I used to think I was busy, and then I had two children. Now I wonder what in the heck I did with all of that free time! Here are some ideas that might inspire you gathered from parents like you.
Workout While The Kids Sleep
“On days that I can, I will head into the gym for a 5 a.m. class. It gives me a reason to have to get up with no excuses, and I’m back home before anyone else is even up!” – Erin P.
“When our baby goes to sleep, we go to our garage gym. We have to bring the monitor to watch him.” – Jessica S.
“I get up before the kids on weekdays and get it done in my garage or living room. By the time I pick up the kids after school, I have so many distractions and am too tired to go to the gym or work out at home. The activities and sports have me running a million directions. Let’s not forget the housework and errands. So up an hour earlier than the rest of the house is the best way for me.” – Lauren M.
Divide And Conquer
“We take turns doing bedtime so I get the chance to take a run in the evenings.” – Jen D.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom in Thailand. So for my last figure contest prep, my husband and I would take early shifts before he went to work to get our workouts in. Our condo was equipped with a full gym and indoor soccer field. So my husband would work out 6:30 a.m.–7:30 a.m. I would immediately go lift from 7:45 a.m.–8:45 a.m.” – Donyell J.
“My wife was my collaborator. We worked out a schedule where she would watch/engage the kids while I worked out. A supportive spouse can be key.” – Michael K.
Sneak It In During Work
“My husband gets his workouts in with a run throughout downtown or in the gym at his office during lunch. Since he is bald, he doesn’t take too much time to shower afterwards!” – Ann C.
“I run and weight train on my lunch break!” – Abigail T.
Take Advantage Of Free Childcare
“I specifically joined a gym that has a daycare, my kids love going to play, and I have a guilt-free workout!” – Rebecca S.
“Perspective from a single mom: I just can’t get myself to work out at home, so for me it’s any gym that has childcare. The key is to start going early so they are familiar with it and don’t have separation anxiety when they get older.” – Emma R.
Work Out Together!
“The jogging stroller was great for us. The kids would talk about all the amazing things they saw during the run — stuff I didn’t even notice!” – John H.
“When he was about 5 or 6 we did ice skating lessons where we both had separate lessons but at the same time slot. The temptation to watch him was real, but it worked pretty well.” – Kelly S.
“When schedules get mixed up, the kids just join! It is so much fun, even when they count my reps wrong.” – Gretchen V.
