You've just had a baby, and whether it's your first or third child, exercise is the last thing on your mind. Even a newborn or infant who sleeps in long chunks of time feeds every few hours, leaving you sleep-deprived and exhausted. However, there are a multitude of reasons you should exercise, ranging from fighting postpartum depression to losing weight to fit into those old jeans. Did you also think that soon your baby will be running around and that you and your partner will have to chase him--or, rather sprint!--to keep up with him?
Read more in ¿Qué más?: 7 Things about breastfeeding (almost) no one will tell you
Here some things you can do to get you started:
Go for a walk: What better way to bond with your new baby than to put her in sling or carrier (if she's old enough) and go for a stroll. Even if it's just 15 minutes, you'll get fresh air, a dose of Vitamin D, and feel much better than being holed up at home. Plus, carrying your bundle of joy will be like carrying a 10 to 20 lb. dumbbell and you'll burn more calories.
Do some yoga with baby: Your flexibility is probably shot at this point. Taking a yoga class for new moms will help you regain some flexibility and help you relax while spending time with your infant and making new friends.
Go jogging outside: You can only do this when your infant is at least 6 months old. It's best to start with a short jog--about 15 minutes--on a flat surface. Some women find it therapeutic to jog when their baby is asleep and plan to be outdoors when their infant is napping.
Try swimming: Check out classes at your local YMCA or places that offer swim instruction for water exercise classes. Water aerobics are good way to ease back into a routine.
Disclaimer: Consult with your doctor before beginning any form of exercise regimen.
Image via Thinkstock
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ?
Keep Reading
FROM OUR AMIGOS
- Henry Santos: Bringing Bachata To The Masses - Fox News Latino
- 'Hero Cop' Charged With Rape, Assault - Allegedly pulled gun on women and forced sex, drug use - Newser
- Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber Eyed by ‘American Idol’ Producers to be Judges Next Season - Fox News Latino
- Toddler Puts Gun in Mouth, Shoots - Boy, 2, expected to survive - Newser
- Puerto Rico's Statehood Crusade Hits Congress - Newser
CUÉNTAME
Once my baby was alittle older about 6 months I would use her as weights . I could hold her, bring her up and down
I used to take walks all the time with my babies. And like glamourous_mami, I used mine as weights. It was a way to play with them and make them laugh but also give my arms a work out.
I did the walking with the baby. I also used sit him on my belly while I did abs.









