Why working out with my kids at home doesn't work

When I told Noah the other morning that we were going to the gym, he asked if we could pleeeaaassse stay home that day. I explained that if I stayed home, I was still going to work out.

I searched around on Netflix and added a bunch of "Crunch" gym videos to my queue - abs, bootcamp, pilates, cardio, etc. I was optimistic and excited at this potential option to the gym!

Until I got started.

Here are some pictures to illustrate how it all went down.

What you are seeing below is me trying to do some cardio with weights. While attempting this, Faith is crawling in circles through my legs and around my left leg during the times it was on the floor. In the upper right corner is Noah's hand - he is standing on the couch, holding out an extended tape measure and tapping me on the head with it.

While doing lunges, Faith continued her trip-mommy-by-crawling-around-her-legs game, while Noah grinned and gave me a thumbs up like any good trainer.

This is one of my personal favorites. I was attempting push-ups, which was impossible. Because out of the corner of my eye I am watching Noah trying to use the weights and waiting for him to drop one and break his cute little toes. All the while Faith is tapping me on the back with a large plastic golf club.

Anyone that has kids knows it can be fun when one clings to your leg while you walk around. I can assure you it is a completely different story when you are trying to do aerobics. I mean, I've heard of ankle weights, but a 3 year old is a little too heavy. And the left and right movements that usually accompany cardio is a no go when you have a 5 year old desperately trying to keep up with the moves right next to you.

I figure the only way to really make this work is to get up at 5:30 am - but I'm pretty sure my beauty/non-grumpy sleep is more important.