Jen here with Monday’s First Year post series!

When I was pregnant, I felt so incredibly beautiful.  Exactly 24 hours before Logan decided to be born, I remember sitting in the doctor’s office during our final non-stress test, just grinning from ear to ear.  There I was, reclining in a chair with this humongous belly, barely able to see my feet, listening to Logan’s heartbeat. I rested my hands on my belly, felt her moving around and just really enjoyed that feeling of knowing an amazing new journey was about to begin.  I took this self-portrait with my smartphone and Instagram, and although it is super grainy and other things technically not-so-good, it is one of my favorite self-portraits, as it instantly brings me back to that moment of bliss.  What an incredible memory!

Now fast forward to several weeks after Logan’s birth, when my big, solid, beautiful belly was replaced with a much smaller, yet jigglier one.  Eek!  While nursing Logan has helped me to shed some of the weight gained during pregnancy, it was clear I was going to have to do more to lose more, tighten and tone to get back my pre-pregnancy body.  Late that night, I turned the TV to a music channel and walked around while rocking and bouncing Logan to sleep.  I realized how much she and I both loved it and how tired my body was from all that movement by the time she finally fell asleep.  So the idea was born – why not dance to a trimmer me?  And why not have my daughter join me?

I love dance as a method of working out for many reasons.  First of all, it incorporates some bonding time with Logan!  The movement combined with being held makes her happy and even instantly calms her down during a crying spell.  Bonus!  I love that I can do this workout anywhere in my home and at any time.  I don’t have to have any special equipment for this kind of workout but could wear Logan in a baby carrier if my arms get tired.  It’s super fun, a great stress-reliever, and I get to put to use my dance minor again!  HA!  It’s  important I make sure Logan’s safety comes first and her head is well supported at all times…but then the dance party can begin!

Logan and I typically dance in the early morning as the sun is rising for about thirty minutes and also dance again in the afternoon or evening.  Dancing can be a great cardio workout, and since Logan’s about 12 pounds now, holding her works out my arms, too, as I rock her back and forth or bounce her!  I’ll even wear her in a carrier if I feel like incorporating some squats or lunges.  To make our dancing more fun for Logan, I turn on the TV to a music channel so she can watch the music videos while we’re on the move.  Our favorite song to dance to and watch is Maroon 5’s “Daylight (Playing for Change).”.  I break out my cha-cha dance steps while she watches the bright colors of the music video…or perhaps it’s Adam Levine she’s got her eye on?  (Good girl!)

One day I’ll get back to the row machine and kettlebells in our garage, but for now, I am really loving combining movement, music and bonding time with my daughter.  It’s a fun way to build up a sweat, burn a few calories, and, if I’m lucky, even put Logan to sleep!

What ways do YOU incorporate your baby or kids into your fitness routine?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please share your family workout tips in the comment section below.

Meet me back here next week to learn about the new things Logan’s doing as she turns three months old!

First Year Cheers,

Jen

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GOOD NEWS!  EARLY BIRD EXTENDED FOR 72 HOURS!

*With Easter Sunday, we decided to extend the Spring Workshops Early Bird Discount for 72 hours!  Use the promo code: earlybird to get 20% when you register by this Wednesday, April 3rd at midnight!  Click here to find Jen and the rest of our CONFIDENCE teachers Spring Workshop dates!