How Your Baby Can Help You Get Back into Shape

It has been about three months since you have given birth to your little bundle of joy, and you are now probably very anxious to get your body back into your pre-pregnancy outfits. Well there is a way to accomplish this task and play with your baby at the same time. There is really no need to join a mommy and me group. Many of these exercise you can do right in your own home, with your little one. First thing you will want to do if you have not done so already is invest in a exercise mat, and an exercise ball. Keep in mind that the most important goal should be to get your energy level back. Usually after having a baby your energy level is very low. It will take a lot of hard work to get that energy level back to what it was.

If your baby is at least five months old there are several exercises that you can try. First you can try playing the hello game. What you do is lie down on your exercise mat or towel, and place your baby on your stomach. Then slowly lift your head up off the floor until you make eye contact with the baby. As you make eye contact with the baby you say “hello-“. Not only will your baby really enjoy this game, but you will be getting your abdominal muscles back into shape. Another great exercise is what I like to call the baby squat. You stand with your feet and shoulder width apart and hold your baby in front of your stomach.

Then you slowly bend your knees and squat down. As you do this you can say to your baby “mommy go up and down”. Once again your baby will be having a blast, and so will you. When it comes to exercising your arms, you can try the baby lift. Lie on the floor on your back, and slowly raise your baby up away from your face and slowly bring the baby back down, giving her a kiss once she returns closer to your face. This one you should only do a few times, and make sure that you are not straining your back in the process.

You could also try getting out side if the weather is nice and go for a stroll around the neighborhood, or to the park. This way you will be able to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Before you try any of these exercises you will want to make sure that you talk to your doctor first. Even though you may be feeling great you do not want to start doing exercises before your body is ready. If you start to soon, you may actually do more damage than you will good. Just remember to drink plenty of water after and during any exercise and have fun.