I want to get fit….

[EmmaNZ]

But I can find so many excuses that I just can't seem to get started. Can you help me past this? Here are my issues:

 

1. I have nasty divarication of the recti which means I can't safely do many of the standard exercises you get in exercise vids etc. I am working on this but it's going to take time. 

2. I have 5 kiddos. My littlest (age 1) gets up early around 6 am so if I want to exercise first thing in the morning it means getting up super-early. This is not something I am very good at!

3. We are busy, busy, busy so time in the day to properly exercise is limited.

4. By night time I am tired and seriously lack motivation. I could make the time here though if I had decided I really wanted to.

5. Ideally I would love to swim, but the pool is not a possibility for me in my current reality. Other classes are just too hard to co-ordinate with my DH's schedule.

 

We have an old treadmill here which I could use. I have the internet. We even have a few weights I think. I just lack the drive to make this happen given all of the above. 

[Barb_]

Invest in a Fitbit and get your step count up to 10000 a day. No treadmill needed. Once you get up to 12-13k a day your stamina is so much better that adding other exercise doesn't seem like such a stretch.

[Slache]

I work out during nap time. I use N.O. Loaded V2(GNC) before I work out for endurance. MyFitnessPal has a great free app to help you track your calories. Can you do anything as a family? We hike. I know a family that runs.

[HollyDay]

My first thought would be to get a PT referral and find out what you can and cannot do.  I have no idea what issues that type of injury causes. 

[kwg]

Great ideas.  I also want to but have a hard time following through.

[Lurker]

Fitness is mostly diet. Start there first!

[mommymilkies]

I exercise during nap time, too.  As for Diastasis Recti, check out Mutu System.  It usually goes on sale sometime within the next month, but it has specific DR healing exercises that are ok for whole body restorative exercise and she gradually works you up to safe ones. If you have other issues besides the DR, I'd consider researching the safety of treadmills as they make you walk in an entirely different way for your body.  But they are better than nothing!

 

I have five kids, as well, and including them in the exercise helps sometimes.  

 

Some things you can try (call it P.E.): 

 

Go for walks and hikes together

Dance together

Yoga (little kids love this!)

Zumba on Wii

Bike riding

 

 

[regentrude]

Can you exercise with the kids? Walking, biking, and hiking are good family activities.

Hiking with the 1 y/o in a backpack carrier and the others walking will get you in pretty good shape. So will biking with a kiddie trailer.

I found that the only physical activity that really happens is activity built into the daily schedule - not stuff that needs to be scheduled specifically.

 

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

I exercise during nap time, too. As for Diastasis Recti, check out Mutu System. It usually goes on sale sometime within the next month, but it has specific DR healing exercises that are ok for whole body restorative exercise and she gradually works you up to safe ones. If you have other issues besides the DR, I'd consider researching the safety of treadmills as they make you walk in an entirely different way for your body. But they are better than nothing!

 

I have five kids, as well, and including them in the exercise helps sometimes.

 

Some things you can try (call it P.E.):

 

Go for walks and hikes together

Dance together

Yoga (little kids love this!)

Zumba on Wii

Bike riding

Mutu System goes on sale July 6th annually. Just for the day.

[LucyStoner]

Fitness is mostly diet. Start there first!

No, fitness is not mostly diet.

 

You can be thin and wholly unfit and out of shape. Fitness is about muscle tone, flexibility and cardio ability. No amount of diet choices are going to make you more flexible or able to run faster.

[liber]

Will the Mutu system work if you have a mild uterine prolapse?  Are the exercises recommended for a prolapse compatible with these exercises?

[Moxie]

Can you make a deal with your DH? What we've done in the past--I made dinner and when he got home, he fed the kids and cleaned the kitchen while I worked out. Not ideal but something had to be given up to make time.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

Will the Mutu system work if you have a mild uterine prolapse? Are the exercises recommended for a prolapse compatible with these exercises?

There is a good FAQ on the website addressing several medical issues.

