5 Tips to Balance Exercise with a New Baby
A new baby can be a real game-changer. You can have your life game on point and then bam! This little person comes in and mixes everything up. You may not feel like jumping right back in the saddle full-throttle with your personal trainer right after your new baby arrives, but it is important to work some movement into your routine. Here are Los Angeles personal trainer Lalo Fuentes’ tips for how to balance exercise with a new baby.
Dress for the Job
You know what doesn’t help to motivate you to exercise? Wearing the same milk-stained pajamas for the fourth consecutive day. On the days you want to work out, get up and get dressed like you’re going to the gym. Dress for the part and that will set you up for success. If you made the effort to put on your exercise clothes, then you may as well get that body moving. It’ll put you in the right mindset to crush your workout.
Workout with Your Baby
If you want to be an active parent, then get a jogging stroller. It doesn’t mean you actually have to jog, but you can walk or do a specialized stroller workout (that your trainer can help you learn). It’s great for your baby to get outside and it’s great for you to leave the house, even if you only pieced together about two hours of sleep last night. Just keep in mind that stroller manufacturers have age and size recommendations for jogging strollers that you’ll want to pay close attention to.
Get HIIT
“High-intensity workouts are effective, efficient, and a great way to work some activity into your day with a baby,” says Los Angeles personal trainer Lalo Fuentes, CSCS, “Most of these workouts can be done in 20 minutes or less, making them perfect for naptime.”
If you’re already in your workout clothes for the day (remember tip one?) you can be ready to go as soon as your little one closes their eyes. Also, having a workout routine ready to go can help to maximize your workout and help you from wasting precious time.
Prioritize Your Health and Fitness
When you’re a new parent it can be really easy to put yourself last, but making fitness a priority in your life will make it easier to stick to a plan. Many Los Angeles personal trainers suggest sitting down at the beginning of each week and making out a fitness schedule. You don’t have to live and die by the schedule (babies are nothing if not unpredictable) but it can help to ensure you’re getting a workout in no matter what happens. It’s a great motivator to help keep you focused and moving toward your health and fitness goals.
Get a Personal Trainer
Of course, working with a Los Angeles personal trainer is a great way to make sure you get your body moving each week. They can help you find the right workout for your schedule to help you meet your goals in the long run.
You may be a parent now, but that doesn’t mean you come last. Being a healthy role model for your child is important, so start early and help them learn how important exercise is in a healthy lifestyle.