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Returning to exercise after having a baby can be a bit daunting for a lot of reasons.
Your body is different
Your life is more hectic
Your baby needs you all the time
It’s not clear what is and isn’t safe
There is so much coming at you from every direction telling you to “bounce back” and “lose the baby weight.” And whether you’ve given birth 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years ago…knowing how to start a fitness routine again can feel like a big mountain to climb.
One of my favorite recommendations for new moms especially is to consider babywearing fitness.
Here are 5 reasons why babywearing fitness is a fantastic way to get back into the swing of things!
#1 It's Good for Mom and Baby
Not only are there a whole host of benefits to wearing for your baby, it benefits you too! Studies have shown that babywearing can boost maternal mental health and improve your bond with your baby - two things that are often top of mind during those early months after giving birth. Babywearing fitness gives you both what you want - time to move and strengthen your body, and a soothing environment that supports your baby’s development.
#2 Its easier to actually fit into your life
As a new mom, finding the time to fit in a workout can be really tough! You may not be ready or able to leave your child with a sitter to go to the gym or join a group class, and doing a home workout while your baby screams for you from the playpen sucks. By wearing your child, it’s much easier to get into a regular fitness routine because you can bring your baby along for the ride - and they’ll probably even take a snooze while you move!
#3 You can gradually increase your strength as baby grows
Especially if you start when your baby is small, babywearing fitness has a built in increase in challenge! As your baby grows and gets heavier, continuing to wear them during your fitness routine gradually builds up your strength without any extra thought or equipment on your part! Win-win.
#4 You can find a community of like-minded moms
I highly encourage you to explore group babywearing fitness classes if they’re available to you, either in person or virtually! Working out with other moms who understand where you’re coming from and don’t care if your baby cries is a really freeing experience and can help make early motherhood a bit less lonely.
#5 You’ll get a workout designed for YOU
Ok, now BELIEVE ME this is not true of all babywearing fitness classes. Some instructors know nothing about babywearing and very little about the postpartum body and just throw babies in carriers as a marketing thing. It drives me nuts. BUT the good babywearing fitness programs are designed thoughtfully, taking the needs of your baby and your postpartum body into consideration. Often you’ll also receive critical tips on wearing your child that you may never have encountered before! The key here is doing your research and finding a babywearing fitness workout designed by someone who actually knows what they’re doing.
If you’re ready to return to exercising postpartum and aren’t sure where or how to start, let this be your sign to look into a babywearing workout! If you do better with group classes for encouragement, guidance and accountability (hear hear, sister, me too), I’ve got you covered - check out our virtual KangaOnline or in-person Kangatraining classes to get the ball rolling!
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