[Elfknitter.#]

Mutu System goes on sale July 6th annually. Just for the day.

Do you know if the sale is on both the 12 week and the Focus programs? Has anyone used it successfully?

[Moxie]

Fitness is mostly diet. Start there first!

Fat loss is mostly diet. Cardio can help with fat loss in the short term.

 

Fitness (which can result in weight gain due to muscle gain--good things!!) is about strength training. Building muscle takes time but will benefit you long term.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

A few ideas:

 

- Drop the idea that you must "properly" exercise- as in devote a 60 minute uninterrupted chunk to exercising.  Studies seem to indicate that small bursts of activity are effective in maintaining general health. 

 

- Look into some of the paleo fitness information out there- in brief, the idea is that we were meant to be at constant low-level activity, with bursts of sprint type activity thrown in from time to time.  This can mean housework interrupted by a 2 minute jump rope session several times a day! 

 

- This might be a season in your life where your goal should be overall health maintenance and a strong, injury-resistant body.  This might not be the season for doing a half-marathon or joining Cross Fit.  That's ok. 

 

- Your number one priority should be correcting the diastisis rectii.  You can look at the Core Firing Sequence dvd by Lindsay Brin.  I would do this or similar religiously until you have closed up that gap!  DR is not something that fully heals, per-se, but you can strengthen your inner abs sufficiently to hold your outer abs correctly closed an in place with the DR reduced to a reasonable spread of just 1-2 finger widths or less.  PUT THE TIME INTO DOING THIS, SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!!

 

- My kids enjoy doing videos with me, or else we head outside and play a bit! 

 

 

[EmmaNZ]

Thanks for all the tips and ideas.

 

I have not heard of the mutu system or the core firing sequence. I have tupler though which is helping. Are the others mentioned better? Physio here is not really very good for this. I have been to see the Physio a few times but gave up with them! I am committed now to healing my abs even just a bit, if only because there is no way I could carry a baby without severe pain in the state that I'm in. Looking permanently 6 months pregnant is also a fairly good motivator!

 

Monica you are right that this is not the season for cross fit (I wish!) but I need to try and do something to stop every bit of me wobbling before it's too late!

 

I like the idea of a fitbit, and may peruse this further, especially as it does seem the best way to do this right now is to increase my overall activity level throughout the day. I could manage 2 minutes skipping when the kids go bonkers and I need a stress release!

 

Thanks again.

[readwithem]

:iagree:  Alternatively a person can be fit and a bit on the not so thin side. ;)

 

No, fitness is not mostly diet.

You can be thin and wholly unfit and out of shape. Fitness is about muscle tone, flexibility and cardio ability. No amount of diet choices are going to make you more flexible or able to run faster.

 

[Alte Veste Academy]

Yes to the fitbit and yes to lifestyle exercise. My biggest form of exercise is housecleaning. I put on some good music (earphones or full room) and clean vigorously and quickly. The kids do this with me many times. I am all about killing two birds with one stone. :D

[Catwoman]

Fitness is mostly diet. Start there first!

General health has a lot to do with diet.

 

If you want to lose weight, diet is important.

 

You can be very fit, yet still eat at Burger King every day.

 

I think we have different definitions of fitness.

[Catwoman]

But I can find so many excuses that I just can't seem to get started. Can you help me past this? Here are my issues:

 

1. I have nasty divarication of the recti which means I can't safely do many of the standard exercises you get in exercise vids etc. I am working on this but it's going to take time.

2. I have 5 kiddos. My littlest (age 1) gets up early around 6 am so if I want to exercise first thing in the morning it means getting up super-early. This is not something I am very good at!

3. We are busy, busy, busy so time in the day to properly exercise is limited.

4. By night time I am tired and seriously lack motivation. I could make the time here though if I had decided I really wanted to.

5. Ideally I would love to swim, but the pool is not a possibility for me in my current reality. Other classes are just too hard to co-ordinate with my DH's schedule.

 

We have an old treadmill here which I could use. I have the internet. We even have a few weights I think. I just lack the drive to make this happen given all of the above.

