Workout routines can be hard to develop. It probably feels impossible to fit in fitness after having a baby. And if you do find the time, you probably don’t want to be away from your newborn or have to think about childcare. What’s a new mom to do? The solution could be as simple as working out with your baby.
Working out with your baby can be good for both of you. Here are five great benefits to fitting your baby into your fitness routine:
- Save money
No need for childcare, a gym membership or equipment to exercise with your baby. - Bonding time
Spending facetime with your baby helps strengthen your bond. You can give your baby kisses while doing pushups and smile at him or her while holding the plank position. - Convenience
It can be hard to find time every day to hit the gym, but nearly every mom spends time interacting with her baby. Set aside 30 minutes—or an hour if you’re up for it—to exercise with your baby. Grab the stroller and go for a walk or jog, or try an online mommy-baby cardio workout. - Baby exercises
Your baby needs exercise, too! Tummy time helps develop strong neck and shoulder muscles. It also promotes motor skills. While you do your floor exercises, put your baby on a blanket beside you. While your baby has tummy time, you can have work-out-that-tummy time. - Starting healthy habits
Working out with your baby will reinforce healthy lifestyle habits for your family. Through you, your baby will see the importance of regular exercise.
Tiffany Carree-Clark is a social media strategist for Healthy Blue. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2015 with a degree in public relations and Spanish. She spent two years working with the South Carolina Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative to help youths and young adults find resources and care before joining the Healthy Blue team. Her passion is to help people have meaningful conversations. She hopes this will help bridge the gaps between communities and health care. When she’s not working, Tiffany enjoys travel and painting. She also loves to spend time with her dog, Prince.