5 Ways to Keep Fit With a Newborn

Are you ready to work out for two? Learn some easy ways to get fit with a newborn.

Incorporate Wellness into Your Maternity Leave

Before I headed to the hospital in labor, I packed my overnight bag with pre-pregnancy clothes, assuming that I would be able to fit into them moments after the birth. I was mistaken—and had to send my husband home to fetch my maternity pants so I would have something besides a hospital gown to wear on the ride home.

I lost a mere 9 pounds and 5 ounces when my son came out; the rest of the weight remained accompanied by some post-baby blues. Once back home, I desperately wanted to lose the weight, reenergize, and recapture my zest for life, but I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and afraid to leave my newborn’s side for even a second. So, I devised health and wellness practices that allowed me to restore my mind and body with a baby on board. Follow these tips for a healthy maternity leave.

	Invite your girlfriends over and hire a masseuse to come to the house.

Join a New Mother’s Group

Spending time with new mothers is therapeutic. In your post-partum state, you need empathy—your mother, who has glamorized having a newborn, and your husband or partner, who just can’t understand the emotional rollercoaster you are on, are not the people to go to. You need someone who understands the intricacies of the diaper trade, nursing, out-of-control hormones, and flabby bellies. Don’t underestimate the power of this support group.

Take Stroller Walks

Put the baby in the stroller and go outside. A brisk daily walk will provide fresh air and burn some calories. Walk a little further each day to increase the exercise benefits. Sure, it’s much easier to spend your days sleeping and nursing, but it’s also depressing. During the day, drag members of your moms group along with you and enlist your partner to accompany you on an after-work walk in the evenings. Babies often calm down in their strollers and it will give the two of you a chance to talk about the day’s events. As your energy increases, walk steep hills with the stroller to give yourself a calf workout and a deeper burn.

Do Crunches

Stomach crunches and sit-ups are a good way to start the day and tighten up abdominal muscles that stretched during pregnancy. Get your baby into the act.

1. Start out in the basic crunch position;
   
2. Bring your knees toward your chest at a 90-degree angle;
   
3. Place your exercise partner, aka, your baby, on your calves, hold hands, and crunch.
   

This was a great way to exercise while looking at my son’s cute little face. He would gurgle and giggle as my face went in and out of his focal range.

Get Regular Massages

Massages are hard to arrange when you don’t want to leave your little one, so call on your support group for help on this one. Invite your girlfriends over and hire a masseuse to come to the house. By now, you all know each other (and each other’s babies) well enough to leave your baby in the room with the group so you can go into an adjoining room and enjoy your massage. All mothers deserve a massage and the health and wellness benefits of receiving one are immense.

Try Non-Traditional Workouts

Substitute an infant carrier for weights and do some bicep curls with your baby. This will tone your arms, raise your heart rate, and amuse the baby, as well. In addition to stroller walks, take daily car trips. I can’t stress how important it is for your psyche to get out of the house and be around people. Whether you are going to the bookstore or the local market, park as far away as possible. On the walk from the car, perform a few reps with the infant carrier. Make sure to switch sides for even toning.

While none of these exercises and activities alone will deliver your old self, they will inspire you to get out there, get active, and get your emotions back in check. It is hard, but hang in there—you will need your energy for the terrible twos.