If you hate getting up extra-early, don't even make that a goal. Don't even bother. You'll only end up angry with yourself when it doesn't happen.

 

Could you do something like Leslie Sansone walking workouts? You could have one cued up in your DVD player or on your computer and turn it on for a few minutes at a time throughout the day, whenever you have a few free minutes. There are also lots of 10 minute workouts available on DVD, but you'd have to watch video clips of them before purchasing anything, to be sure they would work for you. (Check out TotalFitnessDVDs.com!)

 

Basically, don't set a goal of doing things you hate to do. If you know you're tired at night, use that information to narrow down the times when you're less tired, not to force yourself to work out at that time anyway. If you hate a certain type of exercise, pick a different type.

 

And above all, stray very slowly!

 

You might want to look into Mirabai Holland's workouts. They are very gentle and although I'm sure you're younger than her target market, they are an excellent way to slowly work your way back to fitness. They may be too easy for you, but with a known physical limitation, they might still be helpful to you. She has one DVD called Ease-In, which is comprised of short workouts that you do with a resistance band, and that might be a place to start. Again, try to find video clips first, because only you know for sure about your current fitness level.

[HS Mom in NC]

I'm in fairly good shape but having a goal that demanded regular exercise is what got me going. Also, I went to my doctor for a physical evaluation and to get on BC pills to avoid my very heavy menstrual cycles while I trained to meet my goal and went on my trip.

 

Here's what happened.  I wanted an adventure for my 40th birthday (last Spring.) My brother and I had one planned, camping up the coast highway in CA and OR, but life happened and my husband's business wasn't up off the ground yet.  So, I took the only other viable option, joining my brother on his annual hike to Havasupai Falls.  We could still have our adventure and still see something amazingly beautiful.  (I don't know anyone in this video, it's well done and short so I chose it.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vftqUtgxttE

 

 It's 10 miles down the side of The Grand Canyon on foot from the parking lot to the Indian village of Supai.  Then it's 2.5 more miles to the camp ground next to the falls.  Then, at the end of the campgrounds is a several story climb down a chain and a primitive ladder to another set of falls and the trailhead for the last set of falls 4 miles away.  Then it's 4 miles back to the campgrounds, 2.5 to the village, and 10 more back to the parking lot-up hill. We did just over 30 miles in the 4 days we were there.

 

I worked my butt off for about 45 min. a day, 4 days a week for 6 months. Sometimes I jogged inside and sometimes outside, sometimes I did the Gold's Gym Kick Boxing Workout in my living room.  I found a way to make the time because if I didn't, I'd be in the middle of nowhere crapped out, demoralized and ruining the fun for everyone else. Everyone who went on the trip did short hikes together and long walks (3-8 miles) together once or twice a month to prepare and we took time talk about and plan all the fun we were going to have. 

 

2 weeks before my 41st birthday we went and my brother and SIL smuggled in a bottle of Sangria (contraband on tribal land) and we quietly celebrated my 41st birthday in the campground next to Havasupai Falls and I still met my goal of having an adventure while 40.

Now, your situation is different, but here are the components that worked for me:

 

1. Getting a medical evaluation and treating any underlying problems first. (Treating iron and B12 deficiencies.)

2. Having a meaningful goal. (Adventure with my brother. Respite from civilization. Immersed in beautiful nature that I've always wanted to see.)

3. Working out in a social way at least part of the time. (Short practice hikes, walks and planning sessions for the Big Trip.)

4. Deciding it was OK to put everything else aside for 30-45 minutes a day, 4 days a week. (It was OK to let my youngest watch TV while my husband worked at home or the while the teenagers kept an eye on her during that time.  It was OK to have a teenager make dinner.  It was OK to have a teenager drive the others to afterschool activities. etc. etc. etc.)

5. Having something that could be done at home. (Kick boxing video, jogging in place while watching TV, etc.)

 

[Kim in Appalachia]

It is so hard to take time and exercise when you have little ones.  Don't put too much pressure on yourself.  There have been great ideas given on the thread about some things you can do.  I'll add a few thoughts.

