For many moms, finding time to incorporate activity into your day may take a back seat to more pressing concerns, like caring for your growing family or squeezing in a few extra moments of precious, precious sleep. But postpartum activity has many benefits worth tapping into, from relieving stress and boosting energy to strengthening your core and even promoting more restful slumber.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re cleared by your healthcare provider first, but once you have the go-ahead, you can use these tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle after baby.
Wrap n’ Walk
This is a great place to start when you have a little human demanding all of your attention. Simply wrap up your babe and go for a stroll around the neighborhood. Try to make this a daily part of your routine, whether it’s walking to the closest coffee shop in the morning or taking the dog for a sunset cruise before dinner.
Join a Mommy + Me Group
If socializing makes an active lifestyle more enjoyable for you, join a mom-and-baby stroller exercise program like Momleta or Stroller Strides. (Local fitness clubs in your neighborhood may offer something similar.) It's a great way to get outside, exercise, meet other moms, and spend time with your baby.
Have fun at home
There are plenty of ways to be active without leaving your house, and you can even include your baby in the experience. While your baby is awake, lay out a yoga mat with your little one beside you on their own blanket or mat. You don’t have to do anything major here. Just stretch your body and move around in a way that feels good.
Hit the park
Pushing kids on the swings and chasing them around the park is a workout for everyone involved! Wrap up your babe and let your big kids get some energy out while you get some much needed fresh air.
Make it a game
If you have big kids, take your gaming outdoors. Try active games like hide and seek, tag, or backyard obstacle courses. Lay baby down on a swaddle blanket in the grass and make it fun for the whole family.
Dance it out
Who doesn’t like a good dance party? Shaking it off to a few favorite jams is a surefire way to infuse some much needed fun and activity into your daily routine. Whether you’re having Beyonce-fueled dance parties in the kitchen or playing freeze dance with your big kids, everyone loves to bust a move.
