How do other mums fit in exercise? I'm a single mum, I start work at 7.00am every day so I'm awake by 5.30am, finish work at 3.30pm, and don't get home until 4.30/5.00pm every day.
Then I have to cook dinner, help with homework, do the housework etc. By the time my DS is heading off to bed at 8.00pm I'm exhausted after the long day I've had.
I manage to complete at least 10,000 steps a day thanks to my job, but it's not enough to help me lose weight. I'm trying to watch what I eat, but nothing seems to help.
Any ideas?
Exercise
Exercise
Posted in:
Self Care
11 Replies
Treadmill at home, quick 20 min run in the morning or during lunch break. Often mid week doesn't happen though so parkrun on Saturday with the kids a bike ride or something on Sunday.
When i work full time it just doesnt happen.
I go to a class at the gym. Starts at 6 or 7. Get takeaway or an easy dinner and dont do much else those nights. Home and kids go straight to bed.
I really enjoy them though thats how i go, if i didnt i wouldnt go.
On weekends we go out and do things together, bike ride, dog walk, swim and beach play.
I get up at 4:30am every day to go to the gym, I’m also a single parent but my oldest is 15 so I’m confident leaving them alone for an hour. They are all asleep anyway at that hour. Not sure how I’d fit it in if they were younger, it’d be very tough. Maybe a treadmill or cross trainer at home ??
My son is only nine so I wouldn’t feel confident leaving him eat home for me to go to the gym.
I’ll have to look into a treadmill for home I think.
Gyms have creche. Usually 2 or 3 dollars per visit.
Even with a creche it's not fair on him during the week to get up that early. He is still in school. She could do it on the weekend but not really worth it just to go two days a week.
She gets home at 5 can take him for an hour, take his dinner, homework or chill out activity, he will still be in bed by8. She may even find those nights are more enjoyable for them both.
Honestly, once your're in the right headspace, 80% of weight is food. I worked full time and commuted and lost all my baby weight (twice) by just living life. You get plenty of incidental exercise as an active mum. Really watch what you put in your mouth. Keep a food diary and read every nutrition label - nothing over 4% fat or sugar. No limit on fruit or veg. Don't worry about too much fruit - whole fruit may be sweet but it's full of fibre - much better than lollies or chocolate. The only thing I see might be different for me was I caught public transport to work. I had to walk to the train, stood up on the train, walked to the office and did the same in the afternoon. Much more active than commuting in a car...
It’s honestly all about your nutrition. Exercise is only about 10-20% of weight loss. Change snacks to high protein like cottage cheese and celery sticks, or a handful of almonds and a tin of tuna, or plain yoghurt, berries and honey. Make sure your main meals aren’t too big, and only drink water and/or sugar free drinks throughout the day. They are things that helped me. :)
If you eat better, that’ll help lose weight. Exercise/activity is great for toning but mainly for good mental health. Get a bike or treadmill at home or an exercise/yoga vid and get up 30 mins earlier 3-5 times a week.
Weekends go out walking/scooter/bike riding/swimming with your kids
Crank up the tunes and dance around when doing the housework
Engage your core all the time, washing dishes, at work, mowing the lawn.
WAlk kids home from school
You don’t need to exercise to lose weight. I’ve lost 15kg by following keto/lchf with absolutely no effort ! Research it!! People who say they’ve tried everything to lose weight haven’t tried keto lchf, it’s easy ! You don’t count calories or anything either. I’ve done the gym thing, starved myself with calorie restrictions or with some bullshit weight loss program, shakes you name it I’ve done it ! 18 months in and I’m never hungry and I’m mentally healthy too!