Exercising Against All Odds Part II
After a Greek yogurt (for me) and good nursing session, my baby girl will usually sit quietly in her bouncy seat. She will watch me exercise until she falls asleep. I can usually get almost through my fifty minute workout before every one else wakes up. That is the most ideal situation but sometimes waking up early is not possible especially after going to bed late and having to get up during the night to feed and/or soothe children.
When waking up early does not happen, I make a breakfast of local farm fresh eggs and local nitrate free bacon. I try to wait an hour before working out to let my food digest. Depending on what my husband is doing or if he is still home, I will have him keep an eye on the children. Usually he takes our son downstairs to play while our daughter doses in her bouncy seat (she does seem to enjoy watching the movement of my exercises). In the event that my husband is not home, I may do a shorter thirty minute workout. I make sure my daughter is well nursed and ready for a nap. If she is asleep before I begin the workout, she will sleep in the mini co-sleeper in the living room (which is where I workout). If she is awake, I will put her in the bouncy seat where she may or may not fall asleep.
Finding a way to entertain my son while I workout is an entirely different story. Sometimes I can distract him by giving him a snack. Other days he is perfectly content drawing with markers, pens, pencils, and crayons, playing with playdoh, or looking at books (reading them to himself from memory) for the duration of my workout. On even rarer occasions he will attempt to workout with me. Either way I am determined to get my workout in at least five times a week and I normally succeed even if I have to do an abbreviated routine.
For now these things work well. Who knows how things will work when I have two toddlers but for now I think I am beating the odds!