There are so many things you’ll have to fit into your schedule the second you bring home a baby: diaper changes; teaching your babe to latch on; squeezing in sleep. With so many to-dos it can be a challenge to fit in fitness.
Working out postpartum can benefit your body in more ways than one – it can help you cope with stress and can boost your metabolism. So here are some tips and tricks to find time for fitness – even when it seems impossible.
Set a goal
Before you can achieve something, you have to set a goal for yourself. Whether it’s to lose some pregnancy pounds or to tighten and tone your muscles, giving yourself something to strive for – and setting a realistic “I will achieve this” deadline – will help motivate you to get off the couch and to make time for exercise.
Find cheerleaders
Whether it’s your friends or your family, talk to your loved ones about your fitness goals and ask them to help motivate you on your way toward postpartum fitness. That way, when you feel down in the dumps or like you don’t have time to work out, they can give you the positive push you need to go outside for a run.
Work out in bursts
Because it will be hard to work out for a solid hour – your schedule revolves around your baby now – the best way to sneak fitness into your day is to do it whenever you can. Research shows this kind of workout schedule can benefit your heart: Studies show it’s how much you cumulatively exercise in a day – not how much fitness you fit into one session – that matters. So do some sit-ups when your wee one is down for a nap. Place your baby in a running stroller and go for a jog while she sleeps during the ride. Do push-ups during commercials. All of this will help you tone up and slim down post-pregnancy.
Ask for help
One of the fastest and easiest ways to find time for fitness is to make it a part of your day and to ask your partner to watch your newborn so you can work out. Not only will this give your partner and baby some bonding time, it will also give you the much-needed space to get in shape and to focus on your own goals. If your partner is busy, call up one of your cheerleaders (see above) and ask them if they can babysit for a short period of time; chances are they’ll be more than happy to help.
More on new moms:
• 4 Ways to work out with baby
• Best toning exercises for your stomach
• 6 Ways to maintain your social life as a new mom
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