Finding time.

I had a hard time fitting in exercise after I had my son and what helped me with my "working out" was to go for a "Family Walk". I had a c-section and so my husband and I would go for very short walks with the stroller and slowly built up the length. It was a great way to unwind and have some time where we could focus on each other and talk about our day. Now that my little one is 5 months old, I go for a Family Walk about every other day. The differences are that now my husband doesn't come along all the time (at work) and I can push the stroller along for about an hour. When we started, it was 10 minutes tops.

I also agree with the poster about nutrition. Changing what we eat helped out so much. My "diet" consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, some lean protein and little to no sugars or salts. Good luck and support is here when you need it. :)

You don't 'find' time.
You make time for yourself; you ARE that important!

be selfish and make time for YOU first. Learn to say no and mean it. Stop doing so much for the older children.

That is definitely a full plate and to do anything will take great planning. I know many folks that have that many kids use the older ones to help with the chores and taking care of the younger ones. But if you are still having trouble finding time to do exercises, then focus more on the nutrition side. That will be best for you and the family anyway. Keep the faith.

I know this sounds like an excuse. But in all actuality, I have no time for myself. It's hard to squeeze a workout in when I have 9 children (8 bio & 1 stepdaughter) from 8 months to 16 yrs. old and a sick husband that's on dialysis 3 days a week. I have a 16 yr old that's in High School cheerleading, a 15 yr old that's a High School football player, a 13 yr old that's in marching band for high school, a 10 yr old that cheers for popwarner, and 7 & 8 yr old sons that are in popwarner football, little league baseball, and cub scouts. As well as a very active 2 yr old daughter and an 8 month old son. By the time I done running around for them and with them all day, I have no energy or time to squeeze a workout in for me. I know I have to just make time for it. And I'm going to do my best to do that daily. But I have to tell myself that I'm worth it and my family will benefit from having a happier and heathier Mom and wife.