, now.. well not now..

I am thinking that I will go during lunch time, otherwise I do not really see how I will be able to do it. I have lost about 70 lbs. since having my baby 9 months ago, but am stuck and really want to get strong!

 

bella213

My routine involves a treadmill, a baby swing, the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playing in the background and a lot of luck!

NicoleWI

I am doing nothing! Zip! I need to buy some kind of machine to use at home. I can't do mornings, and many evenings DH is out working until late. I can't leave the baby home alone, but I could exercise here after she goes to bed.