Group Discussions

How do you stay fit with kids in tow?

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  I'm not one to go to the gym (don't have a membership and probably wouldn't go even if I did), but I do like to get moving. I'm an avid babywearer, and wear babyjama in a backpack, sling, and wrap, depending on the situation. Honestly, that's quite a work out in itself if you count the number of times I climb the basement stairs in a day. Anyway, I'd definitely be interested in tips about getting exercise while the kids are around.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by mamajama on 17th June 2008
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  One thing I know from experience is that when you do the same things everyday, your body gets used to it and it's no longer a workout. I am taking babysteps, and it's working out just fine. I dropped from a size 18 to an 8 in about a year. The first thing I did is I quit drinking Pepsi. When I wanted a Pepsi, I got a drink of water instead. I worked on that until I felt comfortable. Then, I quit all other sugar on purpose like candy, ice cream, cake and stuff like that. I would allow myself one treat a week, and it was always ice cream. So, maybe with the babyjama in the backpack, you do 10 knee up, arm ups. Or even some stretching, but without the baby. The next day, you walk around the block, and so forth. You get the idea. Remember, exercise is cumulative. You do a little here and a little there throughout the day, and you will love the results.
  I used to lay the baby on my stomach or let the older kids on my stomach while I did crunches, I used to just make a big game out of it. We used to race each other up and down the sidewalk. I also used to lift my baby (depending on size) in the air in different ways to excersize my arms.
  
  A big key for me was willingness. The creativity came a little after the willingness. You can do it, though. Another key for me, is I have had to keep that lifestyle. My fat cells love being fed, and I know that size 18 is right around the corner if I do. It's a slow, gradual lifestyle change. It has been 3 years since I was a size 18, and I am so grateful I don't have to buy clothes that big anymore. I pray that I never will!!!
  
  Keep me posted and let me know how you're doing. Maybe we can work on this together somewhat.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Angela Cowling on 17th June 2008
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  I have teenagers now but when my kids were little I chased them around the yard, pushed them in a stroller as I walked. As they got bigger they rode thier bikes and I walked beside them.... then I got a treadmill so I could exercise at home. Now I try to walk daily with my dog. Don't give up..you have to keep moving and be creative. I think what kept me going is my husband, he would walk with the kids and I. You need someone to support you and keep you going.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by icedcap on 25th June 2008
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  I find that having exercise "anchors" really keeps me going. My kids are older now, so I don't have to exercise with them in tow, but I do highly recommend scheduling something regular with a friend. Do you have a friend who can walk with you once or twice a week? Do you have a good jogging stroller, or a stroller that you can put your baby in while you walk? (I'm guessing your back will give out if you carry baby the whole time!) In any case, if you exercise with someone else, it'll keep you from deciding not to, and it'll be more fun to boot!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by MargotMama on 2nd July 2008
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  Now that M is completely awesome on two wheels and has her new bike, we ride bikes everywhere. A still has training wheels and can't keep up with us so she rides in the buggy attached to my bike. We ride 3-4 miles nightly and 8-9 on weekend days.
  The first week or so, I really grumbled about it, but now, I look forward to it. I even hustled home from work so I could change and grab my bike. I towed M's in the buggy so we could ride home from daycare together. Then she still had to have our after dinner ride, so we actually got in 5 miles tonight.
  I joke that M is my task master, but it's really great for all of us to be active together.
  Good luck!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Niki D on 2nd July 2008
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  I was lucky in the sense that I did live with my parents during my divorce so I was able to get to the gym early in the morning before my daughter got up. But when i did not go there I took my daughter for long walks in her wagon or her stroller. Now she lovers riding her bike so I make her chase me so I get some running in. I do still get to the gym after I drop her off at daycare. You just have to stick with eating well and some sort of activity and the pounds will come off and stay off (beginning of 2008 size 12 now size 6)

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by AndreaB on 2nd July 2008
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  Okay guys, I am putting some of this into action. Monday, I put babyjama in the front pack and we danced around the house while folding laundry (very good cardio). Tuesday I put her in the stroller while taking her for a nice brisk walk (those hills kill). Today (I'm sore) I don't know what I'll do, but I'll think of something. I really loved all the tips about creativity. I sometimes forget that exercise doesn't have to be the standard exercises that you do in the gym. Thanks for the tips ladies, and I hope that you reach your fitness goals as well...whatever they may be!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by mamajama on 2nd July 2008
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  When my kids were babies, (they are now 3, 5, and 11), I did Tae-bo. Great workout. And you can do it in the comfort of your own home at whatever time best suits you. I prefer now to walk/run, but every once in a while, I still hook it up with Billy Blanks.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lisa Willard on 2nd July 2008
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  We go to the Y. Kids can swim or go to the gym, baby goes to the free childcare, and I do whatever workout strikes me. Several years ago I lost 80 lbs by working out at home with video tapes.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by MortonPixie on 3rd July 2008