Pick your brain: What do you do + How do you fit it in?

60 thoughts on “Pick your brain: What do you do + How do you fit it in?”

1. Late to loving exercise but here I am. I suss out all the local group fitness sessions and pick and mix times and vibe to suit me. Sometimes early morning when OH n family still asleep, sometimes after school drop. Also early morning walk to find a decent sfw. Just make a start, do one and it gets easier x

2. Hi, I use Fitnessglo.com. It’s changed the way I work out, as it’s online, and I can do it anywhere in the world. There are different levels, even workouts that only use your bodies own resistance. I love it.

3. I’ve always been a treadmill lover, but about 2 months ago I started lifting weights & I’m obsessed. So many opportunities to challenge myself and be responsible for my own success. I love lifting weights so much more than any walk, class or stationary bike. I have to get up at 4:30am to do it though 🙁 I have a 1.5 hour commute to and from work so to fit it in we just have to get up super early. Its the absolute worst.

4. They are not excuses they are life. I read all these posts that say I have 2 childrens and I fit it in whats your excuse um seriously ? There have been times where I’ve been fit times where I haven’t I currently have a fitness goal I am working towards and it is hard to fit it in around my hubbys work schedule and the school schedule, housework, kids homework kids dance and swimming so at the moment it isn’t scheduled I just have to notice when there is a spare 1/2hr and just say right off I go there are alot of things you can use at home if you cant go to the gym I have a gym in the garage but you can use soup cans broom handles etc and I downloaded the essential pump workout soundtrack so i can do it at home don’t beat yourself up just take any opportunity you can don’t think you need a whole hr cause research has shown that 20 mins is more effective than 40 in weight loss and getting healthy

5. I’m addicted to group fitness classes at the gym. I go every day (even Saturday and Sunday if I’m not doing anything else) for an hour or two. I only started when I was nearly 40, on my doctor’s recommendation after my first breast cancer diagnosis. I was very intimidated at first, wearing my husbands big t-shirts over Lycra bike pants. I used to look at the fit women in their Lorna Jane tights & singlets and think I’d never be able to be like them. But now I am one of those women 🙂 It happens gradually but if you are persistent and treat it as just part of your daily routine, it becomes a habit and it really is just about the best thing you can do for yourself – physically, emotionally and psychologically. Exercise has become an indispensable part of my life and helped me enormously when I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer a couple of years ago. Being fit helped me deal with gruelling treatments a lot better and I believe it also allowed me to recover and bounce back a lot faster once chemotherapy had finished. I’m still fighting to delay the progression of my cancer, which is now incurable, and exercise is a critical part of my treatment along with the drugs administered by my doctors. Evidence has shown that breast cancer patients who exercise regularly have better outcomes and that is enough to keep me constantly motivated. One of my doctors even said to me that if exercise was a drug, it would be the best-selling drug in history due to all the benefits it provides!! Do you really need any better reason than that to get moving? It certainly works for me 🙂

   • Hi Tracey – you are awesome x

     • Thanks Genevieve! I’m not trying to make out I’m amazing or anything though – just spreading the word that exercise has very real physical and other benefits for people with chronic health issues, and also helps prevent those issues in the first place, which is best. Stop it before it happens if you can. I also don’t mind discussing my breast cancer story as I hope it raises awareness of the disease and makes women understand that it can and does happen at any age to anyone. Don’t think that a lack of family history, young age or your relatively good health is a guarantee that you won’t get cancer because it’s not. You can do lots of things to mitigate your risk but we all need to be conscious of our breast health and know what is normal for each of us. Be familiar with your breasts and any changes that you notice, regardless of how trivial you may think they are, should be immediately investigated. Early detection saves lives, so don’t pass it off as lumpy breasts or hormonal changes – get it checked out by a medical professional – pronto. The best possible outcome is that it was a false alarm! If I hadn’t acted quickly when I found my breast lump all those years ago I would probably already be dead. Unfortunately for me I did have a recurrence but I did everything I possibly could so at least I know that the situation I find myself in now is nothing to do with me delaying investigation or treatment….it was just bad luck. Give yourself the best chance of survival and be proactive with your health 🙂

