Working parents who work out regularly… what’s your secret?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The secret is to stop collapsing on the couch. Go grab your weights for 20 minutes and then collapse. Or go outside and run for 20 minutes. Just do something to move your body before you allow yourself to sit down, because it’s really difficult to get back up! I normally work out once the kids are in bed around 930/10.

I have this weird thing where if I run any time other than the morning, my joints and balance are wayyy off. Running at 5pm is like torture. Working out really vigorously at night also screws with my sleep. So AM it is … There is also something more motivating to me about the morning workout. I feel like it is really my time and I feel motivated to start the day crushing it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

Well you have to be sensible. A gym workout in just 30 minutes (including changing and showering) is not realistic at all. It’s not a plan. And yeah, it does suck to have to choose between basic fitness and spending time with your kids. Denying the tradeoff doesn’t help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The secret is to stop collapsing on the couch. Go grab your weights for 20 minutes and then collapse. Or go outside and run for 20 minutes. Just do something to move your body before you allow yourself to sit down, because it’s really difficult to get back up! I normally work out once the kids are in bed around 930/10.

I have this weird thing where if I run any time other than the morning, my joints and balance are wayyy off. Running at 5pm is like torture. Working out really vigorously at night also screws with my sleep. So AM it is … There is also something more motivating to me about the morning workout. I feel like it is really my time and I feel motivated to start the day crushing it.

You might want to consider adding some mobility work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

Well you have to be sensible. A gym workout in just 30 minutes (including changing and showering) is not realistic at all. It’s not a plan. And yeah, it does suck to have to choose between basic fitness and spending time with your kids. Denying the tradeoff doesn’t help.

Did you see the poster above who fit in a 25 minute gym workout? What’s wrong with 20 minute very fast treadmill or 20 minute lift on one body part?

Not my body, not my life, so I don’t care. I’m just posting back because I wouldn’t want OP to succumb to this kind of thinking.

[Anonymous]

I have a workout routine, my DH knows it and is supportive, and I just do it. I workout 3-4 times a week at Orangetheory. Although membership is super expensive it’s worth it to me because I’ve been working out consistently since I joined last summer. It’s also an incentive to actually show up!

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher and I leave work at 3:30 and I get to the gym by my kids’ school at 4 and workout for 40-50 minutes and then wipe off with a body wipe or 5 minute shower and throw on running shorts and pick up from after care at 5:15 ish.

I can’t do early mornings at the moment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

Well you have to be sensible. A gym workout in just 30 minutes (including changing and showering) is not realistic at all. It’s not a plan. And yeah, it does suck to have to choose between basic fitness and spending time with your kids. Denying the tradeoff doesn’t help.

Did you see the poster above who fit in a 25 minute gym workout? What’s wrong with 20 minute very fast treadmill or 20 minute lift on one body part?

Not my body, not my life, so I don’t care. I’m just posting back because I wouldn’t want OP to succumb to this kind of thinking.

I do the Caroline Girvan Iron program videos (YouTube). 5 minute warmup, 30 minute workout, 5 minute cool down, 5 minute shower. 50 minutes total and they are great workouts. All you need are dumbbells and internet access.

There are also shorter workouts, on her channel and others. 20-30 minutes everyday is better than nothing.

I agree, you have to just find something that works in the time you have. Don't make perfect the enemy of the good.

[Anonymous]

Start with just a few days that you can flex time and commit. For me its Saturday mornings, Tuesday at lunch, and Friday morning. I put it on my calendar and don't let other things interfere. I block the Tuesday 60 minutes at lunch as a reoccurring meeting on my calendar. I use the gym in my office building. Fridays I get up early and don't get my kids ready. My husband works from home so he is fine taking that duty. Saturday mornings I just get up and out the door while everyone else is lounging. (I have to miss an occasional Saturday if there is an early soccer game)

On other days if I happen to have time I do at home workouts or walk. I listen to podcasts or call my mom while I walk.

I'm not in tip top shape but I do prioritize movement and know it helps mentally as much as physically.

