by LORI-ANN MARCHESE
CTFashionMag.com
During your pregnancy, it was essential to focus in on your eating and fitness regime. The nourishment your baby received while you were pregnant was so crucial for the development.
Once your miracle comes home with you, it’s just the beginning. Keeping up with your healthy habits is even more important because the early months are key to forming that strong bond and setting the path of development for your baby.
With that said, you must implement an active life from the start.
For firsts, exercise for you and the baby will provide a happier environment. When you exercise, your body reacts in a positive way and will result in you being in an energetic mood. The early months spent with your baby are so very important. For the mommies out there, not only does exercise after pregnancy promote weight loss, but it also improves your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles, helps to relieve stress and promotes better sleep.
Now, it won’t be easy to start and you may have to take some precautions but there are a few pointers that will make the beginning of your fitness regime turn into an everyday lifestyle.
The number one thing to remember is to be happy for those small improvements. In most cases, after pregnancy your strength may have weakened, so don’t get upset if you weren’t at the spot you used to be at. It will take time but you must not give up on yourself.
Some major tips to remember is that you warm up and cool down must be a priority. Take your time with them. Gradually increasing your pace of exercise is the key to succeeding your fitness goals. You don’t want to overdo it. Know your body’s limitations, and if you do feel pain, stop and go back to it if you are able. There is nothing wrong with taking a rest and getting back into it. No matter what state of health you are in, this applies to everyone.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Try to stick to water as your number one source. Staying hydrated is key for you to perform to your potential during your exercises, but most importantly, water is a necessity for your body processes, such as healing/recovery and eliminating the waste from your body. Taking care of your newborn will definitely be tiring, so there is no excuse that you cannot find time to exercise. Exercise will give you that extra boost of energy you need to take care of your baby.
Of course, exercise is important for you, but why is it even more important for the baby? The earlier your baby is exposed to daily activity and exercise, it is more likely your baby will have healthier development later. If they find enjoyment of exercise earlier on in life, there is a better chance of them being more active as adults. The likelihood of obesity is not as prevalent as well. More often than not, some babies are constantly awake and are crying majority of the time or they could be keeping you up all through the night.
If you spend time with your child by incorporating fitness, it could create a calmer environment and there is a better chance of that nap that you have been trying for. Exercise is also a benefit to your baby’s mental development.
There are a number of exercises that you can do with your child. You can do a baby dance, a baby reverse curl up, baby overhead press, baby bench press, pliés or walking lunges while holding your baby. There are many alternatives to becoming fit with your baby.
Don’t find exercise a struggle to fit into your day. Even if it is a shorter workout, it is better than nothing. Just make it up for the next time.
Stick to a healthy lifestyle because you want it for yourself, but most importantly for your baby. Push through and find some inspiration to maintain those healthy habits.
Lori-Ann Marchese is the owner and trainer of Body Construct LLC in New Britain and a former cast member of ‘Game of Crowns.’
