Mommaerobics

You would think the non-stop baby-holding, walking in circles and bouncing to comfort them, and constantly changing their position in your arms would somehow constitute an effective weight-loss program. 

Of course, it doesn't.  It really just wears you out, with only one reward - a sleepy baby.

So I make the most of my standing/walking/on-my-feet-time with Rowan.  I do squats and lunges, both of which are bouncy enough to keep her happy, and all the basic bellydance moves I learned almost 20 years ago - hip thrusts and drops and lifts, shimmies, and more.  If I'm going to be on my feet, I might as well feel the burn.  Preferably a productive burn.

While baby sleeps, I also try to work out my arms and upper body.  Again, it's just little things - push-ups and weight-lifting.  I don't think I'm forbidden 10-pound dumbbells.  Am I?

Yes, I realize I'm not supposed to "work out" until after the 6-week postpartum check-up, but I don't think any of these things are dangerous.  I'm not doing the intense cardio I used to do.  Heck, I'm not even doing yoga again just yet, but I am looking forward to starting postpartum yoga soon! 

My aunt gave me Shiva Rea's "Prenatal Yoga" as a gift when I was pregnant, and I really enjoyed it.  It was a good way to transition from the - here's that word again - intense Vinyasa Yoga I normally do.  My dear friend, Stacy, gave me Shiva Rea's "Postnatal Yoga" as a gift, because she knows how health-conscious I am, and knew I would want to continue with yoga as I recover.

I'm considering trying the "Postnatal Yoga" by the end of the week.  I think 3 weeks postpartum is fine to get started, as long as the Yoga is pretty gentle.  

Also, I'm torn between wanting more snow - we got a nice dusting last week - and wanting it to warm up into the 40's.  On the one hand, I would love to see a blanket of crystalline white on the ground.  On the other hand, I would love to take the stroller to the track and start walking, or at least just walk to run my errands.

Since I use feeding times to get online, watch TV, read a book, or sleep, it only makes sense that I use the comforting-baby-with-movement times to start getting back into shape.  Half my pregnancy weight dropped on its own.  I'm sure more will, but I feel well enough to give it some help.

Ah, well now that she's fast asleep, that means I've got about 2 and a half hours to wash dishes, fold laundry, and eat some lunch!

Copyright (c) 2013 Wendy L. Callahan