 

Aim for short bursts, like just 5 minutes.  You can jump rope (I think one of the most under appreciated exercise tools!), hoola hoop (I can't do this, no matter how hard I try), do jumping jacks, run up and down stairs.  If you have stairs, I highly recommend that one.  You can even buy a weighted vest to wear while you do it.  

 

Do push-ups, tricep dips, squats and lunges.  Make a goal each day, say two 5 minute slots of cardio, then some strength at a later time, some push-up and squats, then next day tricep dip and lunges.  If you can get anything in, it's more than nothing.  You have to think that way.  Don't get discouraged, just do what you can.  

 

And yes, if you are able, take the kids for walks and hikes and get outside as much as possible.  I know that can be difficult in some areas, but if you have any parks near by, or good sidewalks, make use of them.  

 

If you need a plan, the website. www.breakingmuscle.com has lots of free workout plans, including a beginner's workout plan.  

 

Even doing just a bit each day will add up to help with your overall fitness and health.  You'll feel better once you get used to doing it, which can take some time.  Don't give up trying.

[forty-two]

Do you know if the sale is on both the 12 week and the Focus programs? Has anyone used it successfully?

  

I'm about four weeks into MuTu focus - I spent three weeks on phase 1 and started phase 2 this week (there are four phases, each for two weeks, or longer if needed). I'm pretty pleased with my results thus far: I've retrained myself in how to stand and walk (and not have my stomach pooch out without having to suck in - I no longer feel like I look fat in my close fitting shirts :)), I can engage my abs much more effectively, and I've discovered my pelvic floor ;) and can now consciously engage it.

 

Thanks for all the tips and ideas.

I have not heard of the mutu system or the core firing sequence. I have tupler though which is helping. Are the others mentioned better?

I've had better results with MuTu than with Tupler, particularly in applying MuTu to other exercises and my daily life. This review of the two matches my experience: http://619healthandfitness.com/workouts/diastasis-recti/tupler-vs-mutu/ - that whlle Tupler is good at closing a diastasis, MuTu is better at building core strength. My Tupler results, such as they were, disappeared the minute I stopped doing Tupler (as I've had much better results with appying MuTu to my daily life than Tupler, I think it will be much easier to maintain). Plus, the muscle awareness I'm developing with MuTu is so much greater than what I developed doing Tupler - MuTu, even just Focus, is more comprehensive than Tupler in my experience.

 

I was able to get 15% off MuTu through a code offered on this blog post: http://www.servingfromhome.com/general/i-am-a-mutu-mama-and-diastasis-what/ (the code worked as of a month ago).

[mommymilkies]

Will the Mutu system work if you have a mild uterine prolapse?  Are the exercises recommended for a prolapse compatible with these exercises?

 

It should.  The exercises I have seen her post do not cause a large intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or exacerbate prolapse.  I am not sure about her advanced exercises since I do not own the program, but from a couple RE groups I am in, the consensus is that they are safe and she is doing further training in Restorative Exercise.  I would honestly start with Katy Bowman's blog first if you have a prolapse.  She has a post What a Waist that talks about TVA activation and many other posts on prolapse.  However, I have noticed her posts are more on preventing than fixing prolapse.  For that, I highly recommend the DVD Hab-It Pelvic Floor (available on Amazon).  I have also had good luck with learning bandha locks in yoga.  But that's more advanced.  

Do you know if the sale is on both the 12 week and the Focus programs? Has anyone used it successfully?

Should be both.

 

 

 

- Your number one priority should be correcting the diastisis rectii.  You can look at the Core Firing Sequence dvd by Lindsay Brin.  I would do this or similar religiously until you have closed up that gap!  DR is not something that fully heals, per-se, but you can strengthen your inner abs sufficiently to hold your outer abs correctly closed an in place with the DR reduced to a reasonable spread of just 1-2 finger widths or less.  PUT THE TIME INTO DOING THIS, SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!!

