No guilt. Never ever feel guilty for trying to make yourself a happier healthier mom. You will be giving your kids the gift of YOU for longer, a more active you and a better example for their life.

My kids LOVE the gym daycare. I usually go for an hour twice a week, but sometimes I'll stay for as long as 2 if I didnt get my run in before dh left for work (I usually only do weights at the gym, I do cardio at 5 am). My gym daycare is also connected to a clinic where my Physical therapist works so there was a time I had my son in the daycare 4 days a week (2 for workout, 2 for PT). He got a little bored of it, but still had a good time when he was there.

Personally I would go to the gym before you invest in a treadmill. You would still need to carve out the time with your kids either being asleep or otherwise safely occupied (treadmills are dangerous to run if your kids are in the room). I find it much easier to commit to the workout when I am AT the gym. No distractions. No housework staring me in the face. No kids saying they would like a story. I've paid for the daycare so I might as well get my solid hours worth.

(I DO own a treadmill now, but that was after firmly establishing a workout routine and committing to running goals -)

i'd bite the bullet and take them to the daycare. eventually they will be screaming when you try to get them to leave.

Thanks for the replies.

I do have a problem dropping the guilt. You all have given me a lot of suggestions and advice and I'm definitely getting ideas.

I will figure this out. I will start exercising again.

Ding, ding, ding! I had a really hard time wrapping my head around this at first. It probably took 6 months for me to really get the fact of there are 24 hours in the day, and it is perfectly ok to take one for yourself.

I have a gym membership. I go often, at least 5 times a week. Usually I go in the evenings, after my husband gets home from work. I overheard my 5 year old tell my 2 year old the other day "Now, it's just like every night. Daddy comes home and Mommy leaves" LOL! I used to just want to sit and do nothing once the kids went to bed, but now I find myself looking forward to my time at the gym. It's a change I'm thrilled about.

Another thing that's awesome about going to the gym...it's alone time! There are other people there but you can totally put on your earbuds, hop on the elliptical and NO ONE TALKS TO YOU. As one mother of small children to another, is there ANYTHING better than no one talking to you for an hour?? You will LOVE it.

Hey! I only have one kid (he's 5 months old), but I know where you are coming from! We usually get up for the day around 6 or 7. I do an exercise video after breakfast while he plays in his jumperoo. After that, we go for a walk with the jogging stroller. So, my tip is to make your kids a part of your exercise. What a great way to set an example for them!