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Elizabeth
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Before I was pregnant, I left the house faithfully at 6:45 every morning and went to Curves. I loved the time, the companionship, the exercise.(Though I do think the lattes afterwards were counterproductive, Cindy  ) That's not going to happen now. I don't want to leave the baby  . I have so little time when she doesn't need me and I'm having a hard time making it predictable time. We have weights here and I have a recumbent bike, so I could probably put together a decent never-leave-home-routine. When to do it though? What's your exercise routine?
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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MicheleQ
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I put my exercise clothes on in the morning and zip out to exercise when the baby falls asleep. I have never been able to maintain a set time when there's a nursing baby in the house. I just try to be flexible. I know that doesn't work for everyone but it does for me. It helps that I have babies that sleep well and that the gym is just 2 blocks up the street. I can't exercise at home - there's too many distractions and no one will leave me alone!
At home I would think first thing in the morning would be the best time for you. Presumably there's less distractions then??
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Elizabeth
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There are fewer distractions, but that doesn't mean there are none  . I get up with the baby and she and I read email, etc. for about a half hour most days. Then, I get everybody else up. We do breakfast, Gracie arrives and I get a few chores done. As soon as she goes to sleep, I start the academics. If I don't, we don't get anything accomplished at all. That's part of the reason I'm going to have to exeercise at home. I can't give up her nap time for exercise--there's too little of it. Mary Beth can supervise theoretically while I squeeze in a half hour but I need to be here; I'm not going to leave them alone with the baby.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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mary
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7-7:30, while my dh shaves and showers. he keeps the baby in the bouncer so i can exercise. if i don't wake up in time (like today when we are all tired from colds) i miss my window. although i have lots of tapes at home, i can't seem to manage them during the day because my oldest (8yrs) isn't really old enough to handle the baby for that long. by evening i'm too wiped.
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Dawn
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This is an interesting thread. My husband asked for (and received) an exercise machine for Christmas. He's clearing a spot for it down in the laundry room. I think his plan is to use it in the morning before he leaves for work.
If I had my druthers I'd walk for fitness. When I did exercise regularly, I walked 3 miles a day. That was *years* ago. 
These days, I never formally exercise, save for the random bike ride in the warmer months with the family. However, I find I never *sit* through the day. Literally, unless I am driving, I am constantly on my feet. Does this count? I've toyed with the idea of wearing a pedometer (sp?).
I think I have fallen into a trap where I don't need to lose any weight so I'm not really motivated, but I know that for overall (and future) good health I do need to have some kind of regular exercise. Maybe a stationary bike a few times a week?
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JennGM
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Dawn wrote:
| However, I find I never *sit* through the day. Literally, unless I am driving, I am constantly on my feet. Does this count? I've toyed with the idea of wearing a pedometer (sp?). |
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I do think it counts, Dawn. You are definitely burning calories. It's funny, but this "on your feet" totally fits my impression of you!
After a long hiatus, I'm establishing exercise in my routine again. My foot is good to go finally, the treadmill repaired, so no more excuses.
We bought a treadmill a year ago, because it was obvious to us that we weren't getting out for various reasons and needed something at home. Going out for walks with my son doesn't really count as much exercise, as he strolls and observes.
I snatch exercise when I can. I'm not comfortable getting on the treadmill with my 3yo around. He's still way too curious...and that curiosity overrides any cautioning from Mommy. So if dh is home, I can do it during the day, but if not, it's either during nap time, or after ds is in bed. I know morning would be best, but I'm being realistic, as I have problems getting up in the morning.
I do plan on adding some Pilates tapes to the mix, and that I can do with my son around. But it's all baby steps and getting into the habit.
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Dawn
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JennGM wrote:
Dawn wrote:
| However, I find I never *sit* through the day. Literally, unless I am driving, I am constantly on my feet. Does this count? I've toyed with the idea of wearing a pedometer (sp?). |
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I do think it counts, Dawn. You are definitely burning calories. It's funny, but this "on your feet" totally fits my impression of you! |
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The boys just reminded me I sit when I read to them, which is true - most of the time. Often I read aloud standing at the island while they eat lunch!
Now, after 7 p.m. - lookout! I am the biggest couch potato!
Sorry to derail the thread. I am really looking forward to hearing advice on fitting fitness into our busy lives!
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Cay Gibson
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My exercise time is when dh gets off work. His job pays for the family's membership at the new aquatic center. We all go. The two younger girls go to the play room while dh and I work out. Then dh takes them to the indoor pool and spends Daddy time with them while I walk the track (I call it my meditation time ). Garrett usually brings a friend and they play basketball below the track where I can see them. (under 16 they aren't suppose to go around the center unsupervised) Dd usually goes to spar after school with a friend to walk the track. Sometimes she comes and walks it with me. We have some of our best conversations while walking. Corey goes occassionally but he's quite busy with work.
