If you have a cooperative baby, you might be able to incorporate your baby into your workout. They can make great weights! This is often done when they are old enough to begin holding up their own heads, around two to three months of age, and it usually continues until they weigh too much to be lifted comfortably.

Sample Exercises with Baby

While there are many different things that you can make up on your own, there are a few that are often talked about. Here are some exercises to try with your baby:

• Lying Biceps Curl with Baby

  Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold your baby under the arms, on your chest. The baby should be belly down. Lift your baby up toward the ceiling as you exhale. As you inhale, slowly lower your baby back to the starting position by lowering your elbows to your sides. Repeat this exercise for ten to twelve repetitions.

  A variation to this exercise is to move the baby up and over your head, then back down toward your knees, rather than simply a straight up-and-down motion. This will give a slight twist to the workout.

• Biceps Curl with Baby

  While sitting in a chair, place your baby facedown across your right forearm. Hold your baby across his chest with your left hand. Your right hand should hold the baby's left thigh or legs, near the buttocks (see FIGURE 21-1).

  Starting with your forearm parallel to the floor, lift the baby up toward your shoulder while holding the baby firmly with both hands (see FIGURE 21-2). You can do up to ten repetitions of this exercise. Switch the baby to your left forearm and begin the process again.

  

  FIGURE 21-1

  Biceps Curl with Baby — Hang on tightly!

  

  FIGURE 21-2

  Seize the opportunity to gaze at at your baby and interact

• Leg Lifts with Baby

  Sit on the floor or mat with baby lying down, facing you on your knees. Baby's chin should be between your knees. Hook your arms around Baby's back, and smile and talk to her. Slowly bring your feet off the floor, resting only on your buttocks. Be sure you feel stable enough to continue.

  Begin by raising your legs so that your legs are at a 45-degree angle from the knees. Repeat these leg lifts ten to twelve times. You can also switch and do single leg lifts with an older baby. Your baby needs to have some neck control to make this safe for her.

  Enhance this exercise by playing with your baby. During your workout, feel free to sing and play games like peek-a-boo to keep Baby entertained. Keeping Baby happy will help you have more time to work out. This leads to a happier workout for all involved.

• Squat

  Now that you are used to doing squats, it's time to incorporate Baby! As you slowly lower your body, hold the baby in your arms, away from your body but facing you. Go down as far as you can, while keeping your heels on the floor. Do ten squats, holding each one five to ten seconds. Avoid bouncing in between or during squats. You can also incorporate your baby into other leg work, like lunges.