Mommy and Me Exercise Ideas

Most of us experience a strange sensation in the weeks after having a baby. At first, we feel incredibly light. After walking around for months with a baby inside, we are finally free of that extra weight and feel thin. However, that feeling tends to contrast, for most women, with the reality of our new form. While we feel lighter, we still don't fit into our clothing, and we probably won't for awhile.

Frustration Hits

This reality can be very frustrating. We all want to bounce back to our pre-baby shape, or even be thinner than we were then. So, how do we achieve that goal with a baby that wakes at all hours of the day and night and so much to do?

Exercise Ideas

There are many ways to begin to incorporate light exercise into your life - and to include your baby in it. It is important to understand, however, that you should not exercise post partum until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. This usually occurs at your six week post partum check up. Once you've been given the green light, here are some great exercise ideas with your baby.

1. Get Walking - Your baby can use the fresh air as much as you can. Enjoy strolling each morning with your baby. You can put him into a stroller, or carry him in a sling. Walking helps you to increase strength and to burn fat. If it's the middle of winter and too cold to be outdoors, explore the malls in your area. Many malls actually open early specifically to accommodate walkers. Find a friend who wants to walk with you, and enjoy your time out of the house together. Try to walk at a brisk pace and to do so for 30 minutes a day.

2. Weight Lift that Bundle! Use your baby as a weight and enjoy weight lifting with him. Lie down on the floor and place your baby in your arms above you. Lift him into the air and then bring him back down towards you. The more slowly that you do this task, the more that your arms are working. Do this standing as well, lifting the baby over your head.

3. Yoga, Pilates, and More - There are many forms of exercise that can incorporate your baby into the routine. Whether you want to buy a video or DVD, or look into mommy and me classes at your gym, you'll find post partum yoga, pilates and more. These classes incorporate the baby into the exercise routine. In general, you place the baby on your mat and work around and with him. This is a great way to exercise while spending time with your little one. Look online for resources or check out the classes offered in your area.

4. Balance Balls - Balance balls are a great way to exercise. Sit on your ball and hold your baby against you. Bounce up and down. This will strengthen your core muscles, while creating a fun activity for you and your baby.

Have Fun Together

While it may seem difficult to contemplate exercising when you've just had a baby, you'll find that these activities give you extra energy and help you to create a routine with your little one. As your baby grows, you'll eventually want to find ways to exercise on your own. While they are little, however, enjoy incorporating them into your daily exercise and have fun together!