When to fit in exercise

ScoobyM · May 2011

So I have recently come to the conclusion that I can no longer make excuses and I need to find time in my schedule for regular exercise and I think my best bet is to start going to the gym again. Given my and DH's work schedules and my kids' schedules and routines, here are my options:

1. Get up early, say around 6:30 or 7am. Pros - doesn't take away from my free time in the evenings after kids are in bed, Cons - DH and I are late night people, we go to bed late and sleep as late as possible in the morning, so likelihood of blowing off my exercise is high. Plus Noah can wake up anytime between 5am and 7:30am for his morning meal so that could impact my exercise time.

2. Go at night after kids are in bed, which is going to be at about 9:30pm. Pros - don't have to get up early and my time is my own at this point; Cons, this is also when DH and I eat dinner AND it means I have to sacrifice the precious little time I have for myself and DH, which I really prize.

3. Go at 7pm when DH gets home from work. Pros - don't have to get up early OR give up "me" time. Cons - Either DH has to start bedtime routines on his own around 7:45 or bedtimes get pushed back till I'm home around 8. This shouldn't be a big deal but changing up bedtime routines always seems to cause a lot of problems. Also, not sure how much DH will be willing to do this on a routine basis.

So - given these options, when would you fit in your exercise? I'm thinking to shoot for 2 days during the week and one weekend day, although the weekend day would be easier since I can definitley leave DH with the kids for an hour in the afternoons.

Thanks for your opinions!

mariahcohen · May 2011

Are you at home with the kids?

If so you can stroller them up and walk with them. I know it is hot outside; but bring water for them and you and sunscreen and it is fine! It is already 90* here by noon so I try to walk as early as possible.

Also you can do exercise webcasts or dvds. My DS gets a kick out of watching me and follows along LOL!

gimmietimmies · May 2011

I vote option 3. You get time to do something for yourself and DH gets involved in the bedtime routine and the kids get 1 on 1 with him. Followed by 2...but I'm a night owl too and I like my sleep. I got up at 5 to exercise for 15 years straight and survived and I hated getting up early (not the workout itself)...I hate early mornings. But that's just me.

peeper72 · May 2011

In the morning. I hate to wake up early - like, really hate it. However, this ensures for me that I will do it. As the day wears on, crises come up, I become exhausted and the excuses really start to flow freely. For me, if it doesn't happen in the morning it is unlikely to happen at all.

lindac1 · May 2011

I vote for 3, but that's because that's what I do! It gives DH time w/the kids one on one (or, would that be one on two?). which is good for both of them since he works all day and doesn't get to see them as much as I do. He enjoys it. Sometimes, if I'm just not feelling it, or am too tired, I will arrange to go in the early morning instead, but mostly it's at night.

Daisiesinmygarden · May 2011

If you are home with the kids, could you do something while the baby naps and the little one is occupied nearby?

I have come to the conclusion that the only way for me to exercise daily is why LO naps. I have a treadmill (aka dreadmill). I run with a friend sometimes, but I can't do that everyday. If I wait until DH is home and the kids are in bed, I am usually too tired or too many things have come up and it doesn't get done.

Otherwise I vote # 3. It's good for everybody. Kids get daddy time, daddy gets kid time, mommy gets mommy time. Everybody wins!

ateytelb · May 2011

Option 3. This way you and H can take turns and work out during the same time slot on different days, and you don't have to do it early in the morning or late at night.

LyndaCarter · May 2011

#3 is my vote as well because that is the decision I made for myself.

We're up at 6:00am every day before work so getting up earlier is completely out of the question for me.

I don't get done with everything that needs to be done until after 9:00 every night and working out is the last thing I want to do an hour before I crash in bed.

Chelz · May 2011

I hope DH will support you in your quest to be healthy. I think #3 is a great option. Maybe you can work out on Sat and Sun and try for 1 day during the week (maybe Tues, Wed, or Thurs.... so you have Mon and Fri with DH)... then work up to 2x per week. Try it for awhile and switch it up if it isn't working.

Maybe the kidlets will enjoy zumba or something... at least the older one... if she can "dance" with you in the living room while watching the dvd or playing on wii.

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