6. I used to squeeze time in at the gym (2 young kids and a working hubby) but it was too inconsistent so I set up a home gym so that, even if I only have 30 mins, I can get a workout done…even if it is after kids are asleep. I used kettlebells, medicine balls, and lots of body weight movements (squats,lunges, pushups). I was able to do the city2surf on the weekend and feeling inspired to continue getting fit and healthy. Maybe setting youself a longterm goal and lots of smaller ones to get you there. How about a couch to 5k program to get you started? Lots of success!!

7. I live on a busy road, as well, so walking is hard for me, too. It has taken me years to find something I enjoy doing enough everyday, and for me it turned out to be rowing. I got myself a rowing machine and I row after dinner of a night when the kids are in bed. I’m loving it. I could only do a few minutes at the start but I’ve quickly worked up to an hour. Whoop! Lynda xo

8. Gah! It’s bloody boring and tedious but I worked out a while back that exercise really, reeeeeally helps me feel good (not body image stuff but headspace stuff) so I just schedule it in like anything else. I schedule in a wine with a friend because it makes me feel good so I do the same with running and Pilates. I just do what I can when I can. Good luck!

9. I tend to cram it in on my non working days Fri Sat and Sun. Right now I set off from my house to go walking or jogging but plan to start driving a short distance to a running track which also has exercise gear in the playground. Hubby and I take turns looking after the kids or we take them with us (pram and scooter).

10. The only way i can exercise is if i do a class. Pilates suited me best because im not a fan of cardio. My partner is on call every 3 weeks, so it can be tricky to get to my classes. But once im there its all worth it, i leave feeling bettter than when i came in.

11. I found a wonderful trainer who offers a mums and bubs exercise class for $5/session through my local council newsletter. It’s fantastic because the classes are only 45min long, are affordable and are really interactive with your little one. Plus, they’re held in the park, so you get some fresh air and a bit of sunshine! I’d highly recommend trying to find something like that. I hate gyms and am not always particularly motivated to exercise, but I LOVE these classes. It’s also a great way to meet other mums and their bubs and make new friends. Ps. Have you seen Stay Strong Mummy on FB? If not, check out her page. She’ll give you plenty of ideas on how to exercise at home, with your kids. She’s pretty remarkable!! 🙂

12. It’s not getting warmer here unfortunately so it’s still a major task to workout. I dance with Olivia a lot which is a great workout! I often pop her at her table with play doh and do my indoor workout (it’s snowing here, no going outside!) in my lounge room. I follow the Kayla itsines program so it’s quick (30 mins) and can do it at home! sometimes she’ll join in which makes it much harder. If it’s sunny we go outside to the parks etc if she takes her bike that’s my cardio in keeping up with her! I fit in exercises anywhere I can… I do squats in the shower, while standing at the stove top etc.

13. I need to be held accountable, so I need a class or an exercise buddy.

    I have two kids, 5 and 2yrs. I do a pole dancing fitness class after they are in bed on a Monday night and hubby sits on the couch while I’m out. I take both kids swimming on a Wednesday morning, older one does his class solo but I participate with miss 2. Wednesday night, I take my son to karate lessons and I join in too. Thursday night, my husband and I have a mobile personal trainer come to our house after the kids are in bed for a workout session. Over the weekends we try and get walking as a family, even if it’s just around the corner.

    So my advice is to either take the kids with you to something you can do together, or have a clads type situation after they are asleep. Shift working hubby can make it more challenging, but the mobile PT would be great for that because they can come up to you even when hubby is working. My hubby did shift work for almost ten years and it does make things more challenging! But it’s possible.

