To all moms with babies--
Once they can hold their heads upright--about 5-6 mo old, you can start using them in your exercises.  I was able to do this well until my kids were into toddlerhood.  Favorite way to lose the baby belly was to lie down, lift my legs up and bend my knees, put the child, tummy down, on my legs, holding on to his body, and do my crunches.  After a while, I could combine this with a little lifting of my legs into the air--holding the child, of course.  I got a leg and ab work out and my child got a little lift into the air, along with giggles and "Do it again, Mommy!"

When they get old enough to count, have them practice counting your crunches and/or push ups.

George - Yes, my hours are this bad - it's called investment banking.  I haven't had a day off since New Year's - including weekends.  I stress these hours are not unusual in banking - esp. now that M&A and buyouts are on a tear.  I just hope my bonus is good.  It's modern day slavery.

Kristen - And yet you can sit on here reading everyones comments and respond to them kristen? Interesting enough. Don't bother to respond to this because I wont be checking for your responce unlike you will be doing for George.

Oh my. So many self-righteous exercisers out there! You are right, of course, that we each choose how we spend our time---TV or treadmill or gym. But please realize that here in the United States, everyone is allowed to make personal choices. Get off the soapbox and take a walk!

To quote Tyra Banks, "SO WHAT!" Let the flab hang out and be proud.

So many judgmental people responding to other posts.  If someone can't find the time to work out, why does it bother so many of you?  You do your thing while they do their thing.  I can't imagine taking the time to criticize someone for being busy and/or tired. I always thought I would make time too because I always found time to exercise before I had a baby and had to go back to work full time.  I am tired all the time and try really hard to find time to exercise between cleaning and laundry and spending time with my daughter.  The last thing we need are nasty comments like "if you really wanted to you would find the time,"  etc.  That is not helpful.  Believe me, I hate my post pregnancy body and wish I had more time to get back to my old self.  

Wow.  This is amazing.  People without the time.  Kids, work, school, practices, it is amazing what we all have time for.  Starting a healthy diet/exercise program is a life decision.  40 minutes a day is really not asking much.  I'm not trying to pretend to know what it is like to have children.  I don't.  What is wrong with execising with your children.  My mom used to put on a Jane Fonda tape when I was little and my sister and I would do it with her.  Plus if you choose not to make the time for your execise because of work/kids/school, you won't have to worry about them that long because by 55 you'll be dead.  I think your children will thank you in the long run.  In addition, I believe that will make it much more difficult to attend your child's practice when you're dead, won't it?

Walk at lunch.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Drink water and 100% juice instead of soda and fruit drinks.  Limit fried foods.

I was up to 195 lbs. at one point after being an athlete in my younger years.  In 4 months I've lost 20 lbs.  I started by getting up at 5 and running 2 miles a day.  Then, my wife and I got a Y membership after a month of running only.

There is a kids room at the Y for our 2 children to play in while we work out.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

If you don't want to lose weight keep eating the bag of chips on the couch while watching Channel Zero.

For Kristen in NYC, if its that tough to make the rent maybe you should think about moving. There are plenty of places in the country that have great job markets and are cheap to live (try dallas, kansas city, cinncinati) excuses are excuses...

I commute 91 miles one way to work, work an 8+ hour day, and still have plenty of time to work out an hour a day and get some cardio.  If you want to be fit and healthy you will find a way, if you don't you won't. It's as simple as that.  

American's need to wake up and realize that McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts are NOT to blame for obesity and take responsibility for their poor habits and lifestyle choices.

I can't imagine my life without exercise.  I bought a very cheap bicycle about 10 years ago after I had quit smoking and gained 80 pounds.  Since then I have lost 120 pounds and have better stamina than my teenage nieces and nephews.  I am in my early 50's and while I don't have a beach buff body, I am healthy and and feel great which to me is the best benefit of regular exercise. I travel 70% of the time and have learned to incorporate healthy eating and workout routines which is not easy to do on the road.  There are definitely medical benefits linked to regular exercise.  So, don't just exercise for yourself, but do it for your loved ones who want you around for a long, long time.

For those with no time to workout. I started to march in place for 5 minutes at the top of every hour at work. In a normal 8 hour workday your at least moving for 40 minutes a day. give it a shot it can't hurt.

To Kristen in NYC - I would hate to have you looking after my investments.  Wise up, girlfriend, get a clue and a life (and include exercise in that life)!