 

 

I will strongly disagree with this one.  Lindsay Brin has good exercise DVDs, but NOT for women with DR, prolapse, or honestly after birth at all.  All of her exercises I have personally seen on DVD for Moms and online increase intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or increase prolapse.  And most also increase DR and are very off limits if you have TVA weakness.  Not all women will have issues with this.  But both men and women regardless of birthing status do have these issues and I would hesitate to recommend them.

 

Thanks for all the tips and ideas.

 

I have not heard of the mutu system or the core firing sequence. I have tupler though which is helping. Are the others mentioned better? Physio here is not really very good for this. I have been to see the Physio a few times but gave up with them! I am committed now to healing my abs even just a bit, if only because there is no way I could carry a baby without severe pain in the state that I'm in. Looking permanently 6 months pregnant is also a fairly good motivator!

 

Tupler has some good ideas for TVA activation.  BUT the specialists are mixed on splinting.  Some say it's fine right after birth so you don't feel like your insides are falling out.  But it is a band-aid fix.  It increases your chance of prolapse with the pressure on your organs and does not actually heal anything.  Also do not suck it in.  Activating the TVA is NOT sucking it in.  It is not an upward action, but directly belly button to spine in a specific way.  Many do this very wrong. 

[EmmaNZ]

This is so helpful. Thank you all 

[Reefgazer]

You have many issues that I have too, and I seriously need to get my fat off and butt in gear for good health. One thing that I have been able to do, through kids, travel, even minor illness, is walk. Can you get a stroller (even double or a triple stroller, if need be) and walk? If you have no safe area to walk, can you drive to a park to do so? If you can't do that, Leslie Sansone has "Walk In Your Living Room" videos that really work (it sounds ridiculous, but you do log the mileage), and you can do them rain or shine, during kids' nap times, etc... In fact, when DD was little, she would follow along the videos with me! You can buy advanced ones that have you walking at 4 MPH (a decent clip for a beginner). Add some free weight training and you're set. Now.....if I could just find my own motivation to pick my exercise program up again, I'd be set! Motivation is my downfall.

 

 

But I can find so many excuses that I just can't seem to get started. Can you help me past this? Here are my issues:

 

1. I have nasty divarication of the recti which means I can't safely do many of the standard exercises you get in exercise vids etc. I am working on this but it's going to take time. 

2. I have 5 kiddos. My littlest (age 1) gets up early around 6 am so if I want to exercise first thing in the morning it means getting up super-early. This is not something I am very good at!

3. We are busy, busy, busy so time in the day to properly exercise is limited.

4. By night time I am tired and seriously lack motivation. I could make the time here though if I had decided I really wanted to.

5. Ideally I would love to swim, but the pool is not a possibility for me in my current reality. Other classes are just too hard to co-ordinate with my DH's schedule.

 

We have an old treadmill here which I could use. I have the internet. We even have a few weights I think. I just lack the drive to make this happen given all of the above. 

 

[Lurker]

No, fitness is not mostly diet.

 

You can be thin and wholly unfit and out of shape. Fitness is about muscle tone, flexibility and cardio ability. No amount of diet choices are going to make you more flexible or able to run faster.

I am I the process of losing 100+ pounds. When I first started I could not work out a lot. Walking a few blocks killed me. I took a step back focused on my diet and a few weeks later and a few pounds later was able to do a bit more. Walking up a staircase without a 50lb backpack is always going to take (at least me) a longer time than without. If you're just starting out and want to make true lifestyle changes, why not start with what can be the easiest to incorporate with the entire family (you all have to eat). Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

[fairfarmhand]

When my kids were little, I did the following:

Worked out at naptime.

 

Worked out after they went to bed. (not great for sleep but it was better than nothing)

 

Put kids in the stroller and let biggers ride bikes. 

 

Worked out even when they were awake for short (20 minutes or so) periods. They got used to it. I;d set a timer, make sure everyone had everything that they needed for 20 minutes and then did my video. They soon came to know that they'd have to wait. Infants and toddlers would be in the high chair with finger foods or in a playpen so they didn't get hurt.