    Good luck! 🙂 xoxo

14. I like to go to classes or have a trainer because then I know exactly when I’m going to make myself free, how long it’s going to take and how hard I’m going to have to work. I also like to go out for a run whatever the weather, it’s my favourite kind of me time. I find the only way to “fit it in” is to “plan it in”. I decide when I’m going to workout and try and juggle all my other commitments around that. When I do it the other way round, I never get around to exercise!

15. I felt like this until I found Roller Derby!! Now i plan my whole week around getting to derby training! I can skate for 2 hours and not even think about the fact I am exercising. Until I get home and then I feel it. Try and find something you enjoy!

16. I’ve only just started exercising in the last 18 months after my cancer diagnosis. I started running, as it’s free! I started with the Couch to 5k app which I highly recommend. I usually go after school drop off. I don’t know what Lacey is like in a pram, but I wished I’d strapped mine in and started earlier. It is so hard to get motivated and fit it all in. Good luck Chantelle x

17. I do Pilates and yoga, night classes

18. I walk. I drop my son at school then walk part of the way back home.

19. On the mornings where I start work in the afternoon I hit the gym for a spin/RPM class and I love it on the other days I hit the gym after work once hubby has come home. If I dont make it to the gym in the afternoon I’ll walk to pick up the kids from school or we go for a bike ride once they get home. Its not easy and it doesn’t always work out that I’ll get to train every day. Instead of beating myself up about missing a day I have told myself if I can at least exercise 3 times a week then I’m all good.

20. After years & years of going to mums & bubs boot camps, I now do hot yoga & love it!!! They have a crèche so I put Evie into that & do my class 3 days a week at 9.30! Great for my body, my soul & my mind! I can’t believe the changes its made to my shape!!!! You should totes join me!!!! ???

21. I have a 2 year old and a 10 month old {and a husband that can be at work from 5am – 9pm somedays}, but I feel like my exercise time is my ‘me’ time. I play Netball on a Monday night. I love playing a team sport because it means that my team is relying on me to show up and prompts me to get moving even if our game is at 9.45pm. I love my netball team and it’s nice to have friendships with women who don’t have little kids. I also used to play and umpire on a saturday, but with two little ones and my husband working saturdays this tends to get cut from the list. I also attend yoga at a gym once a week during the day. This is my hour to focus on myself – I am super lucky that the gym has an awesome creche. I feel recharged after yoga – an hour without anyone touching me, asking me for something, calling out Mummy for no reason. I hope you find something that works for you. I feel like I need exercise to help me be a better Mum.

22. We have a gym at our apartment complex, but my workout routine is all over the place. I walk, I jog, I run, and oftentimes rely to workout videos. I have the 21DayFix, PiYo, T25, and P90X. When I’m being lazy, I’ll just rely to fitness and wellness apps like Blogilates, SWORKIT, and 7 MWC.

    Good luck, Chantelle!

    Jae of SCATTERBRAIN

23. So, so hard to fit it in! I work 4 days at a hospital. Leave in the dark and get home in the dark. And my husband travels a lot for work. The only time that works is straight after work before picking up one kid from childcare and the other from after school care. I start work early so I can fit in the exercise after work before pick ups.

24. Find a friend.
    I’ve been walking 14-21kms a week this year, not so much for my physical health, but for my mental health.
    I walk with a friend who shares some of the stresses I’ve been facing lately and we talk talk talk talk and walk. On wet 2 degree mornings I don’t ever feel like walking but I NEED someone to talk to so I get out and go!
    Good luck!

25. I work next to a gym, you think I would go there everyday, but I am not an indoors person.
    I do some HIIT at home if I get home late and its dark. I have a bowl of paddle-pop sticks with exercises on them (different bowls for lower body, upper body, core, all body, cardio). Pick 6 and either 30sec on or reps of 20 and rest for 10sec between. Do four rounds. It keeps it exciting. I try for at least 30mins a day. And try to mix it up with a lot of
    accidental exercise. So a mountain climb on the weekend or a long rain
    forest walk. Running is my meditation, so that at least once a week.

