To all of my mommies out there, I know that getting to the gym is a lot more challenging when you have a baby. So, in honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, here are some fun exercises for you to do with your little ones in the comfort of your own homes.
(Make sure to check first with your doctor that both you and your baby are ready to do any of these exercises.)
Mommy & Baby Exercises
Peek-a-boo Squats: Chances are, you have played peek-a-boo at some point or another with your child. To do this exercise, your baby can be sitting in his or her high chair, lying down in the crib, propped up in the Bumbo seat, you name it. Cover your eyes, and perform a regular squat in front of your baby. When you come up, uncover your eyes and say, “Peek-a-boo!” Not only will this be enjoyable for your baby, but you will be getting in a solid legs and butt workout at the same time!
Sleep Walking Lunges: It is 3:00 a.m., and your little one refuses to stay asleep. Take this time to work those legs even more! Securely hold your baby in your arms and proceed to do walking lunges around your house. The constant up down motion may help soothe your child back to sleep, and the little bit of exercise you are getting will help calm your nerves, as well. (Just make sure you’re awake and alert enough to do this safely! An alternative is to do this in the afternoon when it’s time for your baby’s nap.)
Seated Pony Ride: Sit down while holding your child securely on your lap. Keeping your toes firmly planted on the floor, raise your heels up and down. You are getting in a great calf workout all while your child is having a blast bouncing up and down on your lap!
Baby Bridge: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor with your baby held securely on your lower abdomen. Squeeze your glutes as you lift your hips off the floor. You are toning that tush while letting your little one have a fun ride.
Push-up Kisses: Assume your push-up position over your baby as he or she is lying on the floor. When you come down to perform your push-up, give your little one a kiss before pushing yourself back up again.
Super Tummy Time: While your little one is working on his or her very important tummy time, you can join your baby on the floor, too, by performing a superwoman!
Baby Bicep Curl: Hold your baby in front of you with both hands. Lift them up so you can give him or her a kiss and then lower your baby back down to start. Repeat 8-10 times for 3 sets–if your baby’s patience will allow!
Pick-up Poise: Work on your balance while cleaning your floors after playtime all in one shot! Draw your belly button in and raise one leg straight out behind you as you slowly bend yourself down to pick up your child’s toy off the floor. Alternate legs with each toy you reach down to retrieve.
As your baby gets older, you can do even more with your “Mommy & Me” time, especially with the weather outside getting so much nicer. Here are some additional ideas:
- Go for long walks, pulling your child in a wagon, or go for a jog while pushing your child in a stroller.
- Go on a bicycle ride.
- Go outside and play all of the sports your child participates in.
- Go play in the park, the pool, the beach, you name it.
With any of these activities, you are getting in a great cardio workout and creating lifelong memories with your child. I will never forget the hours I used to run around the playground with my mom–times I will always cherish. When your children are all grown up and have little ones of their own, you can change your “Mommy & Me” time to “Grammi & Me” time and let the hours of fun-filled memories keep on going.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Trainer Tip by Emily Lanzo, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Lucille Roberts 42nd St.
