What do you do for exercise?

[Anonymous]

We used to live in Bethesda across the street from a gym and I walked 10 minutes a day to metro. Now we live in a house in the suburbs that's a drive to the gym, so I'm not walking much, and with a job and a toddler, I'm struggling. I can't get out of bed early to do it, and I don't want to miss dinner to go to the gym. I know these are all excuses. But really - it's too cold and dark to walk in the mornings, and I've tried a few exercise videos but they seem silly and not like they're doing anything. What do you all do? Are there videos you'd recommend? Do I just need to suck it up and get up earlier? And then I know full well when Kid #2 comes along and we aren't sleeping through the night, it's all going to go out the window. But for now with a toddler who sleeps well, I don't really have any valid excuses except that it's hard to get up when it's cold and dark.

[Anonymous]

I recently started some Jillian Michaels DVDs. I've tried other exercise DVDs and never found them challenging but these are pretty good. I also have a baby and have very limited time to workout. Her Ripped in 30 DVD is 25 minutes and pretty intense. Includes cardio, weights, etc. I'm interested to hear what other posters have to say because I'd love some other recommendations.

[Anonymous]

My toddler goes to bed at 7:15, so a few nights a week I go out to a 7:45 or 8pm yoga class. I also try to get some exercise with a walk, run, or hike on the weekend. In the spring and summer, I substitute the indoor yoga with an outdoor run.

I agree, it is tough to make the time but I always feel better when I do.

[Anonymous]

I got in amazing shape doing P90x at home.

[Anonymous]

I run. This time of year, it's so hard. Really, really a challenge, with the single-digit temps and the ice. It helps to have a goal (I'm training for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler) but really, what helps most is just doing it over and over til it's almost second-nature. I know that is probably not terribly helpful.

Maybe you can re-examine the excuses/assumptions you mentioned, like "I can't get out of bed early to do it," or "It's too cold and dark in the mornings." If I didn't run before work in the mornings, I wouldn't exercise at all. Maybe reframe this as a positive? Yes, it's cold and dark, but with a reflective vest and staying on well-traveled roads, you're safe. It's nice to have the head-space of some alone time. It's awesome to come back home to my just-waking toddler and a warm house and feel good about myself and what I've just done. It puts me in a good mindset for the day. And I can eat dinner right after work!

And exercising outdoors will be much easier when the weather improves! Maybe give yourself a break and start a routine in March/April, if you're in the wrong mindset now?

[Anonymous]

Is P90x available as a downloadable video online? I hate DVDs

[Anonymous]

I usually exercise after the kids go to bed. I prefer to run outside, but we also have a treadmill downstairs and my regular bike on a Cycleops trainer. We have a small tv on the wall, and the Roku 2 has a headphone jack in the remote so it's like having your own personal entertainment system.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 children (ages 5, 3, & 5 months) and agree that I always have excuses (sometimes good ones) that can get in the way. I just feel so much better and am much happier when I am exercising routinely. I have a treadmill, spin bike, and TRX suspension system at home. I usually run(outside if the weather and time allow) and do some combination of TRX, pilates (on demand classes from Pilates Anytime), and Beachbody DVDs (I like PiYo, P90X3, &T25). I workout at painful times (very early or after kids are all in bed), but it is important to me and I don't make it an option to skip it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is P90x available as a downloadable video online? I hate DVDs

No idea, I got the DVDs from my sister. We moved states and temporarily lived with my mom while house shopping. DH and I would hide in the basement and do p90 to avoid having to socialize. We got in great shape! Too bad I can't find the same motivation in my house house now...

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to say I love hearing this. Regardless of how many kids, jobs, etc. you have, it always feels better when I make time to exercise.

[Anonymous]

Dance classes at a studio near my house, three nights a week after kids go to bed. I work full time and have two young kids. I feel motivated to go because I really enjoy the classes-- don't have to force myself to go like I used to with the gym.

[Anonymous]

Can somebody recommend a video that is all cardio and no weights?

[Anonymous]

T25

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody recommend a video that is all cardio and no weights?

Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds--if you are a beginner. If you are already very fit, they might not be intense enough for you.

I've also got a great workout from Billy Blanks Tae Bo videos. Yes, they are older, but they are great.

http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Tae-Bo-Circuit/dp/B0002VEPFI/ref=sr_1_29?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1424293585&sr=1-29&keywords=billy+blanks+tae-bo

This one is short, but effective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody recommend a video that is all cardio and no weights?

Zumba?

Or start running with a newbie program like Couch to 5k.