Brought to you by Aptamil Follow On Milk Ready to Drink.
Newsflash: The Hollywood post-baby “instant snap-back” is not the average new mum’s experience.
Having a baby requires your body to undergo an incredible transformation (you know, in order to grow ANOTHER HUMAN BEING), so when those nine months are over, it’s best to spend your time bonding with your new bundle of joy rather than stressing out about any (perfectly natural) pregnancy weight gain.
When you are ready to start exercising again (it’s a good idea to build some strength before you become a toddler-wrangler) the idea of sweating it out at the gym may well turn you off the idea entirely.
We’re here to tell you the good news: there is fitness to be found outside of the treadmill room. Here are six great gym alternatives to try… when you’re good and ready.
1. Let go of your exercise hang-ups
Pregnancy, hormones, lactation issues, weight gain and sleepless nights are just a few of the hoops you’re expected to jump through as a mother. You have enough to be dealing with these days and exercise should be a release or a treat, rather than another chore to add to your list. Choose your workouts with this in mind and you’ll never dread them.
2. Run for it
People who run regularly have stronger bones, better sleep patterns and suffer fewer infections that people who don’t… and you don’t have to run a marathon (or even a 5K!) to benefit. Running can be an incredibly exhilarating way to get your heart pumping; join the kids (or the neighbour’s kids!) and run around the garden, run after a football in the park or simply add some sprints to your daily walk.
3. Take it outside
Fresh air and open spaces become increasingly important when you’re cooped up for much of the day with a small baby. Studies show that spending time in the great outdoors is practically medicinal when it comes to alleviating stress, improving your outlook and making you feel good. Pull on those runners and head out on a buggy walk daily, adding in some lunges every ten minutes to tone up your bum and strengthen your legs.
4. Try a dance workout
You don’t need an instructor to help you blast your favourite music and bust some moves in the living room. Pop the baby in the bouncer, dig out your iPod and shake it (like a Polaroid picture). If you prefer a guide, try a fun, calorie-burning online dance workout like this one.
5. Count your steps
Building exercise into your daily routine is easy if you use a pedometer. An app on your phone or a Fit Bit on your wrist will keep track of your steps and motivate you to beat your personal best every day.
6. Treat yourself to a new experience
It’s time to erase “I can’t” from your inner hard drive. Pick an activity, whether it’s surfing, horse riding, trampolining or sea swimming, and book yourself one lesson with a professional. Nobody masters anything on their first attempt but it will show you whether you have potential and if not, hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Brought to you by Aptamil Follow On Milk Ready to Drink.
Don’t stress about making and packing lots of Follow On Milk bottles for your little one when you’re out and about. Aptamil Follow On Milk Ready to Drink products are available in a variety of different formats and are really handy to use while you’re on the go.