26. 25kg ago, I joined this…http://www.springfitness.com.au/
    Best $30 I’ve ever spent!!! No gym required ?

27. I work full-time (as does my husband) and have a 2 year old. I work in the CBD and there’s a gym in my building so I’m finding the best way to fit some exercise in is to go at lunchtime. I only go 2 or 3 days a week, but I’ll hit a CX class, or go for a run on the treadmill (I’m about halfway through the C25K – which I’ve done several times over the last 5 years or so. I also do the 7 minute workout at home on days that I don’t hit the gym. Would love to schedule in more walks with friends to catch up, but struggle to find the time. Maybe when the weather is nicer I’ll try that too!

28. My husband does shift work too, it makes it that bit harder! I also work full time and the kids are 8 and 5 now. 3x a week I do a 30 min high intensity resistance session with the husband. Because we both do it we can hold each other accountable. Usually we will do it while the kids play outside or after they are in bed. When we started I couldn’t do a ‘man’ push up and now I can do them with my legs on a chair! The improvements keep us going 🙂 I also joined a netball team (you have to go or you let the team down!) and try to run a bit too.

    I found the lack of routine with shift work made it harder to set a time for exercise, we really do just have to do it when we get the chance.

29. I work long hours so when it comes to home time it’s already dark and I never want to workout. I convince myself to go straight to the gym and just do an EASY 30min workout. I find once I’m there and have started, I’ll workout for an hour. Works everytime! I’ve also joined a netball team which leaves no excuses… but I’m rarely home before 7.30pm (after work and gym) so find it extremely difficult to organise dinner so I try to do a couple of big cooks on the weekend and eat leftovers during the week. But I don’t have a family to feed! I also try go for a run or bike ride over the weekend just to get out into the sunshine!

30. I’ve started doing it from home, when I get up early with my littlest one. Yes, he can impede me when I’m trying to do sit ups and he comes and sits on my tummy but if I set him up with some toys or fruit he’s usually fine. Even if I only do 20 minutes, it’s something and it’s done. If I fit anything else in around this (walk, jog) it’s a bonus.

31. I choose walking over the car whenever I can. Park a bit further from my destination and walk the last bit. Walk the long way. Our town is great for walking but the weather this time of year is not. Fit Bit helps a lot to keep me moving.

32. You need a tribe of fitness friends… They hold you accountable and their chatter distracts you from the work. I’d totally train with you if we lived closer 🙁

33. I really love this site and it really inspires me: http://www.skinnymom.com/ Not only the exercises, but also the clean living.

34. Hi Chantelle, Im a work out at home girl too. I joined an online gym a few years ago (Miss fitness life) she post daily workouts which I can do from home while my little one is asleep (I usually start about 6.20am but I have always been an early riser) I have a few different sets of dumbbells (but when I started only had two) and I use My gym buddy app to do the HIIT cardio that is included in the workout. But if bub wakes up early I just try finish it later or take him for a walk with the pram. You’re already halfway there coz you want to start!! Once you have started again you will get into that routine that you had before! 🙂

35. Hi Chantelle! I’m with you – the desire to get into it is there, but opportunities are few and far between. My husband works long hours mon-fri, so I try to kick myself out the door for a jog on Saturday and Sunday morning. I also downloaded the 7-minute workout app at Smaggle’s recommendation, and if I do it twice through, I feel I’ve had a great workout! May the force be with you!

36. I completely understand. You’ve just gotta start it back up. Figure out when you can do it (maybe even try something different?) & make sure you do it regularly. I find planning helps big time. I know which days are out of the question for exercise this keeps me on track & then i can schedule it in (for me that’s running). Here’s the low down in our household. I work full time (50 hours a week). I study part time. Have 1 3yr old & 1 4yr old & a 32 yr old (the other half). I’m currently training for a 50km ultramarathon which is in 2 weeks time. Sometimes i do think ughh it’s cold but i remember how good it feels once i’ve finished.

