When do you find time for workouts?

[greenbeing]

I'm having a hard time fitting workouts in with work, little ones, and a dh who works 3 nights a week and has schoolwork on the weekends. I try to plan a workout after work and then find myself not wanting to get back out, or having to do something with my kids, or even feeling guilty for being gone from my kids so much. I'm also finding it harder with 2 kids. When I just had the one, it seemed easier to put him in a jogger and get out or turn on an exercise video. With 2, it's just not working out. So, I'm wondering if I just have to plan my week out and be set on when I'm going to get in exercise. How do you make time and stick to a workout plan? Do you have a clear plan at the beginning of the week?

[tri31]

I have experienced this (lack of personal time) at various times in the last 15 years. For me it meant breaking up my workouts into 20 minute parts. I would do what I could of anything. Walking, videos, dancing, yard work, running around and crawling on the floor with the kids. My kids love to "workout". Just do what you can, through out the day. One of the best perks of this philosophy is the example you set.

[Herausgeber]

My new trick lately is to do pilates -- with DD. She finds the exercises MUCH easier than I do, though.

There's no equipment required, no specialized space, and I genuinely do feel like I am getting solid workout.

[EviesMom]

For me, it's been working to pay for a YMCA membership. I take the kids to do family swim (and they will remind me when it's family swim night, so that helps with the "get out the door" and with the spending more time with them. DH comes to workout with me after that, but it works when he's not available too. The the kids go to childwatch for a bit while we work out, and they often fall asleep for the night on the way home.

I found it very hard to work out on my own, but when I'm paying for gym time, and the kids are very motivating to get there a couple times a week because they want to swim.