By Erin Whitehead for FitBottomedMamas.com
Committing to a proactive postnatal fitness routine is easy pre-baby, but with parenthood comes a variety of challenges that can land even the best-laid exercise plans on the back burner. So how do you stay committed? Postnatal fitness expert and Stroller Strides founder Lisa Druxman weighs in with some tips to keep mom motivated to stick with her postnatal workout—with the help of her BOB stroller, the official stroller of Stroller Strides.
5 Tips for Postpartum Fitness
1. Establish a routine. “Walking is one of the first activities your doctor will release you to do following childbirth, and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and take baby steps toward regaining strength,” says Druxman. “Getting your baby used to the stroller and a routine will help you build the foundation for longer walks and workouts. Try to walk at approximately the same time each day so both you and baby can develop a rhythm in your schedules.”
2. Incorporate impromptu exercise. “Fitting fitness into the nooks and crannies of your day will create a stronger, fitter you,” says Druxman. “Your stroller should go everywhere you go so that your free time can be maximized with exercise. Perhaps you have an extra half-hour before picking the older kids up from school or you see a great park on your way home from a lunch date—you’ll be amazed how often fitness opportunities crop up!”
3. Beat boredom with intervals. “Getting out and about with your stroller isn’t confined to just walking,” Druxman says. “Turn your stroller-outing into a total-body workout by mixing it up with walking, running and toning intervals. To get the best fitness result in the least amount of time, increase your intensity by picking up your speed for short intervals, then follow it up with a lighter intensity or strength-training station. If you have the BOB Stroller Strides Stroller, you can easily pull out your exercise tubing and do a set of bicep curls. Or, try walking lunges with your stroller to get a great lower-body workout.”
4. Change up your course. “Establishing a routine is key to sustaining a fitness regimen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with it,” says Druxman. “BOB strollers are great for the sidewalk, but many models also excel on off-road trails and even the beach! Exploring new terrain stimulates baby with new sights, smells and sounds, and you benefit because you’re cross-training. Some paths may offer more incline, providing you with a strength workout, while others allow you to work on your speed and maybe pick up into a run. Your stroller walks can and should become not only your workout but also your daily adventure.”
5. Let fitness be fun. “You won’t continue with a fitness routine if you don’t find it personally rewarding, so pick a program that offers big benefits to you,” says Druxman. “Stroller Strides classes not only provide a fun and effective stroller-based workout, but they also help you meet other new mommies and bond with your baby through exercise. At the least, incorporate other moms into your fitness routine—it’s great to be surrounded with women who can encourage you and support you through the various stages of motherhood.”
Great tips for new moms, Lisa! Whether you look into the Stroller-Stride approved BOB strollers or find your own sturdy version, I can personally vouch that my stroller is one of my favorite items that helps me get out of the house and fit in some cardio. Now I just need to remember to bring my resistance tubing along for the workout!
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