37. What’s this exercise you talk of?

38. Oh I struggle as well Chantelle, my hubby is a shift worker also, and with the cold and running miss 8 and master 10 around to activities there isn’t much light left in the day ! So I will start dragging them out for a walk with me a few days a week and listen to yhe whinging for the half an hour or so we are out walking or cycling! Wish me luck ? and hope you find some time for you xx

39. While I’m asleep – it’s the only free time I have. I work full time, have 2 teenage boys then work at home being a mum, so no ‘me’ time or ‘exercise’ time – I think about walking in my lunch break but I only have 30 minutes and quite like to eat my lunch during that time.

40. It can be so hard to find the extra energy when you mostly just want to collapse in a child-induced heap! 🙂 I have just downloaded the C25K app to try and work up to a 5km jog… so far so good! I have also found my FitBit is really good… my family are all on there and we can challenge each other. Thanks for posting about this – there are some great ideas in here!

41. yoga to start the day and a long walk in the evening (even though the wind is still a little chilly)

42. A walk to a playground in a neighboring area was initially my workout. I then did the C25K app and run around the blocks where I live after dinner during daylight saving. In winter now I do 2x Step into Life group outdoor training sessions.

43. I prefer to train in the morning. School drop off then straight to the gym (on a good day). I like the gym because I can choose what I want do. Sometimes I do my own thing with music blaring in my ears….. a walk/run/ride/circuit. Mostly I do gym classes…. I find they are always fun and you get a good mix (boxing, pump, attack- loads to choose from) It also helps to have a time to get there… the 9:30 classes are like an appointment I have to make. Another positive about the gym- The Creche! An hour to myself while my little man plays 🙂 Win Win!

44. So, while I don’t have kids so fitting in a bit of fitness is a bit easier for me, one thing I’ve found to make it easier for me not to have an excuse is starting out with bodyweights. I’ve got a routine which takes about half an hour, I do it in my living room and all I need is a yoga mat. It’s about building core strength. Only takes half an hour and I do it 3 times a week. It’s things like doing plank, squats, push ups, just to keep strength up. Usually try and get this in before work (if I wake up early enough) or just after, before dinner.

    On top of that I’ve got into squash which is a great, but brutal, work out.

45. I had a friend who lost 80 kg (no not a typo) she started by doing laps of her house because her husband was away and she had a newborn. She then added squats, and lunges and weights using tin cans. 10 years later the weight is still off.

46. This is currently an issue for me as I took up running after the boys were in bed, but truthfully by the time they are asleep (7.15pm) the LAST thing I want to do is head out pounding the pavements. I could get up 30mins earlier than them but I can’t risk disturbing them and then I’d feel shattered all day long…So I went out and bought a jogging pram, so smug at cleverly solving the issue. When Toddler is at nursery I shall run WITH Baby, I thought. Except then I realised that the pram is quite wide and there aren’t any specific paths for jogging round here, so I’d have to drive somewhere to use it which is a) a faff and b) hard to do because it doesn’t fit in my car! Also, what if Baby fell asleep in it, that would scupper my whole daily routine?
    Needless to say, it’s not been taken out once yet 🙁
    Have started pilates with a girlfriend one evening a week and am determined to solve the running issue, maybe I will just have to head out with Baby and keep shrieking at him not to fall asleep??? All the while attempting not to fall off the edge of the pavement…??

47. Download Quick 4 to your smart phone. set an alarm at the same time everyday, maybe once everyone is off for the day? Quick for is adjustable so when you get in the habit you can increase the time but in the beginning you can do four quick exercises that take 4-5 minutes. Once you get started and you do it for 2 weeks, you will be in the habit and it gets easier.

48. I started a fitness group on FB called Let’s Train Together. I would be happy to invite you to join. It’s a supportive group that helps get you going. Just need a personal FB account to invite you in.

