Mommy and Me Yoga!
As a new mom, it’s hard enough to find time to shower let alone exercise. I am always holding, feeding, changing or playing with Timothy. I hate to miss a second with him when he is awake, so I’ve found it’s best to workout with him. Here’s some mommy and me exercises you can do with your baby. Getting back in shape and spending time with your precious one can be so much fun!
Kiss Me Push-Up–Lie your baby down on your mat, rug or towel underneath you. Get in to a push up position and lower yourself down to kiss your little one, then lift back up. Repeat 8-10 times. Feel free to drop to your knees if it’s too challenging in full plank. Always keep your core strong and your shoulders from rounding forward as well.
Cat/Cow Stretch–After your last push-up, drop to your knees and do a series (5 to 8 times) of cat/cow stretches, arching and rounding your spine. Make the noises of a cat and a cow and your baby will coo back at you.
Downward Facing D0g–From the cow position of your last cat/cow, tuck under your toes and press your hips up and back in to downward facing dog. Press your hands firmly in to the mat and lengthen through your sides. Shake your head yes and no and kiss your little baby’s toes to release your neck. Stay for 5 breaths. Repeat 2 more times.
Baby Boat and Canoe–Lower your knees to the ground and sit up and swing your legs around in front of you. Sit up tall and lift your knees in the air forming a table top with your legs. Gently place your baby on top of your shins (keep your hands around baby’s waist) and hold for 3 to 5 breaths. Next try lowering your upper and lower body half way down as you lift your baby up so you’re both hovering. Stay in canoe for 3 breaths then try going back and forth a few times from boat to canoe. You’ll get a great ab workout and your baby will love being suspended in air. Make sure your core is ready for this one, you may want to wait at least 4-6 weeks post delivery.
Baby Bridge–Lower all the way down to your back and place your sweet little one on top of your upper thighs. Press in to your feet and bridge your hips up keeping hold of your baby’s hands. Lower back down, then lift up again. Repeat 15-20 times. You can work your glutes, hips, hamstrings and core with this move and give your precious girl or boy a fun ride.
Check out my features on wellandgoodnyc.com:
http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2013/09/17/fitness-guru-moms-debut-pre-and-post-pregnancy-workouts/
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!
One thought on “Mommy and Me Yoga!”
Hi Kristin,
This is a nice article. I love all the poses you have shown in this article. I feel Baby Boat and Canoe very difficult. Do you have any other alternative pose of that yoga pose?