If you’re a new mom then you can attest to the fact that you feel like your time is not your own. You may feel exhausted but exhilarated as you care for your new little bundle of joy. Though being a mom is a wonderful thing, you may feel as if you have no time for things that you used to enjoy. Getting in a workout may feel like an impossible task, but you might be surprised at some creative ways that you can still stay fit.
The thing to remember is that you want to utilize the time that you have. If you are lucky enough to have your baby on a sleep schedule, then schedule your workouts around that. If you have a friend that is also a new mom, then utilize them as a workout partner to get fit and enjoy some good chat time. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and if you want to get fit and healthy, then you can always find a way to squeeze in a workout.
This doesn’t mean that you have to give up time with your baby either. If you figure out ways to workout with your baby or around their schedule, then you get the best of both worlds. New moms go through so much to adjust to their new lifestyle. Though there is so much joy during this time of your life, it can also bring a range of other emotions too. Working out doesn’t just benefit your physical health, for it can help your mentally and emotionally too.
If you get into regular workouts you will feel happier, healthier, and really get to enjoy this wonderful new chapter of your life. Try out these tactics and see for yourself how much happier you are. There’s always a way to workout even if it’s just a fraction of what it used to be. Remember that your health and well being is a priority—and that when you focus on it, you become a better mom in the process.
Find a partner to meet up with
Being a new mom can be a bit isolating sometimes. You may feel alone and this is when a new mom friend can really come in handy. So what better way to beat that feeling than to meet up with a friend for a workout? Finding a partner means that you are suddenly accountable to somebody else to get that workout in. This gives you time to talk to another adult and get in a workout at the same time.
You can both pack the babies in strollers and go for a walk, run, or hike. If you have time after your partner is home, then meet up with your partner for a run or a workout class and some important chat time. When you have a partner it helps to keep you on track. It also gives you some adult interaction which can be very important.
You can choose to incorporate and center the workout around the baby. If you have time for an extra workout with just your partner, that’s great. Just be sure that you find somebody that you trust and that you can rely upon to keep you on track with your workouts. You will love this approach because it ensures you stick with your workouts and you get to chat with somebody who understands where you’re at.
Pack up and head to the mall
When all else fails, a trip to the mall may be in order. Though instead of doing a bit of retail therapy, this time you are going to center around your workout. Most malls open up a bit early for mall walkers, and you are bound to find plenty of new moms walking around with their babies in the strollers.
Whatever time of day you can get to the mall though, you can benefit from a good cardio workout. You will find that you get in more steps than you realize if you go to the mall with the purpose of walking. Your baby will enjoy being out in public and all the sights and sounds that go with it. You can enjoy a great hearty walk and work at your fitness no matter what the weather outside may be like.
Get outside and get active
If the weather cooperates then getting outside is a great way to get in a workout. Put baby in the stroller and go for a walk or a run depending on your fitness level. You can work your way up and make this cardio routine a priority as long as the weather cooperates.
You’ll be amazed at how well the baby cooperates because most love to be outside in the fresh air. They get to enjoy some outside time and you get in a workout at the same time. As they get older you can put them in their carrier and go for a long bike ride.
You can even take them to the park and get in some intervals like pull ups or running around after them. Everyone is happier when they are outside, so as long as the weather cooperates get outside and work it out. It’s good for you and your baby will love it!
Work around the baby’s schedule and set an appointment
Think about all the things that you set an appointment for in your daily life. You schedule doctor’s appointments with ease these days, so why not carry this over into other areas of your life? When your baby goes down for a nap or even if they go to sleep at night, this is your time to squeeze in a workout.
Though it may take some time to adjust to a new sleeping schedule, eventually your baby will fall into patterns. When that nap time comes, then you get to squeeze in a great at home workout. You can do a workout DVD, get in some intervals, lift weights, jump on the treadmill, or do whatever you have access to.
The point is that you are going to eventually have time to yourself while the baby sleeps, so it’s a great time to schedule a workout. Stick to this appointment as you would anything else, as this is time to contribute to your own health and well being.
Find creative ways to work your baby into the workout
This may sound nearly impossible or like way too much work, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to workout and you feel conflicted because you want to spend time with your baby, then get the best of both worlds. If you’re truly dedicated to squeezing in a workout then you can incorporate your baby into the mix.
Try doing some exercises that you can perform while your baby plays on the floor right next to you. Think of things like jumping jacks, planks, mountain climbers, burpees, and sit ups. While your baby plays with a toy, you’re right next to them getting in a simple but effective workout.
You can lift your baby into the air almost using them as a weight, but it’s a bonus because you get all the coos and smiles the whole time. There are even some great workout classes that center around having baby in the stroller while you exercise. Use some creativity and you can get in a workout with your baby—and that makes for a true win win situation!
Though it may feel as if working out is the last thing on your agenda, you can get fit if you know how to work it in. There is always a way to work on your fitness, even if it’s a bit more challenging than it used to be. Look for opportunities to center your workouts around the baby’s schedule or even feature them in your plans.
If you find that being a new mom is exhausting as so many of us do, then know that working out can help to give you that lift of energy that you need. There are so many benefits to working out regularly and though it may be hard to get started, you can make this a wonderful new habit in no time at all. That makes for a happy mom, a happy baby, and a balanced and healthy lifestyle—this all makes for a true recipe for success and happiness!
