time for working out

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by LisaHendey on July 5, 2009 at 9:20pm

Hi Kelly and thanks for broaching this important topic. I feel like this is an individual decision that will vary for every family. As for me, when my children were little, I did very frequently use the daycare at my gym with them. I was typically gone from them for less than one hour and always in the same building so I could be contacted immediately if they needed me. Those one hour work out breaks left me a much nicer and more loving mommy. It worked very well for me - I'd love to hear what others have to say on this topic.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Reitemeyer on July 5, 2009 at 10:03pm

I don't think I could afford a gym and its babysitting, but I own a treadmill and as soon as the toddler goes down for a nap, I have the other 5 kids sit and watch TV while I exercise. I try to do an hour and then take another 30 minutes to shower and relax and usually make lunch. I don't feel one ounce of guilt for using the TV as a sitter for 90 minutes most days.

It is neither neglectful nor selfish to take care of your mental and physical health. Your kids need a healthy mom. If the gym's babysitting works for you, then go for it. You are right there if there is a serious problem, and usually kids enjoy the different toys and playmates.

Other options can include the kids: running/walking with a jogging stroller, riding bikes (with one of those pulled carts - you can fit a car seat in them for infants), there are exercise tapes for mommy and me, too. If you prefer to work out alone (as I do), but the kids always seem to need something while you are exercising, try to find a mother's helper who can keep the kids occupied while you do a tape. Pre-teen girls are usually very cheap, and very creative. Maybe that's the hour of the day you let everybody have fun with glitter and paint (make cleanup part of the mother's helper's job), and then it's something your kids really look forward to. My oldest boys are 11 and 9 and are pretty good about fetching snacks and juice if necessary while mom's on the treadmill.

Do not feel guilty about wanting and needing to exercise regularly.

Permalink Reply by Paula Rutherford on July 5, 2009 at 11:51pm

I agree with Michelle that you should not feel guilty about doing what you need to do to fulfill your vocation as a mom. I also agree that I could not afford to go to the gym with or without my kids!! ;) Actually, I do not think I would go to the gym even if i could afford it - I do not like to work out in public.

I have a couple of workout DVDs that I use at home. Sometimes the kids "exercise" with me, other times I do my workout when the younger ones are down for naps and the older ones are outside playing or reading (I have 8 children - ages 10 down to 5 months).

I am interested in what other moms have done to solve this dilemma too!

Permalink Reply by Kelly on July 6, 2009 at 4:31pm

Thanks so much for your advice. That really helps. I know that I would not overuse the gym or workout time to the detrement of my children. It really does help me to be a better mother. As mothers we have to be flexible and self sacrificing, but I think that this is not an area to be neglected.
Many blessings