Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Or even eat right?

I have 3 LO's who I currently stay home with. The 2 youngest are 12 mths apart... The youngest is 9 mths and after him I have just not been able to get back into a routine for myself.

I feel exhausted all the time, which is my excuse for NOT exercising, But I know if I was able to get into a routine, I should feel less exhausted.

After dd 2 (21 mths) I was on a good track eating well, exercising... Even just putting the two in a double stroller and walking/ running.

Now I have to say, I'm not really looking to lose much weight, but tone up a lot, and just gain energy, feel better.

I so don't even know where to start. Dd 1 is in pre school a couple of days, just for a few hours, but that is when I'm running like crazy with the other 2 just to get a few errands done.

I know some of you do it... Please tell me how.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I'm looking for insight too bc I have 2 DS 10.5 months apart (3&2.5). My only time to actually workout is at night around 7 before they go to bed but I'm so exhausted, I rarely do it.

I usually take the boys for 2 mile power walk around lunchtime but in the really cold weather, I don't do it.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I try to exercise first thing in the morning. I just finished running, and my kids are still sleeping. It doesn't always happen though bc my DS is 12 weeks and his sleeping still sucks, to put it mildly. On weekends its a little easier to find time because DH can stay home while I go out for a run.

As far as eating, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen either when both kids are napping (when I'm lucky enough to have that happen) or sometimes my 2.5 year old helps me cook.

Good luck

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

My are 2 1/2 and I work full time. Last October I ran my first ever half marathon.
Seriously, I would get up before work at 4am and run outside! YES, I know its completely insane but it was the only time I could do.
I've cut back alot...but now I made the committment to LI half in May and I want to do the MORE half in April, I'll be getting up early again.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

My DS and DD are 15 months apart (ages 4 and 3) and I work full-time, so needless to say I do not have many options as far as when to exercise. I've always preferred the mornings anyway, so I've stuck to 5am. Yes, it's tough to wake up early, especially when it's still dark out, but I force myself and you get used to it. I find it helps jump start the day and it's one less thing I have to try to fit in later, especially if work is hectic. I also prefer it because on days I use the gym, it's much less crowded at 5am and you don't get all the young kids texting and chatting while they "work out". I have a friend who I run with a couple of mornings a week, and the other days I usually hit the gym or workout/run at home. In a perfect world, I'd love to be able to work out at a more human time, but since I have to get myself to work and the kids off, just not feasible. The added bonus is that at night I can spend time with my family as opposed to trying to fit in a workout. And I'm too tired after work :) When I was training for the NYC Marathon last year, I once ran 15 miles before work!! You just do what you gotta do. It was insane, there is a bar around the corner and it was August, so there were people still hanging outside while I was running - that's how you know you're out way too early!!

On weekends, I still workout early, but not as early as 5am. I am always done by 8am though, just because I like to be home before or just after the kids wake up.

As far as eating, well, let's just say I've become comfortable eating standing up.

Message edited 1/7/2013 7:17:31 AM.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I go to a gym that has child care. I go for an hour. I started taking DS when he was 5.5 months.

They are older now but when they ar sick or something and I can't go to the gym then I do a Jillian michaels DVD for 25 min.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Message edited 1/7/2013 10:20:11 AM.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Posted by 2girls2love

My are 2 1/2 and I work full time. Last October I ran my first ever half marathon.
Seriously, I would get up before work at 4am and run outside! YES, I know its completely insane but it was the only time I could do.
I've cut back alot...but now I made the committment to LI half in May and I want to do the MORE half in April, I'll be getting up early again.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

either really early or really late.
i have a small gym in my house (treadmill, elliptical, and weights) so I would use that when the twins napped and older DS played in his playroom (right next to my exercise room and i have a vido monitor on him as well). Or when they were smaller the double or triple jogging stroller. Now that no one naps and they are much bigger, I either wake up early while DH is still home, go to the gym and put the twins in the gym daycare, or exercise while they are in school on Tues/Thurs mornings.
This is the ONLY thing i really do for myself so i make it a priority. I may not even get to shower after running in the morning until that night when DH gets home.
As for eating healthy, I prepare food late at night for the following days. (Like grill a bunch of chicken, hardboil eggs, cut up fruit, etc) Having things convienant makes it easier to stick to healthy foods... the unhealthy stuff is more convienant which sucks.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I only have 1 and find it's hard to stick to a routine.

Luckily, DH is supportive, and I go to a class, so I will try to go a couple times during the week (8PM class) and at least once on the weekend when he is home to watch him.

Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I either wake up earlier than them or do it after the go to sleep. Both my is nap at the same time so I try to do it then sometimes.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Really early during the week. If on the weekend, it's usually while my youngest is napping.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Really struggling with this right now. My answer is that right now I don't.

I work full-time and have a 2.5 year old and (almost) 8 month old. The baby is still nursing. She sleeps through the night almost every night, but she sometimes wake at 5am. I have to be available for her in the mornings.

My toddler is an early riser too. He is up by 5:30/5:45 most mornings. I just can't fathom waking up at 4am to work out at this point.

At night, they are in both in bed by 8:30pm. Then DH and I are making lunch, snacks, bottles and prepping them for daycare the next day. By the time we are done for the day we are both exhausted.

