How do you make time for exercise? Share your ideas.

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As an exercise physiologist and wellness coach, even I struggle sometimes to make time for exercise as a mom of young children. And there are days I don't feel like doing it, despite all that I know about the benefits of exercise. The most helpful ideas often come from others who are making it work. How do you make it work?
For me, communicating clearly with my husband about what I need to do and when so he can watch the kids is key - along with setting my alarm a little earlier and getting up & on the treadmill without laying there thinking about it for too long. Share your ideas and inspire other moms to make it happen and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle!

Tags: activity, energy, exercise, fitness, loss, motivation, physical, weight

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Permalink Reply by Beth Shepard on October 19, 2009 at 12:07pm: Ladies, you inspire me! Tawanna, I'm with you - people ask me all the time, "what's the BEST exercise?" And I tell them, really, it's the one you enjoy because you'll keep doing it. Keli, I love your example of making fitness a priority by planning ahead to make it fit into your busy schedule. Marni, you are right on the mark about scheduling time for exercise into your day. Great job on your marathon, Jen! You are right - lots of people find that signing up for an organized fun run/walk or longer even like a half-marathon or marathon is extremely motivating - especially when it supports a cause close to your heart.

Keep up the fantastic fitness activities!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debbie Helmke on November 2, 2009 at 7:55pm: Hi Ladies,
It is interesting that all the responses are before the kids wake and after the go to bed and as a mom of two, I get it.... but, for those of you out there that where like me, my biggest obstacle was myself, not time. I always felt I needed to be alone to exercise and have just recently noticed that having the kids witness my routine became my greatest motivation. They not only appreciate my healthier outlook, more positive lifestyle and incredible achievements, but they themselves have begun to be more regimented and disciplined. There is nothing more that I can ask for that this type of respect doesn't give. I find the kids to be much more understanding to my needs, what a change!!
Another bit of advice - When the kids have sports practice or band lessons... make that your hour too. I took up running when my boys were at soccer practice. Going to the gym was just too much time, running I could do anywhere, anytime and it is cost effective. (started as speed walking); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lorna Darden on November 3, 2009 at 9:34am: I do it when the kids are in school. I either walk or dance, I love dancing and if I have to do my exercise after they get out of school then I go walking if it's not too cold.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lois on November 3, 2009 at 1:33pm: When the kids were little it was harder. I got the treadmill and walked in the morning before everyone got up. During nice weather I'd push the stroller around the neighborhood.
My exercise time increased greatly when I my youngest started school. I'm a stay at home parent. I found exercise classes that worked with my son's preschool schedule. He's in first grade now, but I still follow the same schedule. I volunteer at the school morning drop off (running up and down the drop off lane for 1/2 an hour, opening doors) and that counts as exercise too. When it makes sense, I walk while my kids are at dance or karate. Another thing you can do is find an activity and exercise as a family. We would go swimming together and DH and I would take turns watching our youngest while the other swam laps. DH fits in his exercise with early morning racquetball and Sunday night basketball.; ▶ Reply to This