Baby Strong

Through my ambassadorship with FitApproach, I was given the opportunity to review Baby Strong Workout. This post was sponsored by Baby Strong Workout. and FitApproach. As always opinions 100% my own.

There are two reasons I workout. One, I like the way it makes me feel and, two, to set a good example for Emerson. Now that I have a daughter not only do I need to be able to keep up with her, but I want to show her what it means to be fit and healthy. Life isn’t about being thin, it’s about being strong and fit.

While I workout a TON [as in more than I care to admit] and consider myself in decent shape, I still struggle with the mom bod [The 5 Stages of the Mom Bod – Home Sweet Ruby] Oh, the mom bod. It’s amazing what our bodies can do, but your body postpartum is a totally different story. So soft, so squishy.

Today, I’m a solid 130 lbs [fit update coming soon]. While most of the time you can find me at Crossfit or Spin classes, there are days I can’t make it to the gym or want to squeeze in an extra core workout. In that case I turn to my Baby Strong Workout cards [20% off with code SWEATPINK, exp. 2/29/16] and Emerson becomes my kettlebell.

About Baby Strong Workout: Baby Strong Workout is a set of cards featuring “mommy & me” exercises and customizable workouts for new moms. Invented by a mom and personal trainer, Baby Strong requires only mom + baby and is for mommies of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels. Feel strong, confident, and happy!

Five Baby Strong Workout Moves to Love:

1. Wall Squat [Lower Body]
Stand with your back against the wall holding your baby close. With your back touching the wall, lower yourself down, ideally forming a 90 degree angle with your legs. I suggest holding for a minute. Try 10 rounds resting 30 seconds between each round.

2. Lunge [Lower Body]
Stand holding your baby close. Step your right foot forward and slowly [4-8 counts] lower yourself down into a comfortable lunge position until  your left thigh is parallel to the floor.  Pause at the bottom and slowly [4-8 counts] rise up and step your foot back to the standing position. Repeat and alternate between legs.

3. Russian Twists [Core]
I work on core EVERYDAY! Sit on the floor with your knees bent, holding your babying front of you. Lean back [keeping your back in natural alignment] to engage your core. Slowly twist baby to the right side. Pause then slowly twist to the left. Try 3 set of 10.

4. Boat Balance [Core]
Sit on the floor with your knees bent, holding your baby in front of you. Lean back [keeping your back in natural alignment]  to engage your core.  Slowly lift your knees up . pause and hold for 20 second. Repeat rest 5-10 seconds between each rep. You can increase the intensity of the exercise by straightening your arms/legs and lifting baby further out.

5. Baby Bridge [Core]
Lie face up on the floor with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor, and your baby sitting at the pelvis level. Raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Pause then lower your body back to the starting position.

Thoughts about Baby Strong Workout Cards

While working out with a baby is great when I’m in a pinch, It’s not something I do everyday. Plus, the older Emerson gets the harder it gets. Sometimes she would prefer to sit next to me and play with toys while I work on core.

Overall, the Baby Strong Workout cards are great for postpartum mamas just cleared for exercise or mama getting back into shape. Plus, they’re extremely easy to use. The deck includes a warm up, text and photo instructions for each exercise, four workout sections [upper body, lower body, core and total body],  as well as pre-made circuits.

Happy sweating!