Moms, you know how it is: Trying to take care of the kids, leading a productive career, and staying in touch with close friends can leave little time remaining to get fit and healthy. It’s the classic busy mom syndrome. With all the responsibilities and precommitments that you have, it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done.  But what if there were a way to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak? If only there were a tactic that we could employ that would allow for fitness for mom while taking care of the children in our lives. Now there is!

The Mommy Workout

The hidden key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during a busy schedule is using your toddler as your workout partner. Before you laugh at the idea and call us crazy, hear us out: Many moms have discovered the power of monitoring their kids while getting a great workout under their belt. But in all seriousness, a newborn placed in a baby swing or baby carrier will allow you to perform light workouts while still being attentive to your baby. If that sounds a bit confusing, this should get you going:

In the upcoming weeks and months, we encourage you to take your infant or toddler along with you while you get a great workout. It’s a beautiful moment when you can share a fitness-related activity while laughing and watching your child’s young mind exploring the world around them. If you still don’t think getting fit while you have a child is possible, try these exercises for fitness for mom.

The Front-Facing-Baby-Carrier Workout

Try saying the name of this workout five times fast! If that sounds a bit confusing, this should get you going:

  • Put on your workout clothes and get your baby into their carrier.
  • From here, perform light exercises such as squats, side lunges, band extensions, and bicep curls.
  • Between each set of exercises, make sure to play with your baby to keep them calm and collected as you move.
  • Keep your equipment and arm movements out to the side, avoiding contact with your baby.

Congratulations, you now have the tools in which to maintain your health while you have a child under your care. Millions of moms around the globe have unlocked this superpower and have experienced impressive results while maintaining a hectic schedule.

Check out this video from our friends at Optimize Physiotherapy sharing some tips for new moms getting ready to make their return to the gym. Reach out to them at 780.455.5068 or by email at info@optimizephysio.com to learn more.

Don’t Ignore Nutrition

In the same way that we would never allow our child to skip a nursing session or meal, we need to take extra precautions to ensure our health and wellness. 

An easy way to ensure that your child is receiving adequate nutrition is by using plant-based formula during their feeding sessions. While there are a plethora of products available on the market today, many of them use milk-like alternatives using these ingredients:

  • Almonds
  • Buckwheat
  • Tapioca
  • Cassava
  • Flax
  • Coconut
  • Oats
  • Macadamia

All of these ingredients are rich in essential vitamins that your baby needs to grow healthy and strong. And compared to dairy-based products, plant-based ingredients are gentle on the baby’s digestive system and promote less bloating and gas to achieve fitness for mom. If you’re on the go and want to give your child a delicious plant-based formula alternative, keep these ingredients in mind! Learn more about baby formulas.

Be Gentle

Listen up, moms: You are capable of a great deal when you put your mind to it. The way you walk through life, never backing down from a challenge, speaks volumes of your character and ability to love. However, there will come a time when you need outside help, and that’s OK!

If you know that you can’t get a workout in with your baby, or you simply don’t have time, learn to ask for a helping hand. Getting a friend or family member to watch your child while you get a quick workout will allow for fitness for mom in the years to come.

In addition, many gyms and fitness classes provide free or cheap baby care while you are working out. These daycares provide professionals that are trained and willing to care for your baby while you get a workout under your belt! Make 2021 and beyond the start of your fitness journey.