How do you fit in the time to exercise with a toddler?
Just looking for ideas....
thanks
amy

If you ahve a partner, you have to make it a priority for that person to do some childcare while you work out. Otherwise, some gyms and YMCAs have childcare while you work out. Or, a work out video during nap time or after they are in bed for the night. Those are the best options because it is nice to have some time for yourself. If that is not possible and you ahve to include your toddler: you can use a jogging stroller to go for a run or you can go in the backyard (or park) and run around and play very actively with them for 30 minutes. I get my 2 year old to do some yoga (only about 10 minutes, but it is nice to have a chance to stretch). I also dance with my 2 year old. I put on music I like and dance around wildly wih him. He loves it. Eventually he gets tired and I pick him up and dance some more. 20 minutes of this will have you sweating and tired.
Hope this helps.
M

I pick out a workout that doesn't have to be done all at once and requires little to no equipment. I have rubberbands for stretching and strength training.
I usually am able to get 15 minutes at a time. So, I jsut workout 3 or 4 times a day. It isn't a lot of time in a block but it does the trick. The other I do is find a video that ds1 can do too. Obvioulsy he doesn't do it all but he loves to move and jump like mommy, not to mention he likes to dance to the music and watch the "petty" girls!

i have a jogging stroller! i prefer to do other things, but I figure I can get back to doing them when dd is older. Right now it is more important for me to get out and move and for dd to see me moving.
I put my dd in jogger at snack time. She eats cheerios and drinks from either a water bottle or she prefers to drink from a camelback (we discovered this kinda by accident one day).

I get up early and run or work out. I get home just in time before dh leaves for work to get a shower and the kids are just waking up. It works for us.
I have to get out to get any exercise. Videos just don't cut it for me. Not to mention, it would make my whole house shake! :LOL

A friend and I started walking/jogging in the mornings before our husbands leave for work. It is amazing how much better we feel throughout the whole day after we get that workout in.
I also have played softball and soccer in the evenings through the rec dept, and there is usually a playground, snackbar, and shady places to play for the kids. DH will usually come with me or stay home with the kids. When DD was younger it was definately easier for DH to come along because DD had a hard time separating for so long around bedtime. We also walked a lot as a family.

I try and take DS on a daily walk in the afternoons.
In the mornings we go to the gym. It's good for him cause he gets to see other kids. I get a great workout too. I only workout for about 30mins a day. So I'm not away from DS too long but I get what I need.
Good luck! :thumb

I either take him walking in the jogging stroller, hiking in the frame backpack, or tow him in the bike trailer. He likes cycling the best.
I can't afford a gym and I love exercising with my little guy!

Early morning before anyone is up!!! its definitely the way to go. Baby's sleeping, DH is sleeping and therefore can't protest. and the mornings are so special.