Getting active – either again or for the first time – with a mini-human in tow can be challenging, especially if your child isn’t walking yet.
The easiest way for a fuss-free workout is to integrate your baby into a gentle workout schedule.
And while it’s oh-so tempting for tired new mums to veg out on front of the TV, getting active with your baby improves your energy levels, sleep pattern, and overall mood.
-
Get sweaty in your living room: A quick 20 minute workout at home is minimal hassle, and you can use baby as an adorable resistance weight! Do some jogging on the spot, then pick your baby up for lunges and squats. If your small one is old enough to hold their head up, (3-4 months) you can try some overhead presses as you make him or her ‘fly’.
-
Turn up your favourite music and have a boogie with the baba, holding them close or using a carrier (although avoid bouncing). Alternate rhythms for interval training and to keep your heart rate elevated. Place your baby in their bouncy seat and dance around it to incorporate your arms; keep eye contact and sing or chat as you make exaggerated movements. You may look a bit demented but you’ll feel great and the baby will be amused.
-
Walking is a cost-free way to get fit, and means baby will associate the outdoors with active movement and new stimuli. Face them forward and point out all the sights; varying your speed for effective interval training. Hills with a gentle gradient will give you a good cardio challenge and you can use the buggy for resistance.
-
Take baby to your local pool for a fun, low-impact workout. Water is 12 times more resistant than air and is a safe way to tone up for new mums. Wading up and down with your baby challenges your muscles as they work to move against the water. Gently raising and lowering baby to the surface helps sculpt the arms, back and shoulders.
The hormone relaxin, which made your joints and ligaments loose to prepare for delivery, is still present in your body for the first few months after birth, so always perform some light stretches to make sure you don’t pull a muscle. Get moving and enjoy!
For more information on the award-winning Mamia range, visit the Aldi website.
