I’ll be the first to admit: it’s hard to find ways to be active after pregnancy. I knew that after I had Cree, I could kiss my extended yoga sessions and dates with the treadmill goodbye. Crying and constant attention – no matter how cute the source – can be a huge obstacle when you’re trying to find ways to start getting fit again.  My body was not happy! But then I realized something – if I can’t find ways to stay active without my little man, why not find ways to be active with him? Light bulb moment!! Exercise actually lowers stress levels (and we all know how stressful being a new mom can be) and can help you sleep better. If you feel sluggish or tired, try one of these four simple moves:

Go for a walk

This is definitely the easiest method to get some blood pumping.  If your baby can’t walk yet, whip out the stroller and take him or her for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.  If you’re feeling up to it, you can even jog – just make sure you have a good jogging stroller (I love the City Mini Jogger!) and that your baby is over six months. If they’re younger, you need to make sure your stroller has a car seat adapter so they won’t get bounced around too much.  Now that Cree can walk, he loves taking walks with me.  We go twice a day!  He’s like a little explorer, all free and running and grabbing everything (under my watchful eye, of course). It’s so cute, and perfect mommy-baby bonding time. 

 Kissy "push up"

This little move is simple and sweet and really helps stretch your stomach and back muscles. Place baby on his or her back below you, then lay on your stomach and keep your hips on the ground as you lift your torso up. Every time you come down, give baby a little kiss.  They think it’s funniest thing in the world!

 Front-Carrier Squat

This works well for mommies whose babies haven’t gotten too heavy yet.  Strap your little one into the carrier and stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes slightly turned out.  Inhale, and lower your body like you are going to sit in an imaginary chair.  Make sure to keep your weight over your heels and navel pulled in! Exhale, then return to standing position.  Two or three sets of around 10 reps should have you feeling it.  Burn, baby burn!

Alphabet Abs 

Lay on your back and place baby next to you. With your arms at your sides (or one loosely around your baby), stretch your legs to the ceiling with your feet together.  Slowly, draw the letters of the alphabet with your toes and say them out loud as you do it so baby can hear.  You might not be able to get through the whole alphabet at first, but that’s okay! Make sure not to overwork yourself, especially if you are just starting to exercise again.  You can even spell out things like your baby’s name.  Who knows, maybe one day baby will surprise you and chime in!


One important thing to remember about these exercises and all exercising in general is that it’s typically not safe to try anything too crazy immediately after pregnancy.  Your body deserves a little R&R! Some gentle stretches won’t hurt though, and can boost your mood, give you more energy and help ease some post-pregnancy aches and pains.  Because every woman is different, make sure to check with your doctor before you start exercising.  Shedding post-baby weight can be a long journey, but the key is to start slow and not give up. Keep checking back because I'll be sharing more personal tips on losing post-pregnancy weight.  If I could do it, you can too!!  

Xx,
Tia 

What were your struggles and triumphs in losing post-pregnancy weight? Any exercises you did that really helped?  Share with me in the comments below!

*Bonus points if you show me photos of you exercising with your baby! Just create a profile on the site, upload a pic to your profile and paste the link in the comments below. I might feature my favorites in a future post!