I think America is missing the whole point...  While it is nice to look great in a bikini, if you want to, when you are a mom, or any one else for that matter, who doesn't take care of yourself, you are not living a fulfilling life. I was in awesome shape 20 years ago, but after kids, a lot of yard work, stacking hay, coaching sports, and other things I was in great pain because of muscle imbalances where I had let myself go.  I had no choice but to do specific exercises for back, shoulder, and neck problems.  Now I feel better, stronger, and MORE ENERGETIC.  I don't care about a bikini, just let me be able to play with kids, take care of the animals, and have a healthy life. You are cheating all other aspects of your life if you don't do enough to keep yourself reasonably fit.

It is all about making time and letting go of certain activities to make time for this all to important thing--exercise!  I used to think that I did not have time for it, in between life as an wife, mother, and attorney, and that exercise would be tedious.  But, I started making time for it in the morning before I go to work (around 5:30 am) and if I couldn't get my butt out of bed, I would come home after work and workout for an hour doing various cardio activitis.  I found excitement in watching how much faster I could walk on the treadmill each day, how much more time I could spend on the bike, and how much time I could add to my routine each morning AND how much weight I could lose.  I've been wanting to lose weight since I had my sone (almost three years ago) but never found the motivation until now--I married an exercise buff who refuses to let me sit on my butt.  I've been engaged in this exercise routine for almost a month and have lost five pounds and I am looking forward to losing more.  My work and family life keep me very busy, but I found that I had to make time for me and my health.  You gotta do something for yourself, and this is what I do for myself.  I have completely changed my eating habits as well, adding more water and elminating fried food, fast food, foods high in saturated fat and calories.  Also, I consume very little sugar, if any, I completely cut out candy, cake, and pie.  Although once in a while I will indulge in one slice of something or a little peice of candy.  But, it used to be the case that I was eating cookies, cake, and candy everyday on top of friend mozzerella sticks.  Now, I eat low fat or no sugar added ice cream to quash my ice cream obsession.  But, I dont do snacking on junk food or in between meals and eating three meals a day.  I am busy too, but I looked in the mirror just one month ago and realized that I look like I'm still 9 months pregnant; it's embarrasing.  My husband bought a lot of gently used exercise equipment for me so that I could do my routine in the house and not have to worry about taking the kid out, so I walk 2.5 miles on the treadmill, 30 mins. on stationary bike, and do some lifting with our weight machine.  It's awesome and I feel better everyday!  

I feel sorry for many of you.  Without your health, you have nothing.  Let it all hang out and I work 20+ hrs a day need to spend what spare time they currently have looking in the mirror.  Does what you see both inside and out make you happy.  What good is a 20+ hr a day job?  You make lots of $$$$?  Great - good for you.  Money isn't important- life is.  Find a new job, get off your lazy butts and live life like it's your last day on Earth.
Not that any of you care, but I have 5 very energetic, athletic kids who take up the majority of my time.  I have a professional job which requires 50 hours a week and I still get my workouts in 5 days a week at 530am.  %-6 hrs of sleep is fine.  An hour a day will do wonders if you give it a try.

Ms Timeless,

Fit fitness in where you can - all the 5 and 10 minute intervals you do throughout the day can add up to something in the end.  I am struggling right now myself forcing better food choices, drinking more water and doing whatever I can to become more healthy for myself and my children (I have two kids also in sports, boy scouts and other activities).  I have recently come to the conclusion that no one is sympathetic to your desire to get fit and healthy but you, so you have to take control of your free time. At night, after I make dinner - I put in some kind of cardio (aerobics, walking, tae bo) and then I do some strength training, if someone asks me to do something or help them - I tell them to wait until I am done exercising and to tell you the truth - it feels pretty good to do something for myself after 10 or so years.  I will tell you this though, people and family members can be inherently selfish when they think they have ownership on your time whether you are their mother or their wife/husband.  In the end it is benefitting them as much as you because you are healthier, have more energy and will live longer.  I'm saying be a little selfish with you time and do something good for yourself.  Good Luck

Thank goodness I kept my part-time job of a fitness instructor when I went full time elsewhere. Going through a divorce with 3 children and then being diagnosed with cancer in the same year would have more than hampered my excercise regiment. I can understand wanting to spend more time with the kids and all the things that need to be done, really. However, you CAN do it. I started out with getting up an hour earlier than the kids and hitting the gym (when i was still married) and then after that, I went to the gym RIGHT after work-before getting them. Cutting back on calories and sugar is a great idea, but you have to care enough about your health to make it a priority. There are always excuses. BTW, cancer free!

