Lean Mommy

After giving birth, it can be hard to find the time (let alone the energy!) to hit the gym. But working out will actually make you feel better about yourself and will give you more energy for mommy-bonding time. Here are some of exercises that you can do at home, and with your baby!

Stroller Lunge

Body Bonus: Firms up your butt and thighs.

Stand about two feet away from stroller. Extend arms in front, hands resting on handlebar. Spread legs in a split stance as far apart as you can comfortably, right leg in front of the left. Distribute most of your body weight between front heel and back toe (with back heel raised). Stand tall and tighten your torso.

Inhale, and lower hips by bending both knees. Stop when front thigh is parallel to the ground. Pause, exhale, and squeeze glutes and thighs to return to straight- leg, starting position. Repeat, then switch legs. Make sure overall lunging motion glides up and down, rather than forward and back, to avoid stressing front knee.

Mommy Move: If he needs soothing sing "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe."

Stroller Push-up

Body Bonus: Strengthens chest and core muscles.

Kneel in front of stroller facing baby. Place each hand on lower edge of stroller footrest or wheel base. Then walk your knees back until arms are fully extended and head, shoulders, hips, and knees form a diagonal line.

Tighten your abs and bend elbows out to the sides to lower your chest to baby. Hold, then push back up to straight- arm position. Repeat.

Mommy Move: Baby will enjoy this move because you are so close. You will usually get some giggles as you lower your body toward him!

Front Pack Back Extension

Body Bonus: Strengthens lower back muscles.

With baby in carrier, stand with feet hip- width apart. Stand tall and lengthen spine by raising ribs. Engage your abdominals so you feel tightness throughout your entire torso. (Place hands over baby to keep head secure if needed.) Soften your knees and then, keeping your back straight with lower back in neutral if possible, slowly lean forward, leading with your chest. Stop when your back is in a diagonal line. Keep the abs braced tight as you lower.

When torso is leaning at a 45 degree angle, squeeze glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles to straighten up to standing. Work up to 2 sets of 10 reps. If you are starting with a baby who weighs more than 15 pounds, do one set without the baby, then do another shorter set with baby of just 6 to 8 reps.

Mommy Move: Carefully hold your bent position for the first verse and come up like the Jack-in-the-box for the last verse.

Baby Reverse Curl

Body Bonus: Firms up your abs.

Lie on your back and hold baby on your chest. Then bend knees and bring both legs into chest. Rest baby on your shins.

As you exhale, contract abs so that hips tilt slightly forward, and lower back rises slightly off the ground. Hold, then slowly lower and repeat.

Mommy Move: Baby will be happy as she moves through the air in this movement.

Wall Squat

Body Bonus: Builds endurance in your thighs.

Stand with your back against wall, facing baby. Keeping your back on the wall, step out away from wall until your feet are 2 to 3 feet in front of you.

Slide your back down wall until hips are knee level. Tighten abs and carry body weight in your heels. Hold for a song, then slide up and repeat.

Mommy Move: Play patty cake or sing "B- I- N- G- O."

Related:
Mom's Quick 'N Easy Workout
Work Out Any While You Do the Dishes
What Do You Do For A Work-Out?
How Did/Do You Get BACK in Shape After Birth?