49. I have just started using the couch to 5km app. Never run more than 200m in my life. 30 mins 3 times a week. I am hoping to fit in 2 at a gym and 1 at a park with the kids on the weekend. Survived week 1 day 1 and fitting in a quick gym session tomorrow.

50. I work full time, have a two year old, and a shift working husband. At the beginning of May, I decided I had to get serious about getting fit and healthy, especially as we are having a bit of a struggle trying for baby #2. I’m a terrible procrastinator and knew that simple exercise routines and motivation were going to be key factors for me. To that end, I started off doing bodyweight exercise videos on YouTube (Paula B is the trainer I subscribed to). Then I started a fb group and am running a 60 day challenge (Hero’s Journey 2.0) found at darebee.com.
    Since May, I have lost over 15 inches just doing those two things without much change to my diet (although this is something I need to work on, too).
    The challenge has been great because I feel accountable to the others in the group (since I’m the one running it!) and it involves a points system which is also motivating.

51. I think the hardest part is getting into the routine, isn’t it? Can you start by finding more ways to “move” during the day? Set aside a small amount of time and do a little mini workout at home, with exercises as others have suggested such as squats and lunges etc…maybe once you start getting into that, you’ll get your groove back and you can look for some local classes to attend? Good luck! x

52. You could buy yourself some kettlebells or use cans of empty cartons of milk that you can fill with water as you need to increase the weight. There are heaps of different programs that you can get online and this will get you on the way to getting strong and the stronger you get the more you will want to do.

53. Good morning, this is an awesome Question. I find the best time to exercise is before the kids wake up and the chaos starts. So I set my alarm super early, some times as early as 4.45am. Either I will head out to the gym ( opens at 5am) or do a workout in the kids playroom, sometimes I will YouTube them if I am not feeling creative. This week I am doing a series of workouts on Periscope. 5 moves per workout for 5 days in a row at 5am (before the chaos). I would love you to join me @cocomotionmumma The reply is available for 24hrs ?

54. I have 2 teenage boys, a very busy husband and a cat.

    I can’t take the cat for a walk coz, well that would be a bit weird, and it would also send all the dogs in the neighbour crazy. We are surrounded by a lot of dogs. I can’t take the kids with me coz they’re always sleeping or watching or making videos.

    So I decided to get up really early about 5.30am and just start walking Round the Neighbourhood. Then hubby decided to start coming with me cause he thought maybe I either needed the company or the protection, who knows … Mind you he didn’t like my black and purple rain jacket I was wearing so decided to buy me a HighVis jacket for Mother’s Day! But that early morning walk, with or without hubby, is so peaceful.

    For me this is my only time to do any sort of physical activity! And it works for me. It took me about 15 years to get my act in to gear but I finally did it. Good luck Chantelle here’s hoping you find your groove soon. Xx

55. I have a 3 yo and a nearly 2 yo, hubby leaves for work at 6am and are on one income. Gym not really an option, and I was put off morning walks after being harassed a few mornings over a couple of weeks. SO I discovered Tracy Anderson and haven’t looked back. She has a whole range of dvd’s and you only need small weights, a mat and sometimes a chair. I have found her and the online community really supportive and empowering. I get up at 5am and work out for 30-90 mins then the morning routine starts on a high 🙂

56. I actually love fitness but I think that is the key. Finding something you love. My gym has a fantastic creche that Ned has been going to since he was 8 weeks old – he just turned 2. Try and make that thing you love a priority. Work around it with hubby – and don’t compromise. Sometimes I think as mums we get caught up in our husbands ‘babysitting’ when really it is parenting and each parent should if possible have even share. Hope you find something that you enjoy doing.

57. I found local classes run by other mums. I take my son Peter for regular walks round the neighbourhood. I move alot at home and work by necessity.

58. I dont do any. I really need to read the comments you get and make some changes!

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