A special thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this post.
A couple months ago I received a direct message on Instagram from a follower asking how I stay fit while raising a toddler and also how I lost weight after having Bennett and again after my recent miscarriage. This question totally excited me because as much as I love home decor, I equally love health & fitness (especially during pregnancy)!
How I Became a Runner
Prior to getting pregnant I was a runner – I feel like running is a whole body (and mind) workout. I first got into running back in college when I joined a running club. The criteria to joining the club was you had to be able to run three miles. At the time the thought of running three miles sounded impossible! My friend somehow convinced me I could run three miles and after the first group run, she proved to be right! When I used to think about running three miles, I imagined sprinting for the entire time. What I love most about running is running at my own pace – Taking my time. During our group runs we would have conversations and laugh because we could BREATHE! We were running at a slow enough pace that it was fun and enjoyable! Still to this day, when I run I am almost always talking to someone on the phone. It takes my mind off the act of running and allows me time to catch up with friends & family.
Since Bennett was born, it’s been more difficult to find time to run by myself. Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, I like to rest in the evenings and spend time with Brett – I do not want to ask him to watch Bennett the moment he walks in the door while I go on a run or to the gym. He is exhausted after a long day, and I don’t want to leave the house – I want to eat dinner together as a family and catch up. I have found it best to get my workout in during the day, with Bennett! It sounds daunting but she loves it and I do too!
Running With a Little One
My saving grace while running with a baby/ toddler is our Bob Jogging Stroller from Walmart! Walmart has an amazing selection of joggers including several Bob joggers (my personal fav)! I could go on for days about my love with this jogger. It is SO easy to push and maneuver. It is quiet and spring loaded so going over bumps and occasional pot holes is no biggie! This jogger has a break so if the jogger is getting away from you while going downhill you can easily slow down. I prefer the jogger over our regular stroller when going on walks, to the zoo, or park, etc.
If running isn’t your cup of tea, Walmart also has great baby wearing options and bike trailers. It is recommended not to run with a baby prior to six months. Before Bennett was six months old, I would push her in our Uppababy Cruz stroller. This stroller was compatible with our car seat making it easy to travel with and/or go on walks when she was a newborn.
Having the right equipment is so important! You can’t walk with a little one without a stroller / jogger! See Walmart’s top rated joggers below!
The Secret to Getting (and Staying) Fit After Baby
The secret to getting (and staying) active after baby is simply to be active! You don’t have to run, just get out and walk to the park. Your baby will love it and your body will benefit from it! There is no better time than the present to make it happen – The start of a new year is a great time to set goals and change your lifestyle. Start tonight! Go on a family walk around the neighborhood!
Hope this post reenergizes all you new mommas! You got this! 👊🏼
Thanks for stopping by, friends!
Jamie
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