If you’re a busy mom who wants to exercise but can’t find time to get to the gym, you can still get a workout with your babe in tow! Here are a few simple activities you can do at home or at the park to help get some added movement into your day.
Tag. Chasing my toddler is something I do every day–at the park, on the street, and in our apartment. When I catch him, I like to do a squat while lifting him into the air for added strength training, squeezing my bum.
Dancing. Again, we do this almost every day and it is perfect for rainy or cold days when you can’t go outside. Crank up some music you like and dance with baby on your hip, alternating hips every so often. This is something that is fun but also a real workout if you move fast and are holding a 25-pound baby!
Vigorous strolling.
Walking with a stroller is a great cardio workout because you are using your legs as well as your arms for pushing–so push fast! This is no walk in the park–I am talking speed walking! Alternately, if you are able to, running with your baby in a jogging stroller is an amazing workout, but pretty challenging, so you have to already be in shape a bit.
Dead lifts. This is when you hoist baby up from the ground and hold him over your head while you are squatting. It works your arms as well as legs and butt. You can turn it into a game by saying something funny, singing a song or making a face each time you lift up your baby.
Jumping around at the park. When my toddler is doing his thing at the park, I make the most of my time there by jumping around and doing leg lifts or even calf stretches. I may look like a total nut, but I don’t care. At this point, I just want to move my body!
