Pre-DD I went to the gym regularly. Now, I just don't want to. I really want to spend my time with DD and I'm just too tired at night. She's a terrible napper so I need ideas of things I can do while she is awake. Right now we just go for walks.
I workout at night around 7:30. I get that you are too tired at night, but besides going for walks, I think it's too hard to commit to it during the day when your kid is awake, unless you are going to the gym or have childcare. When I try to workout during the day, someone always interrupts (I have 2 kids that don't nap) or there's something I'd rather be doing around the house.
It took me a few weeks to get used to working out at night, however, I've adjusted to it and actually look forward to it. No one bothers me because my husband takes care of the kids if someone gets up, wants another story read, needs to go the bathroom, etc. It's total me time and I feel great afterwards.
Mostly walks. I'm also doing the Ripped In 30 challenge on here so I either do it at night or during naps (sorry, that part doesn't help you). The good news is its only 30 minutes so theoretically you could do it while your daughter is awake??
But like Harriet, I have to force it sometimes. I'm pretty low on energy by the end of the day, like we all are!
Does DD nap at all?? DS was a very short napper for a long time. I would make sure to be 100% ready for my workout before I put him down. I would jump on the treadmill ASAP and try to get at least 30 minutes in. I don't know if you have any equipment at home, but you could do videos or whatever else. GL - I hope she gets better at napping!
Does DD nap at all?? DS was a very short napper for a long time. I would make sure to be 100% ready for my workout before I put him down. I would jump on the treadmill ASAP and try to get at least 30 minutes in. I don't know if you have any equipment at home, but you could do videos or whatever else. GL - I hope she gets better at napping!
Most days she does take short naps, but I like to get my housework done then. I guess I just have to buck up and make it a priority : )
I try to exercise during naps or at night. My boys are old enough for me to do it while they're awake but for some reason it makes DS2 super cranky and if I'm doing any standing exercises he wants to be hold to the point of crying and floor exercises he climbs all over me so I never get a decent workout in with him in the room.
Walking is a good start and is better than nothing. Do u have a baby carrier like the Ergo? If so, carrying the baby while doing chores is a good workout. You can also join a local Moms On The Go workout group which allows u to WorkoUT wiTh baby.
Stroller Strides!! I never thought it was worth the money until I joined. It's actually a good workout (although I'm sure this depends on your instructor. The owner of mine rocks and has good instructors) and great for DS because after our workout he gets to play in the park with the other kids.
can you wake up and go before DH leaves for work? If you can even do that once a week, and then also on the weekends when DH is home, then that would be 3 days a week of exercise...not bad.
Do the short workout videos. 10 Minute Toners and Jillian Michaels videos. If you have 3 10 minutes moments during the day you can workout 3 different parts of your body. If you have 20-30 minutes do a Jillian Michaels workout - they're intense but quick Btw - if you have netflix the 10 minute ones are are instant play and the Jillian Michaels you can get through the mail. Good luck!
I have a treadmill in the basement and I can usually get him to be good by watching a half hour of Thomas the Train while I walk on the treadmill....only thing is, I have to watch Thomas too!
I have a "bad napper" too and it's hard! The best thing I've found is taking him out and running with the jogging stroller! Excellent exercise, fresh air, cheap, and easy. Especially now that the weather is warming up. You can get good deals on used joggers on Craigslist (I have a Bob). DS didn't like the stroller when he was younger, but he does now finally. Gives me something to do with him and I don't have to wait unil he naps. I know some babies nap really well in the stroller (mine doesn't) so sometimes you can get them to take a nap that way!
Other options are Stroller Strides or StrollerFit (check for classes online), the 30 minute or less DVDs are great like PPs mentioned (30 DS, etc.). We also have a stationary bike (again, check Craigslist) and I can do it when DS goes to bed sometimes. Good luck!
Walking is a good start and is better than nothing. Do u have a baby carrier like the Ergo? If so, carrying the baby while doing chores is a good workout. You can also join a local Moms On The Go workout group which allows u to WorkoUT wiTh baby.
Do you have a link for Moms on the Go? I tried googling it but couldn't find it.
Do the short workout videos. 10 Minute Toners and Jillian Michaels videos. If you have 3 10 minutes moments during the day you can workout 3 different parts of your body. If you have 20-30 minutes do a Jillian Michaels workout - they're intense but quick Btw - if you have netflix the 10 minute ones are are instant play and the Jillian Michaels you can get through the mail. Good luck!
Thanks! This is such a great idea and I do have Netflix. This could totally work for my schedule.
At the moment I'm trying to get outside more, so I'm forcing myself to get up waaay too early in the am just so that I can go before DH leaves for work in the am (can only handle that 2-3 days a week!)
I also did work out dvd's on a computer in our kids' toy room, and as an added work-out bonus I had to dodge balls & toys that may roll my way while working out. I did have a drill Sergeant of a DS while I was working out trying to push me harder {sadly it made me laugh instead of pushing myself!}
I also have a friend who tries to do a workout at the park while her kids play. She did a Mommy boot-camp at a park years ago. It included pull-ups on monkey bars, crunches, squats, jumping rope etc.
Re: If you don't go to a gym and have a bad napper, how do you exercise?
I workout at night around 7:30. I get that you are too tired at night, but besides going for walks, I think it's too hard to commit to it during the day when your kid is awake, unless you are going to the gym or have childcare. When I try to workout during the day, someone always interrupts (I have 2 kids that don't nap) or there's something I'd rather be doing around the house.
It took me a few weeks to get used to working out at night, however, I've adjusted to it and actually look forward to it. No one bothers me because my husband takes care of the kids if someone gets up, wants another story read, needs to go the bathroom, etc. It's total me time and I feel great afterwards.
Mostly walks. I'm also doing the Ripped In 30 challenge on here so I either do it at night or during naps (sorry, that part doesn't help you). The good news is its only 30 minutes so theoretically you could do it while your daughter is awake??
But like Harriet, I have to force it sometimes. I'm pretty low on energy by the end of the day, like we all are!
Most days she does take short naps, but I like to get my housework done then. I guess I just have to buck up and make it a priority : )
Big E (6) & Little E (2.5)
I have a "bad napper" too and it's hard! The best thing I've found is taking him out and running with the jogging stroller! Excellent exercise, fresh air, cheap, and easy. Especially now that the weather is warming up. You can get good deals on used joggers on Craigslist (I have a Bob). DS didn't like the stroller when he was younger, but he does now finally. Gives me something to do with him and I don't have to wait unil he naps. I know some babies nap really well in the stroller (mine doesn't) so sometimes you can get them to take a nap that way!
Other options are Stroller Strides or StrollerFit (check for classes online), the 30 minute or less DVDs are great like PPs mentioned (30 DS, etc.). We also have a stationary bike (again, check Craigslist) and I can do it when DS goes to bed sometimes. Good luck!
Do you have a link for Moms on the Go? I tried googling it but couldn't find it.
Thanks! This is such a great idea and I do have Netflix. This could totally work for my schedule.
At the moment I'm trying to get outside more, so I'm forcing myself to get up waaay too early in the am just so that I can go before DH leaves for work in the am (can only handle that 2-3 days a week!)
I also did work out dvd's on a computer in our kids' toy room, and as an added work-out bonus I had to dodge balls & toys that may roll my way while working out. I did have a drill Sergeant of a DS while I was working out trying to push me harder {sadly it made me laugh instead of pushing myself!}
I also have a friend who tries to do a workout at the park while her kids play. She did a Mommy boot-camp at a park years ago. It included pull-ups on monkey bars, crunches, squats, jumping rope etc.
Good Luck!!