5 Fitness Must-Haves For New Moms

Exercising with a little one is a whole different ball game.

It takes more planning. It requires more flexibility and it calls for a whole new set of gear.

I’m 4 months postpartum and 4 weeks (eek!) away from my half-marathon date.

Let’s just say I started training with high expectations and I’ve had to adjust along the way.

For example, including speed work in my training plan was not very realistic. I’m running hills at 5,300 feet above sea level with a 40 lb baby/stroller combo. And it’s not pretty. So traditional “speed work” as I once knew it has fallen by the wayside. And that’s probably a good thing.

The important thing is I’ve been getting out there. I’ve been staying consistent even when I don’t feel like it and most importantly, I’ve been giving myself grace as I miss workouts and learn how to fit exercise into this new season of life.

Through trial and error I’ve come up with 5 key things that every new mom needs as they ease back into their fitness routine:

1. a good sports bra

This is worth every penny. I went out on my first run with an old sports bra and was miserable the entire way. The next time I tried doubling up, which helped, but still didn’t cut it. Then I invested in a couple of good, supportive nursing/sports bras and it’s made every run much more comfortable. I recommend this one from Moving Comfort.

2. BOB Revolution SE

Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a BOB snob. In fact, this was the first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant.

Exercising with a stroller is hard enough. I didn’t want to add the frustration of working with a stroller that wasn’t made well. I LOVE my BOB and can’t recommend it enough.

Thanks to the lightweight frame, shock system and a swiveling front wheel it’s super easy to maneuver and feels very safe and secure for my little one.

Which ever stroller you choose be sure that it’s comfortable for you AND your child. If they’re uncomfortable, you’ll be uncomfortable and your workouts will be disrupted.

I currently use the BOB Revolution SE with the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat and the BOB infant car seat adapter.

3. stroller console

Most jogging strollers don’t come with drink holders so you’ll want to purchase one to hold your water (or Starbucks), cell phone, burp rags and other goodies that now come along with you on your workouts.

And although I admitted to being a BOB snob, I don’t like their drink console. It’s flimsy and floppy. I prefer the Baby Jogger brand and it works great with most jogging strollers.

4. Kleen Kanteen

Speaking of drinks, it’s always important to hydrate but it’s doubly important if you’re breastfeeding. Don’t leave the house without a big bottle of water. I like Kleen Kanteens because they’re light weight, free of BPA and they come in a variety of fun colors.

5. Sunsnapz

Sunsnapz may be my very favorite fitness discovery of all. When I first started exercising with a stroller I put a blanket over the car seat to keep my little one protected from the sun and wind. But the blanket kept blowing off which interrupted my run and given that the Colorado sun is SO strong I worried that I wasn’t providing enough sun protection .

Enter, Sunsnapz.

Sunsnapz are lightweight UPF 50+ blankets. Their unique “snapz” design allows you to snap the blanket securely around any car seat, stroller, carrier or pack ‘n’ play so that your little one is protected from the sun and wind (you can read more here).

I use mine every day and absolutely love it.

The company was started by a mom who needed a versatile, practical blanket to protect her daughter from the sun. I love supporting other mom entrepreneurs and she has so kindly offered to giveaway a FREE Sunsnapz bandana to one lucky reader!

I mean, come one, how adorable is that?

I can’t wait to get one for Miss B 🙂

ENTER TO WIN:

Head over to The Balanced Life facebook page, “like” it if you haven’t already, and pin this post on Pinterest (be sure to tag @RobinLong) between now and Friday (10/18).

Simple as that. The giveaway winner will be announced next week!

And Sunsnapz has also generously provided a discount code for The Balanced life community!

Enter 15BL13 at checkout for 15% off of your entire order (good 10/14 – 10/30).

Cheers to staying fit,

PS – you may also like Exercise and Breastfeeding and 10 self-care tips for new moms.