Body After Baby Challenge

Every Monday on Mama Notes, we come together to talk honestly about are bodies after having babies. It sure does change things doesn't it? Unless you're one of those gals born with perfect body and have stayed the same size since high school. Your body is different now that it's carried a child. Maybe your hips are wider, your skin is looser, or your muscles are weak. You're carrying an extra 5 pounds, an extra 30 pounds. You might have red stretch marks that make you feel self conscious. A tummy that hangs too low. Bigger thighs. Whatever. You've got a "body after baby."

This challenge is about making your body the best it can be - the way you want it! Weather your goal is to lose the extra weight, eat healthier, exercise more, or feel comfortable in your own skin, this is the challenge to help you do it! Losing weight ain't easy.  The more support and accountability you have from other people, especially moms going through the same thing, the better! 

This week is the last week of my Mommy Baby Boot Camp classes that I've been teaching. I'm sad that it's ending, because when you teach a class, you can never get out of exercising! Working out with my baby and other mom's has been so fun. You wouldn't think that holding just a baby could give you a good workout, but trust me, after doing 50 squats holding a 12 pounder- you can feel it! For those of you who want to try working out with your baby, here are some things to try. 

Legs:

• Walking lunges holding baby
• Walking lunges pushing a stroller 
• Squats holding baby. See video demonstrations. 
• Side squats holding baby
• Leg lifts. Lay on your side, on a mat with your baby sitting or laying down beside you. 
• Calf raises holding baby

Arms:

• Push up over baby. 
• Chest press. Lay down, knees bent, hold your baby either under his head and butt or under his armpits. Both will work different muscles in your arms. 
• Standing chest press. Add squats to this for a great combo exercise

Abs:

• Plank over baby. Kiss him- it makes the time go by faster!
• Standard sit ups with baby sitting on your stomach
• V up's, holding your baby side to side. See video demonstration here. 

Anyways, besides teaching those classes, I've had a lot of trouble getting to the gym this past week. (Do I say that every week?) My husband is finishing up his last term of college, so he's been busy at night finishing his work sample. Therefore, that leave me in charge of baby duty all. night. long. What's new?! (Just kidding..) I've got to have a very high level of motivation to go to the gym at 9pm and at that point, my motivation is definately not high. When Lucas is a little older, I'll go during the morning or afternoon. I'm really looking forward to that. But right now I'm afraid he would just get sick.   I got an awesome running stroller, but he's too little for that also! So, time will pass and I will workout when I can. I did lose a pound this week, so yippee! 

And you?

If you're participating in this challenge, or want to join, leave your link in Mr Linky so we can all visit you and cheer you on! Please make sure you leave your post url link. Also, please link back to my blog in your post so other's can join too! I encourage you to make goals. Long term and short term and things that will help you reach them. Listing out a plan of action and even making a workout schedule, can really help you stay on track. So, how'd you do?!

- Update:  If Mr. Linky works for you- enter your post url there. If not, just leave it in the comments.