Back in Shape

Working Out After Baby Comes

After the birth of a new baby, finding time to work out seems like it's last on the priority list. But what if working out didn't mean getting a sitter or putting baby in a gym's childcare room? Here are two great ways to include your children in your workout.

Join a fitness class designed for mom AND baby.

A wave of fitness classes designed just for moms is sweeping the nation and we're fortunate to have a leader in that movement, Healthy Moms, Inc. right here in the Triangle. Healthy Moms has a range of classes designed exclusively for pregnant women and some designed for moms with young children. Powerstroll, is a cardio-circuit class that meets at Triangle area parks.During the class, moms push babies in strollers, stopping to do strength training at regular intervals. Healthy Moms also offers Moms, Babies and Balls, a class which uses Resist-A-Ball, tubing, and weights while incorporating some infant massage and "bonding" exercises. Check out the whole range of Healthy Mom's offerings at www.healthymomsnc.com

Do workout tapes at home.

There are an abundance of great workout videos for all levels of fitness. Find reviews online at www.amazon.com, www.collagevideo.com or www.videofitness.com. If your child is an infant, put him beside you in a swing, bouncy seat or ExcerSaucer. If you have toddlers or older children, encourage them to "work out" right along side mom.

PSSTTT! Healthy Moms also offers pre-natal exercise classes like Aqua Moms, a low-impact workout that's great training for labor, Total Body Conditioning for Expecting Moms, and pre-natal yoga. Learn more at www.healthymomsnc.com