Want to work out with your baby in tow? You’re not alone! Lots of moms want to stay in shape while raising little ones. According to a report conducted by the Library of Medicine, most moms want to work out but they find it challenging due to child and time constraints. Fortunately though there are ways to workout with a baby. We’ve put together tips to help you you stay fit and enjoy your time as a mother. Try these ten ways to work out with a baby!
1) Get Outdoors
It’s no secret that getting plenty of sunshine can help us feel happier and healthier. But did you know it also helps relieve stress, which is very important when you’re caring for an infant? And working out in nature provides additional benefits: natural light stimulates serotonin production, which improves your mood; fresh air encourages sweating, which burns calories; and sunlight helps strengthen bones.
2) Involve Friends & Family
Having support around you during your pregnancy and afterward is not only convenient, but it’s good for you. It can help to have people around who are invested in your success as a mother, so consider enlisting friends and family members as supporters—they can cheer you on, keep you accountable, and offer tips and tricks they’ve found along their own journeys. If possible, try hiring a postpartum exercise instructor who specializes in workouts for women who are currently pregnant.
3) Workout with your Baby
As your baby gets older and can hold her head up, and sit on her own you may want to consider involving her in an exercise routine. It’s not only good for both of you but it will produce bonding and memories. Consider these five easy exercises you can do with your baby.
4) Use Exercise Equipment
If you have some exercise equipment, and your baby is safe and happy in her infant seat or bassinet, you can head out on an elliptical machine for ten minutes. Set a timer on your phone so that you don’t have to think about keeping track of time. Our favorite inexpensive home workout equipment is the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical, and the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike (very comfy for the mom still recovering postpartum).
5) Take Baby Swimming
Babies love water, and they’re light enough that it’s easy to carry them in. So if you live near a pool or body of water, get your baby in some floaties and take them swimming! Swimming is good for their developing muscles and coordination and for their little nervous systems—it can help them feel relaxed and calm.
6) Do Yoga
Yoga doesn’t require you to go anywhere or buy any new equipment. Instead, this convenient workout will strengthen your body while helping you develop better balance, focus, and relaxation techniques. These poses are easy on your joints but still strengthen every major muscle group in your body.
7) Dance it Out!
Although it may seem like dancing won’t help you burn much, any physical activity is beneficial. And just because you can’t go out for that jog doesn’t mean you can’t find some time to shake a leg. Dancing is a great way to get in some exercise and bond with your little one all at once, even if you just do it for a few minutes.
8) Build a Home Gym
Investing in at-home exercise equipment is a great way to stay active after you welcome your bundle of joy. Some items, like an elliptical machine or free weights, can be used for both workouts and everyday activities.
9) Get Creative
If you have an energetic, crawling baby, you don’t have to worry about not being able to do your workout. Instead, take them for a walk in their stroller while listening to music on your phone or iPod. If they’re old enough (and small enough), you can use them as weights while doing body-weight exercises like push-ups and squats; if that doesn’t sound like fun, try using some resistance bands around their arms or legs.
10) Ask for Help
Your baby is an incredible source of entertainment, but she also consumes a lot of your time and energy. So if you’re home all day with your little one, ask a family member or friend to watch her for 30 minutes so you can go for a walk or lift some weights. Even if they have your little one just for 15 minutes, it’ll be enough time for you to sneak in something that will make you feel remarkable and restored.
Conclusion
The key to exercising when you have a baby is making it part of your everyday routine. Setting up small, doable habits and routines early on will help you get in shape and not feel overwhelmed with an infant’s many needs. Then, as your baby grows older, it becomes easier to incorporate exercise into your everyday life.
