As your newborn will demand much of your attention, time, and energy throughout the day and night, you might struggle to squeeze physical activity into your lifestyle. Also, sleepless nights and a hectic lifestyle could drain you of all motivation to start working out after childbirth.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many mothers will struggle to summon enough energy to workout each day. Yet, there are steps you can take to make physical activity feel much easier. Here are five must-read tips for exercising with a newborn.
- Go for a Walk Together
Place your little bundle of joy into a stroller and enjoy a walk outdoors. It will provide you both with some much-needed fresh air, and you can burn calories, too. Go for a stroll around a park, walk around a mall, or explore your neighborhood to introduce your baby to new sights and sounds.
- Workout at Home During Naptime
If you want to get back in shape after having a baby, you could always workout at home. There are many fantastic floor exercises you can complete when your baby is taking a nap. Treat yourself to some new workout clothes, buy a thick yoga mat from Manduka, and perform one of the following exercises:
- Yoga
- Plyometrics
- HIIT training
- Pilates
- Barre
- Cross-training
There are many fantastic workout videos, how-to-articles, and tips online that can help you master one of the above exercises.
- Find a Mom and Baby Exercise Class
Many personal trainers and gyms run indoor and outdoor sessions for moms and babies. If you’re struggling to get fit because you’re caring for your son or daughter, take your newborn along to a mom and baby class near you. It can help you work up a sweat while allowing your son or daughter to have some fun and spend time with other babies. It’s a win-win!
- Go for a Swim Together
Swimming can be a fun activity for both you and your baby. It will get your body moving, and your newborn will love splashing in the water. Plus, you can hold your son or daughter underneath their arms and lift them up and down in the water. It will allow your baby to have some fun while exercising your arms.
- Have a Dance
Turn on your favorite songs, grab your little one, and dance around the room together. Your newborn will love the fun movements, and you won’t even realize you’re burning many calories as you’ll be having too much fun. It’s a great way to move your body and get your heart pumping.
Plus, it can help your baby develop a love of music from a young age, so they’ll be dancing as soon as their body allows them to do so. However, avoid turning up the music too much, as their small ears are a little sensitive to sound.
Exercise can provide many benefits for new moms. It can help you lose weight, get back in shape, and improve your mental health. Remember, a happy mom equals a happy baby, so aim to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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