 

 

 

 

[momacacia]

Tony Horton's 10-Minute Trainer. You can do a 10, 20, or 30 min workout depending on time/motivation. TTAPP is a popular short workout system also, once you learn the moves.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

I'm about four weeks into MuTu focus - I spent three weeks on phase 1 and started phase 2 this week (there are four phases, each for two weeks, or longer if needed). I'm pretty pleased with my results thus far: I've retrained myself in how to stand and walk (and not have my stomach pooch out without having to suck in - I no longer feel like I look fat in my close fitting shirts :)), I can engage my abs much more effectively, and I've discovered my pelvic floor ;) and can now consciously engage it.

 

I've had better results with MuTu than with Tupler, particularly in applying MuTu to other exercises and my daily life. This review of the two matches my experience: http://619healthandfitness.com/workouts/diastasis-recti/tupler-vs-mutu/ - that whlle Tupler is good at closing a diastasis, MuTu is better at building core strength. My Tupler results, such as they were, disappeared the minute I stopped doing Tupler (as I've had much better results with appying MuTu to my daily life than Tupler, I think it will be much easier to maintain). Plus, the muscle awareness I'm developing with MuTu is so much greater than what I developed doing Tupler - MuTu, even just Focus, is more comprehensive than Tupler in my experience.

 

I was able to get 15% off MuTu through a code offered on this blog post: http://www.servingfromhome.com/general/i-am-a-mutu-mama-and-diastasis-what/ (the code worked as of a month ago).

Thank you for letting us know how it's working for you!

[forty-two]

TTAPP is a popular short workout system also, once you learn the moves.

I've just this week started T-Tapp :). I've only learned the very first move, Primary Back Stretch (which took three viewings before I could follow along - there's a lot to it) , but the move lived up to its claims - it is an excellent warm-up. I did it before I did my (very gentle) yoga, and when I did stretches, I was able to reach my usual end limit at the very beginning of the stretch. And when I did it before my walk, the walk felt more intense, like I was really working, more so than usual (which was good, because I was feeling like my walks weren't doing much, aerobicly-speaking).

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

Have you seen the CFS dvd?  It's designed for DR.  I have not seen any other Brin dvds, so can't compare it with her boot camp style stuff. 

 

 

I will strongly disagree with this one.  Lindsay Brin has good exercise DVDs, but NOT for women with DR, prolapse, or honestly after birth at all.  All of her exercises I have personally seen on DVD for Moms and online increase intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or increase prolapse.  And most also increase DR and are very off limits if you have TVA weakness.  Not all women will have issues with this.  But both men and women regardless of birthing status do have these issues and I would hesitate to recommend them.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

I stand corrected!  I just pulled out my CFS dvd because I was concerned with your critique and yes, even in phase one Brin has some crunches, you are right!  I did not remember it being like that at all!!!  Her modifications for DR are still not appropriate for a "true" DR, though they are probably fine for some who just has loose post-partum abs.  Thank you for pointing this out. 

 

Now I have to look at the Mutu stuff for myself, as I will be post partum in about 7 weeks...  lol

 

 

 

It should.  The exercises I have seen her post do not cause a large intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or exacerbate prolapse.  I am not sure about her advanced exercises since I do not own the program, but from a couple RE groups I am in, the consensus is that they are safe and she is doing further training in Restorative Exercise.  I would honestly start with Katy Bowman's blog first if you have a prolapse.  She has a post What a Waist that talks about TVA activation and many other posts on prolapse.  However, I have noticed her posts are more on preventing than fixing prolapse.  For that, I highly recommend the DVD Hab-It Pelvic Floor (available on Amazon).  I have also had good luck with learning bandha locks in yoga.  But that's more advanced.  

Should be both.