As your kids age it becomes significantly easier. For example my DH joined a gym near my son's soccer practice field, and he takes him to practice in the evenings twice a week and works out then picks him up. Its a built in free 75 minutes since DS is old enough (3rd grade) to attend practice without parental involvement. I don't feel good when I work out in the evening, so I take on other tasks like grocery shopping, laundry at that time. Find those pockets of time and commit to use them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

THIS. This is what I was actually coming here to say. You have to let go of the idea that it "isn't worth it" or "doesn't count" if you can't work out for a certain amount of time or do a certain thing. Before I became a parent I used to go to a workout class at a studio 5x a week for an hour. Obviously I do not have time for that now, and for the longest time I thought, hmm what's the point if I can't workout for an hour? Guess what? A 20-30 minute workout is plenty effective, and it's better than nothing. Workout for 20 mins on your lunchbreak if you work from home. Or, set up all your stuff at night, including workout clothes, water bottle, and cueing up your workout on your ipad if you need. Wake up 20 mins earlier and roll out of bed and immediately get to workout out. Even doing something for 10-15 mins is better than nothing. If I am really stretched for time I will pick 3 exercises (so for example, push ups, squats, and reverse push ups) and do 5 circuits of 10 reps each.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The secret is to stop collapsing on the couch. Go grab your weights for 20 minutes and then collapse. Or go outside and run for 20 minutes. Just do something to move your body before you allow yourself to sit down, because it’s really difficult to get back up! I normally work out once the kids are in bed around 930/10.

I have this weird thing where if I run any time other than the morning, my joints and balance are wayyy off. Running at 5pm is like torture. Working out really vigorously at night also screws with my sleep. So AM it is … There is also something more motivating to me about the morning workout. I feel like it is really my time and I feel motivated to start the day crushing it.

You might want to consider adding some mobility work.

I do plenty of mobility work and weights. It’s not mobility - It’s almost as if my legs are congested from sitting all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

Well you have to be sensible. A gym workout in just 30 minutes (including changing and showering) is not realistic at all. It’s not a plan. And yeah, it does suck to have to choose between basic fitness and spending time with your kids. Denying the tradeoff doesn’t help.

Did you see the poster above who fit in a 25 minute gym workout? What’s wrong with 20 minute very fast treadmill or 20 minute lift on one body part?

Not my body, not my life, so I don’t care. I’m just posting back because I wouldn’t want OP to succumb to this kind of thinking.

OP is in the office and has 30 minutes for lunch. Unless she is going to workout in her work clothes and not shower, there’s no way to fit in a 20 minute workout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you worked out, you wouldn't be so tired. Work out during your lunch hour.

How do you have time to workout, shower and eat in an hour?

Change/Workout for 40 minutes. Shower/Change for 15 minutes. Walk to and from your office - 5 minutes. Eat the lunch you packed at your desk before or after workout (depending on the type of workout of course).

I am the one who asked your kids ages and your job logistics. Not sure I saw your answer. How/when you workout varies based on these things.

NP here. I wish I had an hour lunch, but you can't change and do meaningful sweaty exercise in a 30 minute break. Maybe a 20 minute walk.

I have been getting away with lunch break workouts during WFH, since I can jump back online all sweaty and shower later, but 5-day RTO is in June and I'm just going to have to lose time with my kids in the early mornings or evenings to work out. In addition to the hour of commuting. Sigh.

Not be as a**, but this is the attitude that keeps you from being fit. Since I can’t do what’s perfect, I will do nothing.

I don’t understand this response. PP is saying she currently works out during lunch and will continue when she RTO but at a different time. How is this doing nothing?

[Anonymous]

When my kids were young I would run with a double stroller, run while my kids biked or scootered, sometimes would get a group of moms together and do a track workout while kids played/ran as well.

Or wake up at 5, or at lunch. But prioritize it, be creative and don’t let perfection get in the way of the good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my kids were young I would run with a double stroller, run while my kids biked or scootered, sometimes would get a group of moms together and do a track workout while kids played/ran as well.

Or wake up at 5, or at lunch. But prioritize it, be creative and don’t let perfection get in the way of the good.

I followed a similar approach. Do what you can, when you can. No time for the formal 20-40 min gym workout? How about run the stairs in your home (if you have two stories) or skip rope. YouTube a dance party with your kids (the younger set love those). Walk, run, scooter, bike the neighborhood. Parking in the very back of a shopping center lot and get those “steps” in.

That said, our household joined the 5am crowd long ago…and DH and I traded off to really make it happen and we both took Fridays “off” to have breakfast as a family. The side bene was each of us had to deal with the morning routine on our own and it made making a “routine” a real habit. Everyone was in bed by 9pm until ours were in HS.