Tips on finding time to workout with kids.

A question I am often asked is: "How do I find the time to workout with young kids and a husband who travels all the time?" While it took me awhile after my first son was born to figure out a routine, once I did I was hooked. Here are some tips that I have complied over the years to help mothers find time to workout while raising young kids.

• Take advantage of their sleep. A new baby sleeps approximately 16 hours out of the day. During the day run with baby in a jogger while they nap away! Even an 8 year old needs approximately 10-11 hours of sleep. There should be some time during those windows to fit in a workout. You can even set the alarm an hour early to wake before your children. 
• Hire a sitter. I know not everyone can afford to hire a sitter just to workout but this is something I used to do on a on a weekly basis when I needed to get in a long ride or run. Consider hiring a young preteen who needs to gain experience watching children and you can stay in the house while you do a workout video. The advantage to these younger babysitters is that they don't charge much since they are just starting out. 
• Trade with a friend. Find another mom who you could trade babysitting services with. I'm sure many moms would be more than willing to swap an hour or two during the week. You watch her kids while she goes out and she watches yours while you workout.
• Tag team with your spouse on weekends. Take turns watching the kids while one person works out. I don't recommend this all the time as it takes away time from each other as a couple. For me personally I would rather reserve my time to be with my entire family and workout during the week (while my spouse is away). But many parents can make it work so it's worth a try.
• Find a gym or YMCA that offers childcare. Before my youngest went to preschool my saving grace was our local Y that offered $2.00 childcare. Many of my mommy friends complained about that fee but in the back of my mind I was so grateful it was even offered. And to be honest I would have paid a lot more than that! For 2 bucks I could get in an entire swim workout and go run on the track for an hour. They have since changed it to free childcare so I guess all the complaints from the moms worked! I am a happy camper either way.
• Exercise while the kids are at school. Or if you work, on your lunch hour. Go for a run right after you drop the kids off at school before you start to get busy. Get dressed in the morning wearing workout clothes so you won't be tempted to return home and start doing other things that take away from your exercise routine. If you work hit up a gym on your lunch hour. Or find group classes in your area that cater to the lunch-timers. For example I teach a Noon spin class that is only 45 minutes. You are in and out in 45 minutes with a few minutes to spare to get back to work. 
• Turn off the electronics.  If you can find time to watch TV, check email, surf the internet or be on your phone; you can certainly find the time to exercise. 
• Exercise as a family. Get outside and play with your kids. Run around, ride bikes anything to get moving. Not only is it fun but you set a good example to your kids as well. My family is really into bikes (shocker huh?) so we take rides together. My youngest can't keep up yet so we bought a used bike buggy to tow him with. He loves it and we can go for miles and I don't have to worry about stopping for him. And since I have to tow all that weight it makes an extra hard workout!
• Do a HIIT Workout. Find the time to fit in a quick HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout. Here's one that is only 7 minutes. Print it out and tape it next to the TV or your bed at night. You should be able to find 7 minutes out of your day to do this workout. Fit Sugar's 7 min HIIT 

Good luck! The biggest thing is just finding a regular routine. Schedule it on a planner and stick to it. Exercise will soon become a priority and before you know it you'll feel better and be a better Mom to your kids because of it.