Loosing Baby Weight

Having a baby is a wonderful experience, aside from the nausea, back pain, hormones and the unbearable pain of labor. Yes, aside from all that it's the most amazing thing I've ever done. Many of us have a daily reminder of the joy of pregnancy other than our beautiful babies; it's the baby weight we're still carrying around! That extra 20lbs that came from too many midnight ice cream cravings.

Getting motivated to work out is probably the most difficult part of exercise. Finding the time is next on the list of impossible achievements! So what can a new mom do to get back in shape? Including your baby in your exercise routine is likely the only way you'll be able to stick to it. Exercising with your baby will not only get you back to your post baby body, but it's also a great bonding activity to do with your little on.

Rev up Your Stroller and Sign up for a Charity Walk: There are charity walks for breast cancer, MS, arthritis, and so many more good causes. You could certainly find one that you'd like to participate in. Sign up a few months in advance and choose the walk length that will be the biggest challenge for you-yet is feasible. Now spend the months leading up to your walk training for it. If you've committed to doing the walk then that is your motivation for exercising daily or at least several times a week.

Build up your stamina by walking a greater distance everyday. Just make sure you load up your baby's stroller with everything he needs. A bottle and water incase he gets thirsty or hungry, toys for him to play with, a pacifier if he takes one, blankets, diapers, ect. Make sure to bring water for yourself too. Sunscreen is also important for both of you, if it's very sunny outside keep the shade up on his stroller to keep him out of the sun. The sun can cause skin damage even on cloudy days, so use it no matter what it looks like outside!

"Baby Weights," I've been a mommy for about 14 months now, and I am buff! Really, my arms are more muscular than they've ever been. Carry around a 25lb baby can do that. I make the most of exercise by doing it with my little girl, literally.

*Baby Push-ups- lay flat on your back holding your baby around her torso with both hands and slowly push up, then slowly bring her back down. She loves it, and believe me you'll soon be feeling the burn! Repeat this 10 times, doing 3 sets.

*Tight Butt! And thighs. Standing up with feet shoulder width apart hold your baby with both hands around her upper torso. Hold your arms straight out.

-Now bend your knees and lower yourself keeping your arms (with baby) out straight and your back straight as well. Repeat this move 10 times, doing 3 sets.

This can be a pretty difficult move, but keep practicing and you'll have it down in no time.

The great thing about using your baby as a free weight is that your baby is always growing, always providing a new physical challenge, which will create a stronger and healthier you! Most people know that exercise increases energy, you just have to start! And no one needs extra energy like moms!