Have you had a long period where exercise didn't get a checkmark on your "to-do list"? This may be because your newly arrived baby has taken a lot of your focus - which is lovely! But now it's time to get back in shape and feel happier about seeing yourself in the mirror.
It doesn't have to mean that it has to go quickly. Take it at your own pace! Regardless, your baby can definitely come along. Here are 3 forms of exercise where your heart rate gradually increases depending on the level you choose. An extra bonus is a suggestion for what pace suits which day of the week, and where you can engage in the different exercises.
1. Level: Baby Yoga
A Sunday usually has a specific meaning for everyone. This is where we slow down, and the exercise should match that. Baby yoga would fit perfectly into a Sunday routine where you otherwise have a tradition of a long walk or a good movie. You don't need to choose one over the other, just add an hour of exercise.
You and your baby can delve deeply into slow movements together with yoga, which benefits the child in several areas. Yoga, for example, motivates your child's motor skills and provides deeper sleep. It's perfect for the afternoon nap when you get home!
Take a trip with baby yoga every Sunday, where you go at your own pace and stretch all your tired muscles so they are ready for a new week, where you can ramp up the level and really feel your pulse!
You can easily practice yoga at home if you just get the equipment, which is basically just a yoga mat. But it can also be nice to go out to an instructor where there are more people. You will often find group training with yoga in most local fitness centers. Otherwise, there are very likely other associations that are open to having you and your baby join.
2. Level: Swimming with a Toddler
It's Tuesday, and you are well into the week. Perhaps you would previously watch a bit of television with your child when the clock struck 4 PM. Going forward, you can swap the cozy sofa time for a trip to the swimming pool, where you both get to move and socialize with other parents and children.
Here, the pace won't be at its peak, but you can do many fun exercises with your bodies in the water. You will probably not even notice that you are burning a lot of calories. It's quite fun – even if it mostly involves splashing around with your child in your arms. You will undoubtedly be very happy to add swimming as a plan during the week, as it provides both something social and exercise.
You can hardly find a swimming pool that doesn't offer swimming for parents with small children. Therefore, it’s just about finding out when a swimming pool near you has training for this.
3. Level: Stroller Running
The calendar has hit Thursday. You probably have a lot of plans for the weekend, where there might be a few more sweet treats on the menu. Wouldn't it be a fantastic idea to go for a good run with the stroller before then? That way, you can, cliché-like, have a good conscience to eat a little extra.
Your child will also get a lovely outing from it, where he or she can look at the landscape passing by. Perhaps a little nap sneaks in while mom works hard behind?
The good thing about running is that you can schedule it exactly according to your timetable. Here, there is no necessary need for an instructor. You can easily manage it on your own, unless you want to find motivation in having another runner with you – but it could just as well be a good friend.
If you are extra hardcore, you can put the baby in a baby carrier and go for a run with the baby on your stomach/back. But that's probably mostly for the hardcore guy :-)
