Howdy:
I have 3 boys ages 1, 3 and just turned 6. The 6 yo starts KG in the fall, the rest are not in school. I have not got any pat answers but I have been getting workouts in and here is what I have to say.
- I have worked out as late as 10 pm at night with a Cathe tape.
- Lately I have been working out to a tape while the 3 yo and 1 yo nap (I STRIVE to get them to take their afternoon naps at the same time) in the afternoon. The 6 yo watches me and imitates me or finds something else to do. I think a 4+ yo could do this too.
- My goal is to one day convince myself to start daily 6 am workouts with a Cathe tape before the kids get up. I think that is likely to be the most consistent answer. The naptime and evening workouts too often get dropped because of being tired/schedule/other stuff to do. Plus I want exercise to be part of my life, not BE my life.
Other stuff I have to say
- Cleanliness is overrated. Let the housework go. If you wait til all the housework is done, you will NEVER WORKOUT. Which would you and or family rather have...a happy mom/wife, or a clean house that is soon going to be messed up? Choose. It is ok for your kids to see you making you and your exercise time a priority. I repeat...it is healthy for them to see that. With more energy from working out, you will be more efficient to do housework. At least, in theory.
- Make it a priority. Like brushing your teeth. Could you imagine NOT brushing your teeth every day? It is habit forming. If I don't brush my teeth...I feel weird. If I don't workout...I feel weird.
- The funny thing about exercise....the more you do it, the more energy you have to do it...not less.
- Try this new attitude for a week. If the world does not fall apart...continue!!
HTH
Jen
PS My house is a tornado.