Hi all

My son is 12 months old and I would like to exercise more with him. We walk and are busy but need more. I am looking at things I can try to get in my community. I have heard of baby yoga (not in my town

yet) but what else is there? I don't want to exercise and put him in care I want to get fit with him. I am an unfit (exercise wise) women, overweight but am on the brink of training my self as there is nothing here of that type. Am lazy but for my son will give it a go. What do you all do?

Before beginning any exercise program, check with your doctor.  Not all exercises are appropriate for everyone, and this article is not intended to substitute for the advice of medical or fitness professionals.  Risk is involved with any exercise program.

When replying to the above question, I realized it was becoming a bit long-winded for a simple answer.

Establishing a fitness routine for yourself can be a daunting task, especially if you have been sedentary for some time.  Add to that an infant or small child and finding the time to actually carry out an exercise regime can be down right frustrating.  When beginning, or getting back into, an exercise program after the birth of your baby, those brisk walks while pushing your little one along in the stroller is great.  Walking is a most effective workout for beginners and when a walking routine is adhered to, along with healthy eating habits, you will lose weight.  Add in simple toning and strengthening exercises done with baby and you are well on your way to slimming down and becoming fit.

There are classes in various areas of the United States (I do not know about those outside of the US) called Stroller Fit.  Looks like fun.  It would be worth researching to see if there is one in your area.  Also, there is an exercise DVD based on their principles which can be done at home with baby called MommyMuscle.  Personally, I am not familiar with this workout, but felt it might be worth further research for those looking for at home exercise with baby.
  
Remember, it does not have to be grueling, extended hours of hardcore exercise to receive benefits and see results...especially when beginning a fitness routine.  Although sometimes just walking can feel pretty darn grueling, can't it?  Here are a few simple ideas:

• Hula hoops. Keep at it for ten to twenty minutes and you'll get a cardiovascular workout, strengthen your abs, and improve your core body strength (those deep abdominal/trunk muscles).  Baby/child is sure to be entertained watching this.
• Rock It. Put on your three favorite up-tempo songs and dance around the house with your child in your arms.
• Take a flight of stairs. Do you have stairs?  Outside steps to your porch?  Hold your child and walk up and down the stairs.  Alternate with walking around the house or ground outside on a flat surface.  Holding the added weight makes this a pretty strenuous workout and alternating the intensity...high intensity on the stairs, lesser intensity walking on a flat surface...creates an interval workout which is excellent for burning body fat.
• At the Mall or Department Store.  Push that stroller or shopping cart for cardiovascular exercise and upper body toning.  When the weather is bad, you can go to a mall or large department store and walk and push...even better if you do not actually need to slow down to shop, just walk.
• Swing. Pushing your child on a swing works your chest and upper-arm muscles . If you can get on a swing yourself, even for just five minutes, you will be  toning your abs, thighs, and calf muscles. Paired with pushing your child, it's a workout.  And this one really is fun.
• Pop in Your Exercise DVD. Your child will might enjoy it, too.  The music will be entertaining to your child and if you place your child in the room where you are able to make eye contact, you can hold his/her attention with some great facial expressions and occasional brief conversation.  There are sure be some exercises where you can pick up your young child/baby and perform them while holding him/her.  Floor/toning/strengthening exercises are great for this...use your baby as your weights.
• You can combine any of the above suggestions into a fun workout for you and your baby.  The secret is to move, have fun.
  

Do not try to completely change your lifestyle all at once.  Take itty bitty baby steps.  First begin an exercise program on a beginner's level for a week or two.  Next, begin to eliminate junk food and sugary drinks from your diet and gradually add more healthy choices...while you continue to exercise, of course.  Drink lots of water.  Start small and build on each step.

Moms, dads on minti...what suggestions to you have for parents wanting to exercise with their children and begin a more healthy lifestyle?