Trendy Babies is ALL about supporting mamas. Another way we'd like to do that this year is by supporting you in your goal to get healthy!
Every good mama knows that staying fit becomes a lot harder once baby is born. It's not so much that we're exhausted (although we are completely sleep deprived), it's that there's no longer time for the gym.
Sure, you might have some "down time" in the afternoon when baby naps. But even if you do manage to stay awake yourself (since you only slept 4 hours yourself the night before), there are still a billion other things that need to get done (aka making dinner, laundry, cleaning, and oh yeah getting dressed, taking a shower, and quickly devouring the cold toast you made 4 hours ago). Nowithstanding, you can't exactly take off to the gym while your baby is napping!
So what's a girl to do? For mamas who use to go to the gym regularly pre-baby, it is a big adjustment (trust me, it took ME until my second child before I finally figured out how to find time for myself and be there for my baby at the same time).
So, in effort to help other mamas, I am starting a collection of tips that I will be posting here. We'll keep updating this list so keep checking back. And if you have suggestions to add, please email us at service@trendybabies.ca
1. Getting fit without leaving the neighbourhood
a. Stroller Fitness
2. Getting fit without leaving the house
a. Exercising with Baby
b. The Soup Can Plan (yes, a can of Chicken Noodle Soup will do!)
i. Soup Can Arm Busters
ii. Soup Can Butt Buster
Other Tips
Make Everything Count
If you find you don't have time for continuous exercise or that you've missed a workout, that doesn't mean you can't get in some activity. Below are some ideas to burn more calories with everyday activities:
Run the stairs. Sometimes I add a few extra laps on the stairs when doing chores or chasing the kids around.
Add more walking. Run through the grocery store to burn extra calories.
Tie exercises to simple tasks so they're habitual. Do lunges every time you bends over to pick up toys or clothes. I made a vow to do squats any time the microwave is on. Sounds silly but it works and its so easy to do and 30-60 seconds of squats 3 or 4 times a day quickly adds up!
Once your children are a bit older, you can also include them into your exercise routine.
Do pushups while giving your child a "horsey" ride.
Have them work out with you. Create rolled-up sock "dumbbells" so they can copy your exercises. Or they can count your reps for you.
Take your children for walks or bike rides. It is a great way to teach your kids to be active every day.
