post-baby fitness plan

i am so excited to share this workout with you all today! mainly because look how CUTE van is! ok, i just had to get that out of the way ;). as many of you know, my sis meg had an adorable baby boy in january. i went to idaho in february to help her move and settle into their new home, as well as help with baby van. while there, i couldn't help but think of ideas and ways to get "new mama" movin' again, to whip that body into shape and help my sis feel like herself again. 

there is nothing better than feeling strong and confident. every woman deserves that, especially one that just had her body stretched in crazy ways to bring such a beautiful person into this world. having a baby is tough, especially on the body. this at home workout is to all you new mamas who are fresh on the road of post-baby fitness. because exercising has to be done between feedings and naps, you may find that you just don't have the time to drive yourself to a gym and be away from your baby for too long. or by the time your spouse gets home from work, you just don't have the energy anymore to work out. so to solve this problem, work out with your baby! they may enjoy it more than you think! give it a try, it may be a hoot. i know megan sure enjoys it. pump up your favorite music and go for it!

meg named these three moves herself. so feel free to insert your own child's name on the "van man" exercise ;). remember to start small when you first begin working out. your body is still healing and needs time to recover. by doing these basic strengthening moves alongside a 15 minute walk or jog, you are on your way to a stronger and toned body!

 the van man

this is similar to a bench press, but baby-fied (hah). it's a great workout for your triceps. start with your baby on your hip, then slowly straighten your arms in front of you. continue to straighten your arms upward without locking your elbows. pause, then lower your baby back to starting position. starting position will be holding them on your hip. do 10 reps, then rest and play. repeat 2 more times.

 the milk monster

this is similar to a weighted squat, but baby-fied. it's a great workout for your butt and thighs, and with your baby you get a great arm workout as well! start with feet shoulder width apart and baby on hip. straighten your arms out in front of you and slowly go into a squat position. be sure to keep your back flat and butt out. make sure your knees do not extend over your toes, and squat deep to where you almost feel like your thighs are resting on your calves. hold your baby in front of you just as you would a medicine ball. do 10 reps, then rest and play. repeat 2 more times.

the baby curl

this is similar to a bicep curl, but baby-fied. start with feet shoulder width apart and baby resting in your hands, stabilized by your wrists and forearms. to get a deeper curl, start with baby below your hips and slowly curl upwards toward your chest, and return to your hips. do 10 reps, then rest and play. repeat 2 more times.

baby steps

use the stairs in your home or find a step or curb outside. while holding baby go up and down, repeating until you reach 60 seconds. repeat 2 more times. 

plank kisses

lay your baby on a blanket or pad on the floor. hover your body over them in plank position while making playful noises and talking sweetly. keep your feet shoulder width apart and legs extended, while holding your upper body up with your arms extended. hold for 30 seconds. slowly lower your body towards baby into a pushup position and give baby a kiss. slowly return to plank position and hold for another 15 seconds. repeat 2 more times.

*good luck and never forget how beautiful you are! and even better, how beautiful your baby is. have fun!