 

I will strongly disagree with this one.  Lindsay Brin has good exercise DVDs, but NOT for women with DR, prolapse, or honestly after birth at all.  All of her exercises I have personally seen on DVD for Moms and online increase intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or increase prolapse.  And most also increase DR and are very off limits if you have TVA weakness.  Not all women will have issues with this.  But both men and women regardless of birthing status do have these issues and I would hesitate to recommend them.

 

Tupler has some good ideas for TVA activation.  BUT the specialists are mixed on splinting.  Some say it's fine right after birth so you don't feel like your insides are falling out.  But it is a band-aid fix.  It increases your chance of prolapse with the pressure on your organs and does not actually heal anything.  Also do not suck it in.  Activating the TVA is NOT sucking it in.  It is not an upward action, but directly belly button to spine in a specific way.  Many do this very wrong. 

 

 

 

Have you seen the CFS dvd?  It's designed for DR.  I have not seen any other Brin dvds, so can't compare it with her boot camp style stuff. 

 

 

I will strongly disagree with this one.  Lindsay Brin has good exercise DVDs, but NOT for women with DR, prolapse, or honestly after birth at all.  All of her exercises I have personally seen on DVD for Moms and online increase intra-abdominal pressure which can cause or increase prolapse.  And most also increase DR and are very off limits if you have TVA weakness.  Not all women will have issues with this.  But both men and women regardless of birthing status do have these issues and I would hesitate to recommend them.

 

[wintermom]

I would highly recommend signing up for a group class/activity that sounds fun to you and have dh watch the dc while you get out of the house to make the transition to exercising. Here is why:

 

- It is very hard to schedule in time for ourselves in the day at home with so many things to do right in front of us.

- With very young children, time out and on your own is a great mental break

- Exercising will increase your energy levels to tackle your regular day

- Exercising helps the body release endorphins which make you feel good, so you'll feel better during and after a work-out

- Having a group to be somewhat accountable to and social with is very motivating

- Having someone else thing of the exercises for the day is one less thing for you to plan

- It takes a lot more motivation to get oneself moving without outside help

- You don't have to do the group thing forever or on its own, you can add in your own exercise and/or transition to doing your own thing

- Support from family (dh and dc) is very nice to have for overall health. If they are onboard with your fitness, you can be a role-model to help them improve their own fitness and health

[Soror]

Thanks for the recs above for the MUTU I think I'm going to check that out when it goes on sale. I used the Mummy Tummy splint and exercises after this one and it did help close the gap and get my tummy small again quicker but as others mentioned I never did gain much strength back. I would love to have a strong tummy again! I don't have too much of a split now but I know I still need to avoid regular ab exercises so I've been stuck about what to do here. 

 

We like to hike and bike as a family and recently got a canoe as well. We love rockclimbing and if we had a gym closer I'd be there every week. When I felt well I would walk with the kids nearly ever day, we did it as nature study and then I would throw little sprints in there once a week or so, the kids love racing me. I like to do bodyweight workouts and can do those fairly quick and with the kids around, usually they just join in with me.

[mommymilkies]

I stand corrected!  I just pulled out my CFS dvd because I was concerned with your critique and yes, even in phase one Brin has some crunches, you are right!  I did not remember it being like that at all!!!  Her modifications for DR are still not appropriate for a "true" DR, though they are probably fine for some who just has loose post-partum abs.  Thank you for pointing this out. 

 

Now I have to look at the Mutu stuff for myself, as I will be post partum in about 7 weeks...  lol

Congrats!!  So exciting!

 

Yes, I was disappointed when I got my DVDs by her.  For something designed for postpartum women and mothers, she is sorely lacking in knowledge of common postpartum conditions and risk factors.  I actually have only a 1 finger Diastasis, but bad core weakness from abdominal surgery, and so while I *can* do her exercises, it was not helping with my main issues of TVA weakness. Her Core Fitness for Moms is even worse-every one of those exercises is a no-no.  It would be a good workout for people without risk factors, though.

[Soror]

Yes, I have one of the Lindsay Brin workouts as well but I could only do it modified it is a shame that she targets her videos for DR yet has you do moves which would make it worse.

