Exercises for Mom and Baby

Now that you're a mom, isn't it sooo easy to slack off the exercise? After all, looking after a baby is a 24-hour job. So our workout schedule, well... just doesn't 'work out' the way we like it to be.

So what are the excuses of putting off the exercise now that you have a baby?

• "Who's gonna look after my baby when I exercise?..."
• "I'm reluctant to leave my baby with a babysitter..."
• "With all the work I put in looking after the baby, I don't need the extra exercise. I'm exhausted enough!"

Answers?

Well, working out doesn't mean you have to part with your baby. There are ways you can enjoy exercise together (you'll find out what they are below). And here are all the wonderful reasons why you should set aside an "exercise for mom and baby" time everyday:

• Daily physical activity reduces stress. It can help you sleep better
• Fitness helps keep you healthy and has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression (goodbye to post partum depression or just those days when your baby's turned into a monster!)
• Exercising like strength training can help prevent osteoporosis
• Exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer (remember, motherhood doesn't end at 6pm!)

Now have I told you why it can be good for your baby too?

• Exercising with your baby will help him learn good movement and coordination skills
• Both you and your baby will have fun rolling around together and being silly (that's the number rule of playing games -- HAVE FUN!)
• And if you include dad in the equation (for instance, walking together as a family) find it a time to connect. To build family. To unwind from a day at home or at work

Exercising with your baby can certainly be one of the most fun (and beneficial) activities you and your baby can do together.

OK, so say hello to your new little training buddy and start exercising! Choose any of these creative exercises below:

Note: By the way, most doctors and midwives suggest waiting until your six-week postnatal check before beginning to exercise so best to consult them before doing any of these activities.

Hire a Personal Trainer (who is a Mom too!)
It's easier (and more fun) to reach your fitness goals if you have someone to help guide you as well as someone you can be accountable to. Especially if she is also a MOM! Lyn Bode (that's her photo on the left - yep, you can be a mother and still look hot!) can help you by giving you personalized sessions just without the face-to-face interaction (plus you don't have to leave your child in a gym creche or babysitter).

You can get fit and you can do it on YOUR schedule (perhaps when your baby's asleep). The great thing about it is that it costs only a fraction of a traditional personal training program.

You can learn more about her fitness programs from Moms here.

Dance with Your Baby
Your husband doesn't have to be your only dance partner now that you have your baby (in fact you'll find that your little one will be much more cooperative!)

• Carry your baby into a baby sling ot baby carrier.
• Put on some music and dance with your child. Not only will you feel better by getting moving, but you also will be teaching your child to enjoy rhythm, movement, and music. It is never too early to teach your child about the benefits of exercise, and the time you take to care for and relax your body will leave you feeling more capable of enjoying the rest of your time with your baby.

Use an Exercise/Swiss Ball
If you have an exercise or swiss ball (it's those giant beach balls that you see in the gym), try holding your baby in your lap and start bouncing up and down with him. Your baby will love the vertical movement and will enjoy being held close. At the same time, this is good in tightening your tummy. I do this exercise to put my baby to sleep. Talk about multitasking!

Baby Circuit Training
Try a 'baby circuit' with your baby in a baby carrier or baby sling.

• Add several sets of squats, dips, lunges, step-ups, or step-downs holding your child as resistance
• With your baby lying on the floor, get on your hands and knees and do partial range pushups lowering down to kiss your baby on the nose.
• Do reverse corner pushups for the middle back while you have your child in a baby sling or carrier.
• If your baby can hold his head up, lie on your back and hold your child in the air over your chest (as an airplane) and press your child up as you lift your torso off the floor to strengthen the abdominals.
• With your baby on your lap or in a baby carrier, do triceps dips off the couch or a sturdy chair.
• Walk on the treadmill or elliptical trainer (if you happen to have one at home) with your child napping in his sling or carrier.