On the weekends, I don't want to leave them to workout because I miss them during the work week. I also don't want to leave and miss a feeding and then have to come home and pump.

I am hoping when we I am done breastfeeding it will be easier. It is so hard though. I give you girls a lot of credit! I can't imagine how you all do it with three!! I have the desire, so I am not worried about getting there eventually. I am just waiting for the time to be right. The best I can do is just focus on my eating well right now.

Message edited 1/7/2013 2:08:33 PM.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I am pregnant now but right before I got pregnant I got into a good routine.

I ran with them in the double stroller or would go for a run when DH was home on the weekends/weeknights. I joined a gym with babysitting and took them with me at least once or twice a week. I would also take a class sat am alone and leave them with dh. Right before I got pregnant I started doing insanity too. Not following their routine, I would just try to do it once a week during their naps.

In the beginning I felt bad that I was asking for time for me but I realized I deserve it haha! I am happier and a much better mommy when I am exercising.

Good luck!

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

with the weather being cold and days so short it is NOT easy lately!
i have a 5 and 3 yr old and work F/T
the things that help me is:

1. sat/sun i ALWAYS run b.c DH is home..i go before they get up with my sister and then don't sacrifice my time with my kids.

2. treadmill in the house...i HATE it but will do a quick mile or 2 while they play in the next room.

3. gym daycare-will occasionally do this 1x a week for a 1/2 hour run or change or scenery (my treadmill is in a large closet like room and like i said i hate it, lol)

4. double jog stroller...even though my DD is older i still on a nice day hand them a snack, bundle them up and off we go, weather permitting. i get home from work @ 3pm luckily.

5. just started running during my lunch hr. totally not ideal but it's another alternative.

6. workout dvd's - still not diligent with them but have them and sometimes they are good in a pinch.

those are just some and beleive me i don't do them all every week! some weeks it's like nothing esp. lately!

Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I have a 3 year old, a 9 month old and work full time.

I've been pretty bad with exercising lately, due to holidays and sickness, but i'm getting back into the swing of things.

I started running because it seemed like the easiest way to get in a workout. I always go at night, either while DH has the kids in the bath or is putting them to bed. I run for about 30 minutes or so. I don't care for running at night, but I can't force myself to get up at 4am to do it. It would still be dark then, anyway.

I bought a used elliptical last year, but only used it twice. I actually hate it. I really want to get our garage cleaned out again so I can start using free weights and the punching bag and get DH into it as well. I also want to do the 30 day shred video, but haven't gotten into it, yet.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

You guys have shamed me into doing it... full time working, two, three kids.

You've inspired me.

Message edited 1/9/2013 2:24:31 PM.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I go to the gym at 5 a.m. It sucks. I'm not going to lie. I get home and get the kids up and start the day. On the other hand, I feel good about myself and like the reflection in the mirror. Everything is a trade off.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

3 has made it tougher. I actually run at/after work and then go home and get kids.

DH is a tremendous help - who likes to play golf, so there is a lot of give and take.


Be careful about running outside when it's dark. it sucks that women cannot do this without worry. I will never forget the Patchogue jogger killed at 5:30 am in the 90s...I can't shake it and never go out before dawn or after dusk

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Go to a gym where you are able to take your kids. I have been taking mine since they were very little and they are now 5 and7 yrs old and have their "gym friends" from the babysitting room. If your child needs a diaper change or to use the bathroom or need you for anything they will page you in the gym. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I go in the evening now that my kids are in school and I work during the day but I know many gyms offer morning classes which may work better for you getting into a routine before starting the rest of your day. Good luck! Hope this was helpful I feel so much better working out and I don't feel guilty leaving my kids in a room next to where I'm working out, it gives them a chance to interact with other kids. (Btw I go to Lucille Roberts, this year makes 12 years as a member!)

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

Similar to what Julz does.

I'm a SAHM to a DD who will be 4 in a couple of weeks and a 2.5 y/o DS. They do go to school 3 days a week at the JCC which has a gym, so after I drop them off, I'm able to get in a 30 -45 minute workout and still have time to get some errands done. Or I'll drop them off, come home and go for a run.

I work out every Saturday morning too, I get up early (kids are up by 7 anyway, so early isn't an issue for us!), I'm at the gym by 7, DH gets up with the kids, makes breakfast and gets them dressed. I'm usually home by 9am. I do cardio and strength on Saturday's.

I also work out with a trainer twice a week.

It's hard to fit it all in, but like Julz, it's really the only thing I do for myself, so I make it a priority and do whatever I can to fit it in. My trainer is really good where if I need to cancel, he won't let me, but will reschedule me to what works for me.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I work full time and am out of the house from 6am to 6:30pm. I took up running and find that the easiest to fit in. I ALWAYS run on Sat & Sun when DH is home and then usually fun twice on weekdays usually at night when kids are in bed.

Re: Moms of 2, or more... How do you find time to exercise?

I've finally gotten into a good routine. My kids are 3 1/2 & 20mos. I go in my office 3 days a week and work from home 2. My nights are crazy so it's very hard to go to the gym after cook, baths, & getting the kids settled. So I started to go to the gym at 5am before work. It's the only time that works for me. I'm also going to try bringing DD to the daycare in my gym on the days I'm home. I also go to the gym at least 1 day on weekend.