Stroller Aerobics
There are also places that offer specific classes geared toward mother and baby. You might ask about Stroller Aerobics, a specialty class designed for postpartum mothers and babies of nearly any age.
Because the baby stays mostly in the stroller, you do not have to worry about how big your little one is getting. This is also great if you gave birth to more than one baby at a time, or if you have two babies who are close together in age. Simply put them all in the same stroller!
Many of these mother and baby stroller aerobics classes offer an aerobic portion, stretching, and even weight training. It's a great way to get out with other moms in your area, not to mention there is no concern about finding a baby-sitter or other child care arrangements.
Will I need a specific type of stroller?
Chances are the answer is no. Though some classes require strollers with brakes, there are usually very few requirements of your stroller. One of the fears many moms have is that they will need a fancy (and expensive) jogging stroller in order to be able to participate. Again, chances are good that your favorite everyday stroller will work just fine!
Warm-up and Stretches
The majority of the classes begin with a warm-up and stretching exercises posed next to the stroller so that you can talk to or see your baby. You will do some neck stretches, and arm and leg stretches. You might do a warm-up like marching next to the stroller.
Once you've warmed up, you will do some fast-paced walking around the exercise area with the stroller, after a few laps you will start to add different steps. It might include knee lifts while walking, lunges, or other modifications to your stride such as taking wide steps (side ways).
Essential
There are also many books and videos on the subject of mother and baby workouts. Each one will have a slightly different twist to it. Ask your friends and other new mothers if they have any recommendations. The key will be how well you and your baby like the program.
Repeaters
Interspersed within the exercises and strolling, you will do what our class calls repeaters. These are walking the length of the exercise area in a particular manner. Here is an example: eight steps, eight right-sided knee lifts, eight left-sided knee lifts; repeat this but add two sets of knee lifts; repeat but add three sets of knee lifts; repeat and take it down to two sets of knee lifts; return to the original set of one knee lift.
Turn the stroller around and head back in this manner: eight steps, eight jumping jacks, eight right-sided kicks, eight left-sided kicks; repeat five times or until you reach the end of your space.
Mat Workout
We end class with some mat work with weights. You work on your abdominal muscles, your arms, and then do some stretching and relaxation. Kids that are older can also be put to work helping to bring out the mats and smaller weights and helping put them away.
Many people are surprised at how strenuous the workout can be. It combines working your body while staying with your child. All in all, stroller aerobics is an awesome workout!
