Finding Time To Be Fit

fitmums

The amount of new year resolutions lists that I have compiled over the years, which always include, among other aims, is I will get fit this year. I am not a sporty person and do not enjoy watching sports, but I have always enjoyed swimming and sometimes cycling and I do love getting out in the fresh air and getting some fresh air and exercise. During my 20’s I even joined a gym and I often attended numerous exercise classes, but I never stuck at any of them for very long so as a result I do have flabby limbs!!!

Mind you at least when I was not a Mummy I had the option of going swimming or out on my bike as and when I pleased, because since I have had my boys it is hard to find the time (and money) to attend regular exercise or swimming sessions. I have tried to work out at home and 2 years ago I tried the 30 Day Shred which, for the 2 weeks I did it until my knee gave way, so I use CBD creams to help with muscle aches. The great news was that I did see great results, and I lost a lot of inches all over.

fitme
(me doing the 30 Day Shred!!)

 In the same year my OH borrowed a treadmill to improve his fitness, and I did try to use it in the evenings once the boys were in bed, but that was short lived!! I just do not have the will power I guess! However, I do walk a lot and what with the housework and the rushing around I do, I guess I am reasonably active. 

I asked some fellow (blogger) Mum’s  if they could please  share with me what, if any, sports they partake in either by themselves or with their family. Also, did they exercise more or less before becoming a parent? How do they fit in exercise with a family and a job – do they do it from home or go to a gym/pool or just go running or cycling? Here is what they told me:

I go to Zumba, Swim and have started doing running again as well as exercise video’s. I did more sport before getting married as my husband doesn’t particularly like sports. We do go swimming regularly as a family as well as take the bikes to the park or grab the rounders/football/cricket set and head to the beach or field to play. I exercise either first thing in the morning 5am in the summer or after the kids have gone to bed – 8pm at the swimming pool or gym! My biggest tip is to schedule it in – if I write something down I make myself accountable to do it and have a swim buddy to motivate me to go especially in the middle of winter!
Cerys

I played badminton before the kids came along, but haven’t since the boys were born, although I’ve tried to attend gym classes. In January I bought a cross trainer and put it in our conservatory. Now try to get on that every night for half an hour (it’s better than nothing)
Donna

I go to bootcamp & go running – bootcamp is organised in the village 3 evenings per week (& take the kids along if necessary) & I go with lots of friends, have a laugh  on a regular basis (please don’t quote me on that though!)running is as & when I can fit it in – before kids I used to go to the gym regularly.
Helen

Less: we used to play golf a lot before children. The Girls do hockey during the season, and DH coaches. I walk and do exercises at home- the legacy of child=-bearing is a weak frame. But I hope to return to golf when they are settled at school.
Kelly

Before kids I did lots but I was also young then! I run now snd did do s ‘back to hockey’ thing that was aimed at mums but now I spend more time on the sideline watching kids
Emma

Before kids I used to bike a lot and since I’ve been poorly i cant but I can walk and try and fit a bit in each week. i also absolutely loved to play tennis. My kids play twice a week and I get such pleasure watching them grow and develop their skills in such a lovely sport
Becky

I have never done exercise as I’m not supposed to because of my back.I should be swimming but it’s expensive and a faff.I took up running 3 weeks ago, I go straight after I drop the girls off from school.I run/jog Monday, Wednesday and Friday for half an hour and I do a 5 minute ab workout every morning.We regularly on a long walk as a family, which is at least 2 hours long.
Aly

Oh I have LOADS to say on this! Will try to be brief. I do more since having kids but only since they all got a bit older. Was always sporty but dropped out of it after having babies. About 4 years ago I took up running again, training for a 10k mostly in the evenings. Found it really hard at first but grew to love it. Since then I’ve been doing more and more. Did my first triathlon 2 years ago, another one last year and am training for a triathlon and a couple of aquathons this year. Also discovered yoga which I adore. I generally do all my exercise in the morning when the kids are at school (and before I start work) and get majorly angsty when I can’t get out.
Kate

I have had to do loads more – weight piles on as you get older so easily! I am currently doing two 20min high intensity interval training sessions at home a week, I do them before the kids get up using You Tube videos – so much easier and cheaper than an hour in the gym, and just as effective. I also run with a group of other Nottingham Mums, with a group called See how She Runs – we go straight from the school run. A school mum friend runs Yoga classes so I go to those when I can. Other Mums really help keep me motivated
Penny

I definitely did more exercise before I had my children. Am actually a trained Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer. Used to run and swim and go to classes but my knees are now well knackered as a result. Nowadays, I am a fair weather exceriser – I leave the car at the school and I walk 35 mins home and back (when I haven’t forgotten I’ve left it there and have to make a mad dash to the bus!). It’s all along the seafront so no hardship unless it’s windy and raining so then I go for a latte – pretty much all winter. It takes me all spring and summer to walk them off! I try to swim occasionally too. I agree with Penny Alexander – weight goes on more quickly as you get older and it’s definitely harder to shift, not least because your joints creak! BTW I do wish I hadn’t spent my twenties running on treadmills in gyms. I think that’s godgiven energy for when we have our kids and I was worn out by the time mine came along in my forties lol!
Anya

Surfing with the kids and now that they are older I love to run and cycle with them too, I don’t do as much as I used to do as athritus is catching up with me More restricting than children!
Fiona

Before Kids I used to exercise 3-5 times per week.. week in week out.. without fail. Then I had my son. My exercises consisted of WALKING EVERYWHERE…. used easily do my 10,000 steps (I am guessing). Then my daughter came along, I started blogging more and my exercise went to pot. About 8 months ago, I started running again.. and on and off I am managing 1-3 runs per week, but I haven’t been able to make it into a “habit yet”.. during the holidays that usually goes to pot again. I find it much harder with a family.. sigh
Maggy

Hmmm I think  they are a lot more determined than me at keeping and getting fitter!! Although Liz made me laugh when she told me 

*tumbleweed from me* haha I LITERALLY do nothing. I never have. It’s bad. I was always a skinny Minny and took it for granted. I’m now 3 stone heavier than before I had Ruby. I need to do something but having smoked for 25 years it’s tough

Liz I applaud you for your honesty!!

 

Do you find time to exercise as a parent?

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