Kristen in NY, if you are worth your salt as an investment banker then you would NOT be struggling to make the rent! As for the 20 hour days, I am POSITIVE, they don't happen every single day, otherwise you would be non-functional. Since your schedule is so busy and you cannot be sure when your day ends, you can control your workout time by getting up an hour earlier to get some exercise. For everbody else, I am a 160 lbs, 5'6'' and work out with a personal trainer three times a week (quite intensely), play tennis at least twice a week and run at least four days (I ran the Houston marathon last year) but I cannot seem to be able to lose 20lbs. I eat well, whole grains, very little fried food and do not drink any soda. I have the ocassional glass of wine (socially). I have undergone numerous physicals and am told I am in perfect health so why can I not lose any more weight? Anybody got any ideas?

To those who talk about kids and blah blah blah. Yes, you DO have full, busy days. We get that. Find innovative ways to work out while you're doing other things. Even if it's just running in place for 15 minutes at a t-ball game. Get ankle or wrist weights to use (if possible) when walking around work or WHEREVER to at least help put a little strain on you. Get a pedometer and at least try to make a commitment to walk so many steps/miles per week or day. EVERYONE can find a little bit of time. Regardless of how busy you are. What's better? Having that extra 20-30 minutes of time a day to watch TV or nosh out on ice-cream? Or living a healthy lifestyle that will help you live longer and help prevent any kids you might have from being overweight and obese as well. So I agree with other posters - NO MORE EXCUSES (and I'm trying to begin applying it to myself as well).

Health should be more important to us all.

Ms.Timeless

If you are married, your husband needs to get off his butt and put the kids to sleep and assist in doing some dishes. If for some unfortunate reason you are unmarried you need to start delegating some responsibilites to the older children (if they are of age.)If your oldest is going to bed at 10pm what is to stop you from exercising while he/she was watching TV or exercising during homework time. Buy an exercise bike put it right in front of the TV and pedal away. I find scheduling household duties around my 1/2 hour per day of exercising as opposed to the other way around really makes it seem less painful. There really are no excuses for not exercising.    

Congratulations to everyone who has lost weight!  Any advice on strenght training exercizes that don't require a gym membership, or special equiptment?

Quit complaining about time. Try explaining to your wife and 3 kids you are 38 and on your way to the er for a stroke at 392 lbs. I have lost 192 lbs and my wife has lost 105 lbs. We decided to make time or our kids would have no time with us. It also sets an example for them. Now instead of watching tv always they lift weights and walk on our treadmill. My 3 year old even does aerobics at home with my wife. Every evening he now asks what are doing after the gym. The eating habits will improve also. I always joke to everybody I have to have the only 3 sons that prefer grilled salmon and boiled shrimp with steamed brocolli to hamburgers. They would not touch a hot dog now either. Do it for yourself and everyone reaps the rewards.

get a resistance tube for less than $20 and use it for a LOT of major muscle groups. You can find different excercises on about.com. push ups.squats and lunges are great too. Good luck.

I'm still trying to figure out why people who have no time to work out or exercise are bothering to read articles about exercise that they've already decided they aren't going to do.

Bonang
A few reasons you may not be losing the weight.
You may be building muscle which will affect and slow the numbers on the scale.
You may be eating too much, even though you are eating healthy, with the amount of exercising you are doing it may be taking more calories to feel satisfied and therefore consumption is more than you are burning.
Or lastly and in retrospect to my last theory, you may not be consuming enough calories or fat in your diet and once again although you are working out hard, your body may have gone into survival mode and slowed the metabolic process down.
Try all day grazing, eat all day. Every 2 - 3 hours eat something healthy, a turkey burger, grilled chicken slices, Yougurt, whole wheat wrap with Turkey, whole wheat pretzels, fruits etc...but always have food near you. It will keep the furnace running all day and you will burn the calories efficiently. Also, add a little more "good" fat into your diet like Natural PB (not too much PB though, it is good for you but not in large quantities), olive oil, etc... The body does need fat to burn fat.

If there's a will, there's a way. Enough said.

AM-

Very good point, The "no time" people are trying to convince the rest of us who have faced the same daily challenges they have and have made the lifestyle changes, that they are unique therefore they have a right not to be healthy. There is absolutely no excuse not to take care of yourself, unless you are physically unable!

To Ms Timeless (and any other interested party):
Been there, done that with the children (3) and multiple jobs.
My best workouts were cleaning the house listening to my favorite rock band.  Or hula hooping around the yard while i'm inventorying/itemizing work that needs to be addressed or just to and from the mail box.

