Finding time to work out when you have a child is extremely difficult. It takes strategic planning, flexibility, and most of all, desire. Let’s be honest, taking care of a baby/toddler is a workout in itself. We come home from work only to put on our parent hats and entertain our little boy for three hours before bedtime. Fit in the diaper changes, dinner, bath, laundry and…wait, where did the time go? Throw in the generous amounts of hugs and kisses and we are flat out drained for time. So, how does a working couple with a baby find the time to work out? Well, we make the time.
For years Rachel and I worked out together. We would push each other to run faster, further and stronger. But, throw a child into the mix and things had to change quickly. We agreed that in order to stay on track we would have to tag team it every day. That means we each get a day to work out while the other plays court jester and entertains the little one. It is a win-win in our minds. The one working out gets a little bit of alone time, while the other gets quality one on one time with our baby boy. There are times when I am working out and I can hear my baby boy laughing in the other room. I miss spending time with him, but I remember that the next day it’s our time together. Maybe my day with him will involve running, jumping and laughing. Maybe he will be fussy. Maybe he will fall asleep in my arms and I will pull him close and watch him sleep. It changes from day to day. In the end, every workout is worth it and every second spent with my child is second to none.
As parents, we get through each day because we work together. That’s what parenting is though, finding the best way to be present for your child (all in), but also not losing site of important things in life, like making sure you take care of yourself and each other. I’m not saying it’s always easy to ensure we get to work out. You must throw in the occasional sick baby and parents, which seems to happen more often than not. But, you just have to find a way to keep going and make the time to work out. If you don’t plan for it, you won’t do it. If you aren’t flexible with time, you won’t do it. If you don’t have the desire to work out, then frankly, you won’t do it. Remember, plan for it, be flexible with your time and make sure you have the desire to do it.
Running On Empty 