Being a SAHM with a toddler who has attachment issues can be pretty overwhelming when it comes to going out, especially to the gym. My husband and I both have memberships at Defined Fitness and it's such a nice gym and somewhere I can get past my social anxiety and do things alone but every time I try, my little N cuts my workout short (like, I only get 10 minutes, 15 top) and I end up just going home because I can't get him to stay calm for the childcare staff.
I've tried various mommy-baby workouts back when I wasn't near any gym and didn't have my own transportation and they were about as successful as teaching a dog to become vegetarian. Partly because N wasn't really big enough to participate but hated being left to his own devices for long, partly because I'm ridiculously lazy and can't stand working out even though I know it makes me feel better afterward (albeit, super sore...like body parts will fall off into a puddle of jello sore).
So, I happened to be on Pinterest today (surprise!) and found a Victoria's Secret ab workout sheet. Let me warn you, this crap is a lot harder than it looks. I thought to myself, "This is probably gonna make me sore tomorrow, no doubt, but I can do all of this." I should have been paying more attention to the numbers all over the sheet...
I've tried various mommy-baby workouts back when I wasn't near any gym and didn't have my own transportation and they were about as successful as teaching a dog to become vegetarian. Partly because N wasn't really big enough to participate but hated being left to his own devices for long, partly because I'm ridiculously lazy and can't stand working out even though I know it makes me feel better afterward (albeit, super sore...like body parts will fall off into a puddle of jello sore).
So, I happened to be on Pinterest today (surprise!) and found a Victoria's Secret ab workout sheet. Let me warn you, this crap is a lot harder than it looks. I thought to myself, "This is probably gonna make me sore tomorrow, no doubt, but I can do all of this." I should have been paying more attention to the numbers all over the sheet...
Let me start by saying, I'm really out of shape. Like, it usually doesn't take me super long to get back into decent cardio shape but my body likes to snap its fingers in a Z shaped pattern and say, "Guurrrllll, you ain't got time for skinny." *sniff* And yes, I've definitely changed my eating habits, although it is definitely a daily struggle. My body wants to get rid of my love handles about as much as my toddler wants to stop chewing on computer cords.
At this point, you might be wondering what ALL this has to do with a "toddler workout."
Ladies, and possibly gents, this exercise routine gets everyone worked out. By laying on the ground, you are instantly inviting your toddler to climb all over you, smack you around, poke, prod, and body slam you thereby getting in a decent amount of cardio himself. Plus, he really gets to practice those ever wonderful climbing skills without you having to worry that he's going to break something if he falls down. With some of these moves, however, you may have to worry about kneeing him in the face.
And what about you? None of this seems too appealing, I'm sure. How could you even manage to squeeze in enough seconds to complete one rep let alone 18?? Well, ladies, the great thing (and probably only great thing) about having your toddler laying on you while you do this is that you can't cheat your ab workout. In fact, I'd say you get an even greater burn with the additional weight on top of you. My abs burn, anyway.
And absolutely best of all? It's great play and bonding time. And what's better than taking some time out of your busy routine to have an unexpected play session?
At this point, you might be wondering what ALL this has to do with a "toddler workout."
Ladies, and possibly gents, this exercise routine gets everyone worked out. By laying on the ground, you are instantly inviting your toddler to climb all over you, smack you around, poke, prod, and body slam you thereby getting in a decent amount of cardio himself. Plus, he really gets to practice those ever wonderful climbing skills without you having to worry that he's going to break something if he falls down. With some of these moves, however, you may have to worry about kneeing him in the face.
And what about you? None of this seems too appealing, I'm sure. How could you even manage to squeeze in enough seconds to complete one rep let alone 18?? Well, ladies, the great thing (and probably only great thing) about having your toddler laying on you while you do this is that you can't cheat your ab workout. In fact, I'd say you get an even greater burn with the additional weight on top of you. My abs burn, anyway.
And absolutely best of all? It's great play and bonding time. And what's better than taking some time out of your busy routine to have an unexpected play session?