[Guest Post] Exercise with your Baby!

Last week I wrote a guest post about 5 things to do with your baby in the fall over at Toys In the Dryer [check out my post here if you missed it.] I am lucky enough to introduce to you the two fabulous mommy's behind that blog who have a treat for us today about exercising with your baby! Enjoy!!


Hello Busy Little Baby readers, we are Jamie and Lindsi and we blog at ToysInTheDryer.com. Our blog is full of tasty treats, humor, expert advice, and activity/craft ideas for living in the moment with your kids. We hope to inspire you to spend some quality time with your children.

Today we're bringing you 5 easy excercises you can do with your baby. It's a win/win because you'll get the excercise you need but your baby will think you're playing! Just remember to get clearence from your doctor before beginning to exercise and make sure your baby can hold their head up strong before you involve him or her.





[1] Squats
Hold your baby how ever is most comfortable for you. Stand with your feet hip to shoulder width apart. Squat down like you are going to sit in a chair. Make sure to keep your knees in line with your toes, do not extend them forward. Keep your weight on your heels and squeeze your butt as you stand up. Make sure not to buckle your knees inward as you stand.



[2] Lunges
Hold your baby how ever is most comfortable for you. Stand with your feet hip to shoulder width apart. Take a step forward. Your back leg should be on your tip toes and then go straight down. Do not extend your front knee past your toes.



[3] Push-ups
Lay your baby on the floor/mat. Position yourself chest down over your baby with your hands on either side of your baby and in line horizontally with your shoulders. If you are a beginner, support your legs on your knees, if you are stronger, straighten your legs and get on your tip-toes. Bend your arms and lower yourself to kiss your baby. Keep your back and your butt straight in line with each other, do not bend or arch them. Now push your self up and smile at your baby!



[4] Sit-ups/crunches
Lie on your back on the floor, knees bent, with your toes and heels flat on the floor. Sit your baby on your stomach, leaning back on your legs. Put your arms behind your neck, crossed across your chest, or at your sides (which ever is more comfortable for you). Tighten your abdominal muscles by drawing your belly button to your spine then slowly lift your head and back to crunch your muscles. Remember not to round out your back or bring your chin to your chest. Keep a straight back and neck. Do not bring your elbows inward. Keep your chest open.



[5] Chest Press
Lie on your back on the floor, holding your baby beneath his or her arms. You and your baby should be face-to-face. Slowly push your baby upward, extending your arms towards the ceiling, keeping your elbows slightly bent then lower baby back down to your chest level. Remember to keep your spine straight and do not arch it and do not lift your head off the floor.

What exercises have you done with your baby?