How do i fit in exercise when I'm looking after a baby all day?

Question

I really need to lose some weight...around 10 kilos and it's not budging with a reduction in my diet after having my baby.

I can't afford or have time to go to the gym and the only equipment I own is a stepper and my hubby has lots of different weights and barbells.

What can I do that will tone me up and assist in losing weight quickly when I'm stuck at home all day with a nine month old?

Answer 1

I have a 2-month old baby and I make sure we go for a long walk at least 3 times a week, usually 4. You could also try taking your baby swimming, and ask your husband to look after the baby whilst you do some weight training - squats and lunges are an excellent way of both losing weight and toning.

Answer 2

You could use the stepper and your husbands weighs even it you were to do an hour a day and break it up into 10 minute intervals that should help.

Also what about buying a DVD with exercises on it and then you could do those, although some of them are for an hour, you can get other ones that break the routines into intervals and different time slots. One of the ones I have is a Tae Bo 20min Abs or something like that, I can't quite remember the name and you work on your abs and tom for 20 mins and that includes the warm up and cool down. Also what about investing in a fit ball, that is good as it comes with a series of exercises you could do.

Or why not go for walks with your baby, you could go to the park, or if you can walk into town

Answer 3

Pop the baby in the pram and walk briskly - start at 10 or 15 minutes and build up slowly to an hour a day.

You can do tummy crunches when the baby is asleep or lying on the floor with you. Same applies to push-ups (from your knees only and not too soon).

As your husband has weights you can use them for bi-cep curls and the shoulder press.

That should do you for a while. You really don't have to do a huge amount, as long as you build up to a hour a day of brisk walking.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, I know you are coming into winter, so depending on where you are living, that may not be possible, but do the best you can.

Answer 4

Go for a walk - put your baby in the pushchair and walk - you may not think this will help but it will

Surely there are times in the day where you can grab 10 mins to do excersise - use videos, or just make things up yourself.

I do excersise when my 3 yr old is in bed - put the dvd on and have half an hour - as well as swimming (as he can swim unaided) and walking to and from places. Your baby must sleep at 9 months old (sit and play on its own - use this time) - babies dont need attention all day long!!

Answer 5

10 minute bursts of exercise will do.
Moderate exercise is fine you don't need to be dripping sweat and having to change clothes and shower.

Just being really active all day and those 10 minutes or even 5 minutes when you can will all add up. You can pick up weights whenever and do highkicks and other body movements to work your legs.

There are loads online you can lookup the weight/ muscle exercises and choose which ones you want to do.

Answer 6

You need a walk, and as an extra plus, the fresh air will put the baby to sleep. Just be sure to bundle up.

Also, you can do a lot of exercises with the baby -- lift hem/her up, make a tunnel for baby to crawl under, swing him/her in your arms, go up and down steps while carrying the baby on alternating hips.

Also, really keep track of what you are putting in your mouth. It's easy to underestimate what you are eating. A food diary is best because it's an accurate recording (and it makes you think, do I really want to write this down? before you eat something).

Answer 7

You could use exercise tapes while the baby is napping, or make your husband or a relative watch her while you go for a jog somewhere when he gets home from work. Even a 20 minute jog three times a week would help somewhat. Fit it in whenever you can.

Answer 8

When your husband gets home, have him watch the baby while you go and exercise for an hour or so. You don't even have to go to a gym. Just set aside some "me" time to do your exercises. Lock yourself in a room with your exercise equipment/videos you will use, and just do it.

Answer 9

i know with a young child there is so much to do and you never seem to have enough time...i would assume that at nine months bubs would have at least 2 sleeps a day....i know there's housework and stuff....but put yourself first....use that time to do something...maybe just start with aerobic videos at home...walking is great..you can take your little one to the park and just walk....you can add weights to your ankles to make it a little more harder and beneficial......its only been 9 months so dont be so hard on yourself....a balanced diet and allowing yourself some time just for you will work....

Answer 10

i weather permits for your baby and you, take a nice walk, baby in stroller and you walking..if weather is not good for the baby, take a walk with the baby in the stroller in the house or a nearby shopping center that will keep you both warm.... a stepper is good with some music.....