Dad Belly

***WARNING***
Do not attempt after feeding child or while child is asleep!
Always keep a watchful eye and firm grip on child!
Remember to use this as bonding time first, fitness time second.

I'm just going to say that if you aren't worn out from playing with your newborn, you're doing something wrong.

Before she was born, I was in the gym (tried to be in the gym) three to four times a week. I'll say that I've never been a muscle-bound, squat-devotee, but I've always felt that mental, spiritual, and physical fitness is the triumvirate of optimum wellness.

Well, she came into the world, and there's very little time to do anything other than feed, burp, change, and repeat. That means you have to hit your fitness at home. Lucky for you, there are some gym equivalences you can get with your kiddo.

1. Front Plate Raise

 

This is an easy enough workout at the gym. Grab a plate, hold it, raise it without using your legs to about your eye level. It works the deltoids and back really well.

Guess what- your kid will love it. Get in ten sets of ten reps.

2. Goblet Squat (a.k.a. Sumo Squat)

This one hits your hams and quads like nobody's business. You want burn? Do 8 sets of 5.

3. Plank

 Can't you just picture the little one, staring up at you, wiggling and giggling while you tone your abs? I know, it sounds crazy. It sounds obsessive. But, having a child doesn't mean you can't work on keeping your ticker healthy.

Start off small, 10-15 seconds, then build up time until he or she starts crawling. Then...

4. Bear Crawl/Mountain Climbers

 Try to keep up!