No time to sweat

[Moxie]

I can find 30 minutes in my day to do some cardio (usually ride my exercise bike). I can't find time to exercise, shower and re-do my hair and make-up. Do you have to sweat for exercise to be effective? What about a pilates video? I know it isn't cardio. Any suggestions?

[EKS]

Get up early, exercise, and then do the shower etc.

[KungFuPanda]

MAKE time. Your health keeps your family running. You can do it.

[Moxie]

Nope. Can't do it. Getting up earlier is not an option.

[Serenade]

Maybe take your shower at night instead of in the morning? I've been a night time showerer all my life, but like you, I still have issues with exercising because of that whole sweat thing. I've been thinking in the evening, maybe shortly after supper (we eat late, too), which would put me exercising at twilight -- I want to do outdoor stuff, so maybe that would work, at least in the summer.

[Anne]

Can you exercise before you shower?

[Desert Strawberry]

I pretty much live in workout clothes. I guess I would be called frumpy by many. I have a very casual style. Hair up in a bu., little to no makeup. I do cardio during the day. If I shower, it's very fast, just rinsing off, then into fresh clothes, and on with my day. I do yoga and/or strength training in the evening.

[Jennifer in MI]

I ended up changing my hairstyle so that it was easier to work out. It's longer and I no longer need to straighten it. So, I can wear it curly (simple wash, scrunch, and go!) or throw it back in a pony. I can be ready after a workout in less than 15 minutes - and that includes shower, hair, and makeup. Is that something you could do?

 

Honestly, when I was having trouble fitting in a workout when my kids were littler, I ended up having to get up earlier and doing it then. It just worked better. Yes. I was tired. But, I felt GREAT all day for having worked out.

[ktgrok]

Do a shorter work out. Look up HIIT...where you do very hard bursts...you can get a good workout in 12 minutes..if you push hard. Then you have time to shower.

[Mommyof4ks]

Workout at night before bed, then shower. If you have to shower again in the morning so be it. It works for me.

[VaKim]

I turn the a/c way down and the ceiling fan on while I exercise. Also, I do very little cardio, other than walking when the weather is not too hot or too cold or too wet, etc. My main exercise is using weights 3 times a week. I have a friend who does pilates with great results.

[Mom-ninja.]

I watched a clip on youtube of Jillian Michaels on the Ellen Show and she said that you don't have to sweat for a workout to be effective. She said she explains it in her new book, Slim for Life. I think that's the title.

 

I understand about not being able to get up earlier. I can't either. I co-sleep with my youngest and if I get out of bed he is up and looking for me within 5-10 minutes. Then I have to deal with a cranky little one all day. Besides I love our quiet morning snuggle time. It won't last forever.

 

I usually start my workouts around 8 in the morning but sometimes not until 8:30. My oldest usually gets breakfast ready. My kids do their chores, eat breakfast, and start piano practice while I'm exercising. I'm ready to start lessons with them between 9:30 and 10. Occasionally I exercise in the afternoon. When we are done with lessons I'll throw in some exercise.

 

Jillian Michaels has some good DVDs that are 30 min or a little less. Also check youtube for her. Denise Austen has lots of choices.

 

I read that exercise is more efficient if broken into segments. So two 20-30 minute workouts spread out during the day is better than one long hour workout. Short bursts of exercise (even 10 minutes or less) will give boosts to your metabolism throughout the day.

 

I read a quote once that I liked. Think of exercise as spare change. Every little bit adds up.