Just because you have a baby, like I do, doesn’t mean that you can’t work out. Sometimes your workout will get interrupted, but you can always hope right back into it after you take care of your baby. I mean, just look at how my workouts are currently going:
https://www.facebook.com/april.pinkney.5/videos/10101211399173616/
But, there is even a better way to combine both working out and taking care your baby without being interrupted! Use your baby as your weight! Newborns (birth-3 month) are typically between 6-15 pounds–the perfect weight for dumbbells as you are easing back into the workout routine. As your baby gets older and heavier and you continue to get stronger and healthier after giving birth, using your baby as your weight is the perfect way to raise the bar for yourself.
Check out these videos of me using Adley as my weights because she was fussy and needed more attention. Just by picking her up, she was calmed because she knew her mommy would give her attention. And, I was still able to work on myself.
https://www.facebook.com/aprilkmcdonald/videos/1655097381466659/
https://www.facebook.com/april.pinkney.5/videos/10101126254613996/
So, here are some great ways to incorporate your babies into your workouts!
**** Make sure your baby can hold her head up while you do the majority of these exercises. Also, as with any lifting, make sure to lift with your knees and not your back!
Front Carrier Squats
Put your baby in your infant carrier or your wrap. Then do a rep of 12 squats. Spread your feet apart and sit down in an imaginary chair, then stand back up. Make sure you hold onto your baby to give them more supports as you go up and down. Aim for 3 reps.
Curl Ups
Get in curl-up position. Lay down on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flexed under a piece of furniture. Place your baby sitting up on your belly, leaning against your legs. Raise your head and chest up to meet your baby. Smile or kiss your baby and lay back down. Aim for 3 reps of 10 sit-ups.
Reverse Curl-Ups
Get in curl-up positions, like above. Place your baby on her belly, on your legs, her head at your knees. Bring your legs in, knees up to your chin. Kiss or smile at your baby, then bring your legs back out. Aim for 3 reps of 10 sit-ups.
Wall Sits
Grab your baby and stand with your back against the wall. Slide down until you are sitting on air, your back pushed against the wall. Place your baby on your knees. Hold for 30 seconds, then stand back up. Do three times.
Baby Bend
Sit down on the floor and place your legs straight in front of you. Lay your baby on your legs, her head on your knees. Stretch your arms and torso towards your toes. Smile and kiss your baby, then sit back up. Do 3 reps of 10.
Baby Plank
Lay your baby on her back on the floor. Over her, so your heads are parallel, do a 30 second plank. Smile and coo at your baby while you do it. Do three times.
Baby Overhead Press
Stand up and hold your baby in your hands, facing you (your hands should be in her armpits). Start with your elbows bent. Then raise your baby clear above your head. Bring baby back down for a kiss on the forehead, then back up. Do 3 reps of 10.
Baby Bench Press
Lay down on your back, knees bent. Hold your baby facing you, with your elbows bent. Straighten your arm and raise your baby in the air. Bring baby back down for a kiss on the forehead, then back up. Do 3 reps of 10.
And, for those of you with twins…here is a bonus!! Haha!
How do you workout with your baby?
