Losing Weight After Pregnancy
Exercises New Moms can do With Their Baby
Many new mothers are anxious to start losing their baby weight and getting their pre-baby figure back, but it can be hard to do while juggling a new baby and other household or work-related duties. Even if losing weight isn't the main goal, exercising after having a baby helps to reduce stress and prevent post-partum depression.
New mothers may be reluctant to leave their new baby to go to a gym or let their baby sit in a bouncy chair during a work-out. Exercising with a baby is easier than one might think and can fit easily into a new mother's daily routine.
Get in Shape with Baby Outside
Babies generally love to be outdoors so these ideas are the perfect way for moms to start getting back into shape and for baby to be exposed to the great outdoors.
Taking a stroller ride is one of the easiest ways for a new mom to get back in the swing of physical exercise. A stroller provides resistance during a walk which can work additional muscles. If a mom feels like a challenge, there are also a number of jogging strollers available that are safe to use during a run.
Babies can also be carried in a baby carrier during walks either facing inward or out depending on their age and head control. Taking a hike with a baby is even an option with the great baby backpacks that are on the market.
Work-out with Baby Inside
If going outside to get fit isn't an option, there are plenty of indoor variations on old stand-by exercises that can be taken advantage of while still interacting with the baby.
Stability or exercise balls are a great choice for indoor exercise. They are relatively cheap and don't take up much room, especially when deflated. Moms should make sure they are comfortable on the ball before doing any exercises with the baby to ensure safety. The baby can be held with arms stretched out while doing crunches. This provides resistance during the move and babies may enjoy the motion.
Instead of weights, the baby can be held or lifted slowly for resistance. As long as the baby has good head control, he will enjoy the extra face to face time with mom.
There are a variety of arm exercises a new mom can do with baby at home. A baby can be held overhead and raised and lowered while playing a game of peek-a-boo to work arms and shoulders. Push-ups can also be altered to include an infant. Baby can be lie on the floor while his mother does push-ups and will be delighted to get a kiss each time mom's upper body is lowered.
Leg exercises are a great choice too. A baby can lie on her mother's bent legs, around the shin area while having her hands held for safety. Legs are lowered towards mom's bottom and then raised.
There are also a number of videos that can be rented, purchased or borrowed at the local library that teach new mothers how to exercise at home with their babies.
Keeping fit and feeling good don't have to be put aside during the first months after having a baby. Infants will love the attention and mom will feel great physically and happy that she is able to include her baby in the work-out routine.
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