5 Fun Exercises to Do with Your Baby

In those early months with a new baby, it can be hard to find a minute to yourself. Your baby wants to be held nonstop, so forget about grabbing a workout, right? Wrong! You just need moves you can do with your little one. Oh, you know you wanted a way to fit in that workout…

Today, Tanya Becker of Physique 57 shares five fun exercises you can do with your baby. After having twins, she was excited to get the doctor’s clearance to start working out and teaching classes again. She put these moves together to help new moms get back into the swing of things. She assures us you will feel the burn and be one step closer to getting your pre-baby body back.

5 Fun Exercises to Do With Baby

1. Plié the Baby Weight Away
A wide second plié with your baby is an exercise that will firm up and define your thigh muscles, as well as tone up your shoulders and arms by holding your baby and engaging your core muscles.

Options for one or two babies!

Setup: Hold your baby and make sure you have a secure hold, as pictured below.

Execution: Once you are in position, slowly pulse down and up. If you have twins (like me), hold one baby in each arm. If you have one baby make sure to switch arms between sets.

Reps: If your baby is below 16 pounds, do 16 pulses. If your baby is between 15 and 20 pounds, do 8 to 12 pulses.

2. Baby Figure 8
The Baby Figure 8 exercise will target your entire waistline for the ultimate middle meltdown! Put on a great song, grab your baby and start trimming your tummy. Your baby will enjoy the swaying motion of this exercise, and you’ll love the results. Who needs Spanx!?

Setup: Sit on the floor against a cushion, rolled up towel or a baby Boppy with your knees bent at 90-degree angles and feet flat on the floor.

Execution: Hold your baby securely in front of you and gently move him/her to each side of you in a figure-eight motion, tapping his/her toes to the floor each time. Secure your abdominal wall by pulling your navel down toward your spine during this exercise. Be sure that your shoulder blades are lifted so that they hover just off the cushion.

Reps: If your baby is below 12 pounds, do 8 reps, and if your baby is between 12 to 18 pounds, do 3 to 5 reps.

3. Baby’s Got Back
This exercise will help you strengthen your lower back, target your glutes and tone your pelvic floor muscles—all great for getting your pre-baby body back! My daughter is highly entertained when I sing and tuck at the same time. Feel free to do the same!

Setup: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet parallel a few inches from your seat and in line with your hips.

Execution: Hold your baby securely out in front of you and move your hips up slowly and down without letting your seat rest on the floor.

Reps: If your baby is below 12 pounds, do 16 reps, and if your baby is between 12 to 18 pounds, do 8 reps.

4. Thigh Dancing
This signature Physique 57 move is a quick and easy way to sculpt your thighs and stoke your metabolic rate! Doing this exercise while holding your baby will likely be one of the most challenging ones but is worth the burn.

Setup: Sit on your heels in a kneeling position while holding your baby securely in front of you. Your knees should be a few inches apart.

Execution: Lift your seat a few inches off your heels and keep your torso upright. Go up an inch and down an inch without letting your seat touch your heels.

Reps: If your baby is below 12 pounds, do 16 reps, and if your baby is between 12 to 18 pounds, do 8 reps.

5. Push the Stroller
This is a simple yet effective activity for when you can’t find time to exercise. It will allow you to burn calories, get out of your house and spend time with your baby. When I walk my babies, I make a conscious effort to be present (turning off my cell phone). The fresh air is great for your baby and also refreshing for you!

For another fun exercise with the stroller, use the handle as your barre for seat exercises. If you own our DVDs, try using the stroller during the workout (just make sure your stop lock is on!).

I hope you will step away from this article armed with some inspiration to get your pre-baby body back. I’m with you every step of the way!

A big thanks to Tanya for sharing these tips. Any new mamas ready to use their cute little bundle as a workout buddy? —Erin