Tired Mom,

I just wanted to say I totally understand where you're coming from.  The first 6 months or so after I went back to work from maternity leave were miserable.  I got no sleep but I had to be 100% for work and be a good mom.  The house looked awful, we ate garbage, and I was miserable.  I cried every day, and sure as heck didn't have the energy to exercise.  It gets better though.  You didn't say how old your child is, but I'm guessing that if you're still having such a tough time, they are under a year old.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel and soon you will have more time for yourself.  Hang in there mama!

Hi Kristen (oh George and Cody)

I also work 20+ hour days (I am in a hospital setting) and feel your pain.  YES, we actually work these long hours. Fortunately, I am on the 4th floor and can walk or run up and down the stairs if I have to and that is my only exercise routine for now. Otherwise, it would also be hard to leave to workout.
I do take a few minutes to eat Cody and with multitasking, I can eat and read at the same time. LOL
Mary

tHESE GYMS CHARGE WAY TO MUCH MONEY. i NEED A GYM TO MOTIVATE ME.

Sorry - no sympathy here. I'm a single mom, 3 kids in sports, etc., I work full-time, and I still work out at least an hour a day. In fact, I found time to become a Personal Trainer, and I teach Spinning classes at the nearest gym two mornings a week (5:30 in the morning isn't that bad once you get used to it, and it's better than having a body I'm unhappy with). I watch NO TV other than the weather and an occasional hockey or football game. Find time. I run 4 miles during my daughter's soccer practices twice a week. Even WALKING during them is better than sitting there chatting and doing nothing. Just do it.

Ms. Timeless,
Quit complaining about not having any time to work out ~ You have found time for everything else. From the way you are complaining about being so busy, the way that I see it, you shouldn't even be able to find time to eat. So, you should be really thin & not have a weight problem, (since you are so "busy"). I joined "Curves" in April & also follow a strict diet & have already lost 20 lbs. Oh, by the way, I'm married, getting ready to move in about 6 weeks, & I also own & operate my own business.
So, Ms. Timeless ~ Grow Up!
You will not lose weight unless you make up your mind that you really want to do it & stick with it.

Its tough to make time no doubt--but you have to discipline yourself.  I share the experience with some others--used to work out a lot and then one month stopped and it all comes back!  So now I have finally gotten back on track but still at times, its so difficult!  I usually take a Victoria Secret catalog on the treadmill with me as motivation. ;) And eating healthy really changes everything!!

Hey Anonymous in PA! Congrats and GREAT FOR YOU!!!!

Keep up the good work.

I think everyone should give Ms. Timelss a break.  She was just expressing her frustration with trying to fit workouts in during a very busy phase of her life.  She's looking for support, not critism.  If it was easy, we wouldn't be spending our time on sites like this.

Karen
Ms.Timeless is not alone and that is what we are trying to stress to her. Most of these respondents are in the same or a similar situation. Most of us are trying to give her examples of how we manage our time and exercise. Her problems may be deeper than we are reading about. It sounds to me as if she has a husband that does not support her or get off his butt to help.

The problem is men who do not support their wives. They treat us like we are objects and we should cater to them hand and foot. We gain weight they make a b-line for the closest woman whose body looks the closest that ours used to look. They want us to look a certain way, but do not lift a finger to help with the domestic duties when we want to go to the gym or for a short 20 minute walk. It is alright they gain weight because some women will take a man any way she can get one. The problem with Ms. Timeless is not her time management, it is her man or lack of!!

It is awesome to see that so many people are health conscience.  However, Terence in San Fran, you are in need of a serious discussion on eating habits and the benefits of being healthy versus "skinny."  Kelly in St. Louis, congrats on beating cancer, and congrats to everyone who has recognized improvements in their lives by changing your attitude about fitness.  It is a lifelong commitment, and it is sometimes difficult to stay motivated.  But . . . it sure feels good once you get started and when you finish that workout, yes?

Ms.T -  sorry if I sounded like I don't understand. I know it's frustrating. How old are your kids? I take my daughter with me (she's 9) when I run - she rides her bike. She loves the adventure of the whole thing! Her brothers USED to go with me before they became teenagers... they were riding 4-6 miles 3-4 days a week when they were 5 and 6. It sets a great precedent for them - staying fit is second nature to all of them. She likes going to the gym, too. Try to find 10 minutes a day for YOU. Walk around the block, do a couple yoga poses, stretch, do a few easy exercises or whatever helps you get back in touch with yourself physically. It really helps - even just a little slice of time like that. You deserve to take care of you, and it helps you take care of everyone else even better than before.

