5 Tips for Taking Baby to the Gym

Can you take your baby to the gym? If you don’t want to bring your baby to a gym, how do you safely get your workout in a while having your baby with you? Once you have a baby, you are probably anxious to get back to the gym. Not only because you want to get out of the house and have an activity to yourself, but also because you want to get in those workouts to start getting back into shape after having your baby. There are many options for you, whether you want to take your baby to the gym or if you want to work out in the park or at home, keep reading to find out how to exercise with your little one!

1. Taking Baby To The Gym

If it is allowed by your gym and doctor, there are a few options you have with getting back into the gym and having a baby with you. When your doctor says it’s okay and you feel like you are plenty capable, try wearing your baby to the gym. It might seem a little strange at first, but this can be a great introductory way of getting back into working out and having your baby right there with you. Of course, you will want to pick things to do in the gym that is going to be safe for both you and your baby. Avoid things like the elliptical machine and weights and settle more for the treadmill and other low impact workouts.

Also, if your gym allows it, try putting your baby in their stroller and letting them sleep alongside you as you get your workout in. Place them next to the machines you are exercising at and watch as they sleep while you get your workout in. This might be a good way to connect their nap time with your workout time, so you are both getting the time that you need on your own. This can be a great way to go if your baby is too bouncy or has trouble with being in a carrier while you work out.

2. Getting Outdoors

If the gym is not a good option for you right away, try making it down to your local park or outdoor area where you can get your workout in. You might want to settle with starting off with a gentle walk as you wear your baby. Or you can even put your baby in their stroller and walk or run while you push them around a lap around the park.

This can be a good option for if you don’t want to be stifled by the indoors at a gym or you want to have more space to do things in. Parks and other outdoor spaces can be a great way to get your workout in, plus you get the fresh air, and you might even get in a little bit of socializing as well. There are lots of unique exercises and workouts that you do can outside, from going on a hike to walking around a park to finding a trailhead to go on a quick walk. Keep your mind open as you search for the perfect places that you and your baby can get your workout in while enjoying nature all at the same time.

3. Babysitter or Caretaker

If you want to bring your baby to the gym or other workout space but don’t feel like you can either watch your baby or carry your baby, you could always opt to bring in your babysitter to the gym. Whether you hire someone or have a family member or friend act as the babysitter, this is a great option to keeping your baby close to you while you work out but also keeping them at a safe distance in case you don’t want them to be part of the workout scene.

This is a good way to start to give some baby watching responsibilities away to someone else, while still being close enough and perhaps not even distracted enough to not fully be aware of what is going on with your baby. Plus, you can bundle up on the gym membership cost and cost of a babysitter.

4. Workout at Home

Maybe you want to work out, but don’t even feel the need to leave home, and that’s okay! Instead of trying to work out while your baby is napping, just include your little one in the workouts that you are already doing! There are lots of options for including your baby in your workouts, whether it’s strength building or yoga, there is something out there for everyone.

There are even safe enough workouts that you can do with your baby. Workout and continue to learn and connect with your baby with this fun activity. This can bring you even closer to your baby, plus give you those moments to do that thing that you have wanted to do for some time.

5. Mommy and Me Classes

Another way to socialize with other parents, get your workout in, and to include your baby is to opt into a mommy and me class. There are lots of classes popping up all over the place that include your baby into the workout. This can be a fun way to interact with other new parents and a great way to introduce your baby to other people and places. See what your local area has to offer by way of a fitness class that you and your little one can do together.

So there you have it! Having a newborn doesn’t always mean that you have to put your fitness regime to the side. There are lots of ways that you can start to get back into shape while also including your baby in on all of the fun. Look at all of your options and decide which one is the best for you, your baby and your situation.