We go two to three times a week. Dd and I hit Starbucks at least once a week. I think Starbucks is winning the battle of the bulge. 
Then there are days like yesterday when a friend rings me up in the middle of the afternoon to meet her and the kids at spar. All the kids played basketball on the lower level while she and I walked the track and talked and talked and talked while pushing Miss Lucy in her stroller. 
Since I don't have a little one in the house, this should be taken with a grain of salt. I know it won't work for those of you with babies and no nearby gym.
Speaking of gyms. I use to hate them.  You wouldn't have caught me dead in one. They just aren't me . Then this new state-of-the-art complex appears complete with outside waterpark and inside Olympic pool and all kinds of classes, etc. etc. etc. and your dh's company pays for you to go!!! How can I hate it? But I prefer to go with dh.
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MicheleQ
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Elizabeth wrote:
| I can't give up her nap time for exercise--there's too little of it. Mary Beth can supervise theoretically while I squeeze in a half hour but I need to be here; I'm not going to leave them alone with the baby. |
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I figured as much. I wouldn't leave my school age kids alone with the baby either (or they wouldn't get any work done!) but there's usually an adult here (dh or son) and right now at least, Mia still sleeps a lot.
Dawn wrote:
| If I had my druthers I'd walk for fitness. When I did exercise regularly, I walked 3 miles a day. That was *years* ago. |
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That's what I shoot for - 3 miles. I split it up walking and jogging. I love jogging but I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up as I get older - I'm starting to get achey knees. 
Cardio I can do, it's the weights I need to be more consistent about. My mom has Osteoporosis and there are definitely hereditary factors.
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Marjorie
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I don't and I know I should. Luckily, I have a very fast metabolism and come from a skinny - but wrinkley :-) gene pool. That said, I have poor upper body strength and my endurance is not good. BK (before kids) I ran and did nordic track regularly, A2K I still went to the gym and was in good heart health. Since K3 and starting to homeschool I have NO time - and no $ - for the gym. My excercise consists of running after small children, especially a 5 yo boy, and hoisting multiple loads of laundry up two flights of stairs. What can someone do at home? W/O a stationary bike or treadmill? Strength training with hand weights? Yoga or stretches?
Elizabeth, is Curves pricey? They just opened one close to us and I could check it out. I would have to get up really early though to get back by 6:30 am when my dh and the kids get up and I have to take over. My only quiet time is 5:30-6:25 and I'm not always very coherent that early:-)
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Baby steps--I need to remember that.
Lately, I have been thinking of exercising butI always have something going on that prevents me from starting-I am sick right now, we had guests 2 weeks ago and I am still catching up on household stuff, etc. I am trying to get back into a routine from the holidays, but, we are off for vacation in Florida on Saturday. Sigh.
Some things that worked for me in the past--in case they can help someone here who is more motivated than me right now -I paid ds 50 cents to play nicely with his sister. I figured it was cheaper than the gym and they were in the same room as I was so I could monitor them. I put in a video. I found new toys to play with only during workout time. I work out in the am before they get up. Do my exercises throughout the day--have my routine and do an exercise or two throughout the day as I can find the time--stretch while playing dollhouse on the floor, lunges while waitng for the microwave, knee bends while unloading the dw, etc. I check the exercises off in my head throughout the day. Walk while ds is at soccer practice or choir.
Looking forward to other suggestions and starting to work out again soon!
Anne
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Cay Gibson
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I forgot to mention that one of my New Year's resolutions was to exercise every morning. I bought a workout DVD and the girls and I were faithful for two whole weeks.
I really want to try the Billy Blanks DVD's Leonien uses but I'm afraid I'd never keep up.
Bridget's friend and mine, Heidi, has eight dc and she looks incredible. Her husband is a doctor and he has her on a strict rigorious workout program (or so the mutual friend tells me). I know it's a home program. I'll have to ask her and find out what she does.
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Taffy
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Well, I have to do my exercise in the morning before everyone is up. Otherwise, as mentioned previously, there are too many distractions.
We live in a mobiile home so my exercise options inside are limited if I don't want to wake anyone up. We have a stationary bike that I use and a rebounder. But, I find that for my mental health, I need to get outside! So, I walk the dog in the morning and try to walk her again in the afternoon with the kids. It's not nice to do in the dark, but I do notice a difference to my mood the rest of the day that I'm sure my family appreciates. The nearest gym is a 20 min drive away which is impractical for me to get to.
Elizabeth, could you simply go for a walk with baby in a sling? Slip on some wrist weights and swing those arms?
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Lisa R
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I get up at 5:30 a.m.  and walk on the treadmill while dh is showering. Even with our new adopted daughter not sleeping well  , it's what I have to do. Yes, I am tired but I have a bad back and I really notice if I don't excercise and move. I also just got an excercise ball DVD that I'm going to start using. I'm trying to figure out how to add in weight training as well.
