Mommy And Me Workout

As new moms, it can be quite the challenge to get an effective workout in each day. 

“How in the world am I going to find the time,” you may ask yourself.  

If you are low on energy or suffer from an unpredictable schedule, making exercise a priority can be a daunting task on your endless, daily to-do list. Shift your focus from “finding” the time to “making” the time.

Participating in daily exercise can help ward off anxiety, depression and restlessness. Additionally, it aids in connecting to the “old you” and can help give you more energy to get through the day.  

New moms have a hard time finding it feasible to get uninterrupted time to workout without her baby, so this month we’ve created a quick Mommy and Me Workout you can sneak in a few times a week.

Participating in activities with your baby not only allows you to get some much needed daily exercise, but also allows you to create bonding time with your child. Little do they know, their play-time is actually your workout!

Grab your stroller, a blanket and even another Mommy friend to join you!

Jessica Marickovich, mom of Ella, age 1, and Amber Clark, mom of Stella, age 9 months, actively find time to workout and frequent Mommy and Me classes in town.

Check out Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center’s Blissful Baby Yoga class for another bonding acitvity with your baby (BreathePcola.com).

BELLA MOMMY AND ME WORKOUT

Always warmup 5-10 minutes before you begin. Consult your physician and pediatrician before beginning any new workout regimen. This workout is appropriate for babies that can support their head and neck — be sure to confirm safety with your pediatrician. Make sure you are holding your baby securely in all exercises performed.

1. Walk or jog with your stroller 1 mile. Perform 20 Stroller Walking Lunges. 

    Repeat 2-3 times alternating your walk/jog and lunges.

2. Next, repeat 3 sets of the following exercises 12 times:

    • Baby Squat Press           • Baby Chest Press           • Baby Russian Twists

Cool down by stretching.

STROLLER WALKING LUNGES

• Start in a standing position with feet under hips, pushing stroller in front of you.

• Step forward with one leg, lower your hips until both knees are bent at about a 

   90-degree angle.

• Repeat on other leg, walking the lunges forward as you go.

BABY RUSSIAN TWISTS

• Start in a seated position holding baby under their bottom.

• Twist torso and bring baby to one side.

• Twist the opposite direction bringing baby to the other side.

BABY SQUAT PRESS

• Start in a standing position with feet outside of hips and toes turned slightly outward.

• Holding baby facing you at chest level, squat down as low as possible.

• Return to standing while pressing baby upward.  

• Keep your chest lifted throughout the movement and midsection braced. 

BABY CHEST PRESS

• Start by lying on your back, holding baby above you.

• Bending your arms, bring baby down towards you.

• Press baby back upward.