You Say: Tell us How You Find Time to Work Out
Do you remember those long-ago days before you became a mom, when you used to be able to set your own schedule? Of course, you had some constraints, but nothing like today. If you’re anything like most moms, these days you don’t get to sleep in on Saturday mornings, you don’t get out much, and the last TV show you watched featured happy, fuzzy puppets in leading roles. And we haven’t even talked about working out. It’s so easy, in the rush of daily life, to put your own needs on the back burner. In today’s You Say feature, we’re encouraging you to take the time to do something for yourself, and we’re asking you for tips.
You Say: Finding Time to Work Out
With the weather getting colder and wetter, the days getting shorter, and the holidays getting closer, it’s that much more difficult to fit in a workout. We get it. But we know that we have the most amazing resource here, in the form of our fellow Vancouver moms. You amaze and inspire us, and you’re always ready to share some hard-fought wisdom. So, in this You Say we’re turning to you. Here’s our question for you:
[box style=”rounded”]As a busy mom, how do you find time to fit working out into your busy schedule, especially over the holidays?[/box]Leave a comment and let us know! Or catch up with us on Facebook and Twitter, because we’ll be soliciting answers there, as well.
Ugi
This You Say feature is brought to you by Ugi, an innovative home workout designed by three Vancouver moms. With the efficiency of no driving, parking or waiting for class to start, a two hour workout becomes a 30 minute workout. But they know that sometimes it’s hard to even find 30 minutes, and that’s where you come in! Why wait for New Year’s, when you can do something for yourself right now, and get the holiday season off to a great start?
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First of all, as a busy dad I also find it challenging to fit in a workout. This past summer a friend of mine, a former personal trainer, set me on an exercise routine. That first step really got me on the right track and helped to change my bad habits. Now I do my exercise either early in the morning or after Ella is in bed at night. I use everyday objects (a big bag of rice) as weights and have exercise bands as well. This routine takes less than an hour with stretching and also works well for me while I’m on tour. My biggest challenge, as someone who runs his own business, is staying motivated when there is always something else to do. Another challenge is doing pushups while my 2.5 year old daughter is trying to feed me imaginary tea (it is not easy drinking imaginary tea in the middle of a set!)
First you have to find something you really love to do. Then put it in your schedule, just as you would doctor’s appointments. I recently started paying for before school care in order to fit in classes before I have to start work. It’s worth it!
I try and take classes, because I cannot be left to my own devices when it comes to fitness routines. If that’s not an option (and it’s not happening in my life at the moment!), I try and find a DVD I don’t mind doing, and put it on immediately after my son goes to sleep. If I faff around I’ll never do it. I like the NYC Ballet workouts, though it’s not much in the cardio department.
Great discussion so far. A few points we have learned along the way:
– schedule it, don’t make it a choice or option but a firm commitment on your calendar. Once it is set, it is easier to schedule around it.
– find a way to make time for yourself, it will pay off in increased energy, better mood and set a great example for your family. Be open about your needs and goals and ask for help from family and friends to make it happen.
– find a workout buddy, join a group or create a group. You are less likely to skip your workout if you know someone is waiting to do it with you.
– be open to finding new ways to workout. Something you had time to do pre-family may not be as easy now so don’t give up activity all together. Look for other options to be active. Start slow and simple if you have to.
Easier said than done, right? But it is possible. Look around at friends, co workers etc. that are active. There are people just as busy as you are that find a way. You can too.
I squeeze in exercise in several different ways. A departure from my pre-child days of committed gym work-outs, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. My friend and I do four hour ‘toddler-trade-offs’ a couple times a week, allowing each mom some ‘me time’. I divide this time between cleaning my place, and getting some exercise. Also, the community centres around town often offer a childcare service ($3 per hour), which allows me to use the gym at the centre. I live downtown, and make an effort to walk often. I walk to get my groceries (and take the long way if it’s nice outside), I walk to work (and home), and when I take my little girl to the park, I’ll often pick one that’s a bit further away, pushing her in her stroller (speed walking) and letting her burn energy once we arrive at the park. Another fun way that I’ve found to burn some serious calories is to have a dance party with my little girl. We lay out our yoga mat, crank the tunes and dance until I’m too tired (for sure I tire first). I’ll admit, I’m not the best dancer, but she doesn’t know that (yet!) and we always feel good afterwards.
Going for a walk/run along the beach, pushing the stroller with my son in it, while my daughter leads on her push-bike – although it’s fine for casual exercise it can be frustrating if you are training for a goal. The best I found is the the Vancouver Aquatic Centre which offers poolside childminding for less than 4$/hr while I swim or go to the gym – It’s fantastic. I find that going to the pool with a child can be a fair bit of a workout as well! I’m looking forward to the winter – walking up and down a tobogganning hill wearing my baby boy while my daughter has the time of her life sliding down is bound to be a challenging exercise.
The toughest part is getting motivated.
I am a big advocate of good at-home exercise videos. Physique 57 has an amazing series of videos ranging from 30-57 minutes and they will work your butt into shape. They’re not easy but the results are impressive. As soon as the kids are in bed I pop one in.
Michelle,
Thanks for the wonderful feedback about our DVDs. You should also check out our new online workouts that we launched in November. http://www.physique57.com/online-workouts.htm
Best,
Natasha Attal
Social Media Manager
Physique 57