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Elizabeth
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Marjorie,
Price varies slightly by location. Here, it's $40/month after the registration fee. But it doesn't open until 7AM, which is one of the reasons it's not working here anymore.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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1floridamom
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I'm finding that the more kids I have the more my lack of organization is showing. My dh is really good about making time for the gym 3-4 times a week. He just pops over there when he sees an open window of time.
I'm figuring that I'm going to have to schedule this with my kids not around them. I haven't been very good about exercise in general, but we have all gone around the neighborhood to get used to 1 mile. My dh runs, so he's figured out all of the possible mileage circuits through the neighborhood. It's been a really warm winter here, so both little girls have been in the double stroller, but I would sling the baby if it were colder.
Is Karoline needing to be held by you or just near you? The other things (stretching, weight resistance, crunches, etc.) that I want to work into the day may have to be taken in 10-minute chunks. If she needs to be held, you might have to do that, too.
Great thread!  This is motivation for me to keep my plans going!
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jackiemomof7
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I just got home from the gym. I joined on Monday and will be going every Monday,Weds. and Fridays. I don't have little ones but I know if I am gone not much will get done! So, I am going during their lunch time. I would rather do mornings since I am a morning person but then we would never get our school day started. I went a little early today. We have ice everywhere and I got the van all cleaned up and warm to take us to mass. So when we returned home I did a quick change and headed back out, the kids changed clothes and got a snack so we are not to far behind this morning. I have never done anything like this. Yes I have weights and DVD's and such for home but there they sit I just couldn't get into a routine to do them. Then a new gym opened only for women and since I work at the hospital it only cost $25 a month. My husband is very protective and was leary but after a visit he gave the okay! It has been great so far  but only day 2 into this. Since it is small the owner is your personal trainer. I figured I really need to do this being 43 and getting winded walking up a few flights of stairs. Plus I could lose about 15 pounds. Well not any help here Elizabeth but I do hope you find the time I feel it affecting my mood making me a happier mommy!
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stacykay
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I usually walk, preferably in the day time, but with the kiddies, well, you know about how fast one can travel with a 2yo who needs to inspect every twig, dried worm, etc.
So, my walking is at night. After all the children are in bed, I grab our scary-looking, but cowardly black lab mix, and head out the door. I keep my cell phone with me, too. It isn't as much fun as daytime walking, because it's ... dark. Sometimes the stars or moon are neat to look at, but sometimes it is overcast or drizzly (on those nights I try to imagine I am walking the streets of London .) I shoot for three miles and usually keep to our block, which is one mile around.
We have a fairly safe neighborhood, but I still have many conversations with St. Michael while I am tooling around the block!
In the summer, dh and I usually walk every evening after dinner. I would try the morning, but dh leaves around 5 or 6, and 16yods leaves for school at 7. Evenings in the fall and winter are usually taken up with football or basketball.
I know I need to inculcate a good exercise regimen in my boys, too. I have toyed with the idea of a stroll each morning, before schooling, but don't know if that would throw us off schedule.
I used to do a tape everyday, also, (Jane Fonda's step aerobics,) but like so many have said, it's hard with the littles. We had a membership to our city's rec center, but by the time I could get ready to go, it was closed. Or I would only get in a few laps before closing time (I love to swim and would do it everyday, if I had the time and facilities.)
Afraid I am not much help, here, Elizabeth!
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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JodieLyn
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winter is hard.. but when the weather is good.. I try and get out with the kids walking or bike riding several times a week.. with the littles in a stroller I can walk as fast as I can walk so it's not just poking along.. I've even put the older kids on bikes but they really outdistance me that way now.. so if we're riding bikes... I have a trailer for my bike for the little ones and we can do quite a bit of riding. And during the warmest months I try and do some swimming.. right now it's maybe once or twice a week that I can do that.. but my oldest will be old enough to babysit before too many more years pass.. pool is only 5 min away and swimming laps wears you out FAST so it'll be a good learning process where I only have her babysit for maybe 30 min. at a time at first.
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Rachel May
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On M,W,F I leave for the indoor pool around 6:15 and am showered and home by 7:15. I only do 30 minutes in the water. On Sat I jog with the boys in the afternoon.
I used to run in the wee hours (4:30ish) outside with a friend--too early for me!
Sometimes we went in the evening--too close to dinner!
Sometimes I have run on my treadmill after the kids go to bed--too late, I'm tired!
Sometimes I have run on my treamill in the afternoon when everyone naps--too noisy, I'm waking people up!
Sometimes I did yoga with the kids--too many bodies on my yoga mat!
Can you detect a pattern?
In the end, it's finding exercise that I enjoy and look forward to that has been key. I won't get up early to run, but I will to swim.
Also, I have a pedometer and found that in general I walk 3 miles a day without leaving the house. Just that is pretty good, I think!
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Rachel
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: When do you exercise?
