Fitness for New Moms
Easy Exercises to Get Back Into Shape After Having a Baby
Aug 19, 2009 Michelle Carchrae
After giving birth, a woman is usually exhausted, short on free time and several pounds heavier than she'd usually like to be. Once the six-week postpartum period has passed and she has the approval of her doctor to begin exercising, there are several easy ways for a new mom to get fit again.
Fit 4 Two
Fit 4 Two Classes help mom get fit using the things she's probably already got: running shoes and a stroller. By walking and doing stretching and toning exercises while pushing baby in a stroller, a new mom gets a low-impact workout with no need to organize childcare. An added bonus of these classes is meeting other new moms in the neighborhood who have babies around the same age.
Mom & Baby Yoga
Yoga classes for new moms often incorporate pre-crawling babies into mom's yoga postures. Babies love to spend time looking at and being held by their mothers and yoga is a great way to build up core strength again, after several months of living with stretched-out abdominal muscles. Try to schedule these classes during a time when baby is usually awake and happy so class time can be spent stretching instead of feeding baby.
Babywearing
Strapping baby into a baby sling, wrap or other carrier and going for a long walk is an excellent way for a new mom to get some exercise and care for baby at the same time. The soothing, rhythmic motion of walking is a surefire way to get fussy babies to sleep and carrying the extra weight helps give mom a good workout. By continuing this workout over several months, the growing weight of the baby will increase mom's strength and stamina.
Jogging Strollers and Fitness DVDs
Other fitness options for new moms are jogging with baby in a jogging stroller and working out at home with an aerobics or yoga DVD. Jogging strollers can allow mom to get in a serious cardio workout, but some runners find that holding on to the stroller is awkward or uncomfortable. If possible, take a test run with a friend's stroller before making a huge financial investment. DVDs can be tailored to individual fitness levels and are a cheaper way to get in a workout.
Staying active after the birth of a baby is a great way to get fit, stay healthy and prevent postpartum depression. Simply going for walks and doing some easy stretches at home can help increase fitness, so start simple and keep it fun.
Fitness for Moms
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