Trying to balance fitness and motherhood can seem like a daunting task. With a newborn you might have the time for home fitness as they typically sleep often. However, you’ll need to rest and recuperate after pregnancy and childbirth. As your little one gets older, they are less sleepy and more active. Home workouts and exercise can be fit into your parenthood schedule without the gym equipment, and you’ll still have plenty of mommy-baby time!
Believe it or not, kids love to get exercise, and they have the energy for it. Their way of exercising might be different from yours, but they will join in. If your little ones are old enough to join in the exercises, all you have to do is make it fun! Stick to the basics with them like high knees, squats, and jumping jacks. Turn on some of everyone’s favorite jams and rock it out! Dancing is a great way to get a good cardio workout.
You can set an hourly timer, and when it goes off, you and your kids can have a “move it” break where you all move about getting some energy used. Toddlers and young kids love to dance along to songs like “Baby Shark” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”. It might seem lame but get into it with them.
When you have a newborn, you won’t have a workout buddy, but it’s still possible to fit a little exercise into your life. We know many mothers will nap when the baby naps to help rejuvenate after the long nine months and delivery. However, if you want to get some fitness time in, try skipping every other nap and replacing that time with a short workout.
Rock-A-By Baby
Babies love to be held, cuddled, and rocked. If you can’t find the free time to do the exercises you prefer, incorporate cuddle time with a workout. Carrying your little one in your arms and doing some squats or lunges at the same time can give you some exercise coupled with cuddle time. It really is the little things that add up to big results.
Swaddle Away
Using a swaddle to hold your baby close to you can free your hands and arms. Take a nice brisk walk with your little one. If you have dumbbells or something of the sort, you can get some arm exercises in while your baby is tucked safely in a swaddle. You can get a good leg and arm workout with your baby.
Chores Galore
We know that chores add up and usually when the baby is sleeping we tend to get them out of the way. Jazz up your chore time by tossing in some exercises as well. It’s all about movement.
Jogging
Strap your kids into the stroller and head out for a charming jog. Chances are, they'll enjoy the view or take a snooze. If the kids are old enough that they can safely be placed in a kid sat on the back of your bike, go out for a spin.
Fitness and motherhood can go together like peanut butter and jelly. You might have to get creative, but it’s possible and sometimes interesting. If nothing else, you could always have a close friend or family member keep an eye on the kids while you go for a run or head to the gym. You can enjoy motherhood and staying in shape at the same time.