 

For those in the know how much of a sale is the MuTu System going to be having?

[VeganCupcake]

Yes, I have one of the Lindsay Brin workouts as well but I could only do it modified it is a shame that she targets her videos for DR yet has you do moves which would make it worse.

 

For those in the know how much of a sale is the MuTu System going to be having?

 

I am wondering the same thing!

 

[Soror]

Bump :) Also, I'm thinking I just want the Focus because I'm only interested in the Core work. I have my own diet that I follow and will be doing other exercises that I like as I am able, will I regret not getting the full package? I do like the option of dvds with the more expensive package.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

I think the sale is 40-50% off, and it's just one day. (I'm not certain on the discount amount)

 

You can upgrade to the full system later, but it's more expensive I think to upgrade vs the while thing.

 

If you don't want to wait there is a discount code in a blog post a previous poster linked above.

[Soror]

Thanks Pinky :) I'm in no hurry so I'll wait, thanks for your info.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

My understanding is the sale is the creator's birthday, and is only for that one day.

[Mom-ninja.]

It is so hard to take time and exercise when you have little ones.  Don't put too much pressure on yourself.  There have been great ideas given on the thread about some things you can do.  I'll add a few thoughts.

 

Aim for short bursts, like just 5 minutes.  You can jump rope (I think one of the most under appreciated exercise tools!), hoola hoop (I can't do this, no matter how hard I try), do jumping jacks, run up and down stairs.  If you have stairs, I highly recommend that one.  You can even buy a weighted vest to wear while you do it.  

 

Do push-ups, tricep dips, squats and lunges.  Make a goal each day, say two 5 minute slots of cardio, then some strength at a later time, some push-up and squats, then next day tricep dip and lunges.  If you can get anything in, it's more than nothing.  You have to think that way.  Don't get discouraged, just do what you can.  

 

And yes, if you are able, take the kids for walks and hikes and get outside as much as possible.  I know that can be difficult in some areas, but if you have any parks near by, or good sidewalks, make use of them.  

 

If you need a plan, the website. www.breakingmuscle.com has lots of free workout plans, including a beginner's workout plan.  

 

Even doing just a bit each day will add up to help with your overall fitness and health.  You'll feel better once you get used to doing it, which can take some time.  Don't give up trying.

 

Yes. This. "Exercise is like spare change. Every little bit adds up."

 

I'm going to recommend this book for motivation and ideas of how to work in exercise with kids. Then I will put in my plug for Fitness Blender. :lol:  I'm like the walking FB advertisement. Love their videos. You can find all sorts of videos on their site and do a search for time length as well.

 

Like Kim and others have posted you can fit in quite a bit of exercise during the day with young kids. Bath time? Do pushups (on the floor, wall, or edge of tub), planks (not sure if you can do these right now though with DR), jumping jacks, marching in place, high knees, butt kickers, and so forth can all be done while kiddos are playing in tub. 

 

I have races up and down stairs. I have my kids time me. They think this is great fun to see how fast mommy can go. As they get older they can join in.

 

Anyway, the book I linked has lots of ideas.

[Plink]

I didn't take the time to read all of the replies, so forgive me if I'm repeating someone else's idea.

 

I decided that my issue wasn't really exercise, but changing my habits. I committed to plank (google for videos if you don't know what that means) for one minute (1, singular, that's all) every day before moving on to the rest of my day. It helped me get around most of my major excuses - I didn't need any equipment, very few things are so important that they can't wait for 60 seconds, it wasn't weather dependent, and it didn't require any motions that were dangerous for my post-surgery body.

 

One minute. Every day. Nothing more was necessary to concider my exercise routine a success.

 

After two weeks I was used to the routine and added a second minute to my routine. This time I added cardio. I ran up and down my stairs for one minute. Now I was up to 120 seconds. No more necessary to be successful.

 

I know these increments sound rediculously small, but I needed to be able to succeed in achieving my routine every day in order to create an exercise habit. HTH