AHH ITS FUNNY SOME PEOPLE SAY WE SIT IN FRONT OF TV FOR 3 HOURS. tHATS BECAUSE WE WORK ALL WEEK. wE NEED TO RELAX. aND FOR THE GUY WHO OPERATES HIS OWN BUS. yOU CAN TAKE TIME OUT ANYTIME. iTS YOUR BUSINESS.

For those who are too busy, life is to hectic, kids and other activities take up all your time, chances are, you don't need a 380 hour work out a week.  With all that activity, I doubt you're seriously over weight.  This work out is intended for the seriously out of shape person who wants abs of steel.  Secondly, you would need to get down to 4% body fat to display your six packs.  That's impossible for most people.  For those who are pushing 50, you better find the time to work out regardless.  Chances are you'll never have six pack abs but you'll live longer.

I am so sick of all the excuses people have.  That is why our society is so sick, obese, depressed and full of anxiety .....b/c we don't use our bodies and mind as intended.  For all you moms who "whiz their kids off to soccer practice and swimming then get home and are so tired etc. etc......" stop using your homelife as an excuse.  I am a family counselour and see so many parents who use their children's "activities" to do none of their own. Pathetic.  Do your children want flabby, miserable parents who have none of their own interests or life for that matter???  How about having your children take an interest in something you like to do?  Balance is the key and some organizing.......model it for your children or they're gonna end up like you.  Is that what you want?

All the exercise people, of which I'm kind of one, come across as real sanctimonious longsleeves who someone think their doing this will really make the world better for people whose actual jobs entail more sweat than these  American snobs could ever envision

If I can find time to exercise with a 2.4 and 1.2 year olds and also 4 months pregnant and still be proud wearing a bikini and take care of all the house chores, then anybody who uses the line "i have no time to exercise" is lying to themselves and now trying to lie to the rest of us. All you have to do is care enough for yourself. It is hard at first to find the time but once you get into a routine you are golden. Wake up early and have your husband (if married) look after the kids before he goes to work. And boom there is time to exercise.  Doing this makes me a better and happier mom. And since my husband knows that, he never complains one bit.  

Wow , hot bed issue, I'm from Edinburgh in Scotland. Scotland is the unhealty man of Europe - we have big problems here, so interesting to read all the stuff from USA.
Time is lacking here for most people who work, but the requirement for looking good in a bikini is pretty low here considering the weather - perhaps thats why scotlands the worst , health wise in Europe.
on a personnal note - I'm a single mum, doing my phd, time is difficult and i'e fluctuated between superfit and slightly chubby (by my reckoning, anyway). But it does all come down to determination. Dont kick a dog when its down - give it a bone to chase instead - he he!

To Joe,
First of all, you assumed since I own a business that I was a man ~ you are wrong, I'm a woman.
Anybody that owns their own business will tell you that they work more hours when they are self employed than they ever did working for someone else.
I rarely take time for a vacation, let alone take time off to go to the gym. If you would have read my previous comment more carefully, you would have known that I was a woman since I go to "Curves" ~ which is another word for "No Men Allowed."
If you found time to exercise, you will find that it is relaxing.
Well, it's after 5pm & I'm headed for the gym.

Okay people, just because one thing works for you doesn't mean it will work for the next, so stop with snotty remarks.  

There's no easy way to become healthy, strong and fit. I'm a 50 year old woman and I'm in better shape than I've ever been in my life. I wasn't overweight as a teen but I struggled with each passing year. I've been working out with more commitment than ever for the past 4 years and eating healthier so that I can avoid as many of the age related problems that we'll all face someday. All it takes is commitment. Here's the reason I work out almost every day of the week. WEIGHT TRAINING AND CARDIO ARE THE MEDICATIONS THAT I MUST DO, PHYSICALLY, FOR MY HEALTH. It's that simple. I can't take a pill, drink a smoothie or substitute ANYTHING for the physical activity called exercise. Everyone must reach deep within and find the motivation to reach for their physical best. Once you start feeling better and looking better, you'll gain the confidence and even more motivation to keep working harder and harder to reach and then maintain your healthy body. The only thing that works, is hard work.

KRYSTAL

DONT TALK ABOUT MEN BEING USELESS. I SUPPORT MY WIFE I WATCH MY 14 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER DURING THE DAY WORK OUT WITH HER FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR 5 DAYS A WEEK AND THEN GO TO WORK FOR 8 HOURS EVERYNIGHT. JUST BECAUSE U DONT LIKE MEN DONT SLAM THE LOT OF US. THERE ARE PLEANTY OF HARD WORKING SUPPORTIVE MEN OUT THERE!!!

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