I have 2 small children, one in school and one at home, and have been finding it very difficult to get my exercise in. Does anyone have suggestions?

Also, rainy day suggestions? It doesnt rain here much in Los Angeles, but just as I have determined I need to get exercise in just to lose a pound or two, its been consistently rainy.

Can you afford a gym membership? Many have a daycare center so you can bring your child. Sometimes forking over the money is a motivation to actually go. Excersise was key in my weightloss, it's really too good of thing not to do it. Start off slow and gradually increase your intensity/duration/frequency. Good luck!

After the one goes off to school, stick the other in a stroller and go for a walk. Richard Simmons or Zumba DVD's at home if you're looking for something more strenuous. Sit ups, leg lefts (front, side and back lifts), pushups on the wall, step ups on the bottom step of a staircase. If you want to spend more money (but less than a gym membership), a rebounder is fun and great exercise.

.

I'm in the same boat....have two small kids and both me and DH work full time. It's very difficult. What I've found is I have to either get up earlier in the morning before they wake up (I already get up at 5:30 in the morning just to start getting myself, lunches, kids ready - so I'm talking, getting up at 4:30) OR I have to commit to doing it after they go to sleep (which, for me, is more difficult)....after work, kids activities after work, homework, dinner, etc - I'm exhausted so that's a harder option for me, I do better early in the morning.

Do you have any home exercise equipment? I've been resorting to my treadmill since the weather has been spotty here (also live in LA) - I also have an exercise bike and an elliptical. So I really have NO excuse not to work out. If you don't have any equipment, you could always do workout DVD's - they are relatively inexpensive and if you have a few you can alternate them so you don't get bored....I used to love doing the Tae Bo series - they are AWESOME.

It's hard, but you just have to play around with it and find the time where you can. If you stay at home, you could always take your little one with you on walks (put your LO in a stroller) and if it's raining, go to a mall and walk.

I read once that if you got up and marched in place during the comericals of 2 hours worth of TV, you would get enough exercise for the day. When i am really pressed to get the exercise in, I will wait until the kids go to bed and march in place while watching my favorite show. Since most have DVR's and fast forward commericals, I just march during the show. I will mix it up by lifting my arms in the air and bringing them down on to the leg I am lifiting or lunge or do jumping jacks. Some days after doing this I am actually sore!