I used to hit the gym on a regular basis.  That is, at least 3 times a week.  There was even a time during one of the summers of my college days that I practically lived in the gym.  I would take 2 to 3 consecutive aero or step classes plus weight training.  Aaaaahhhh, those were the days!  Then, I got lazy and just stopped.

Now that I’m a mommy to a 9 month old baby, I somehow feel that I’ve never exercised so much in my life!  And I mean that in a good way. :)  My workout routine has changed a bit though.  Weight training has now taken the form of lifting my 8.6 kg baby.  That’s the basic. It has a number of variations.  For low-impact aero, I just have to sway side-to-side or do a step-touch left and right while putting Abby to sleep.  I do this for at least 10 minutes (If I’m lucky!) 2-4 times a day. The beauty of this “routine” is that it can be done anywhere…at home, in the mall, heck I do it in church!  I usually play classical music for this routine.  Sometimes, I simply sing the ABC’s, Twinkle Twinkle, Itsy Bitsy Spider, etc.  Any nursery rhyme will do. 

To switch to high impact, I just have to do a bit of fast paced walking, plus a few skips, jogs and some squats, still while carrying my baby.  This variation can also be done anywhere and is very entertaining to a bored baby.  Appropriate music, though optional, include BINGO (I’m not even sure that’s the title!), 5 Little Monkeys, 10 Little Indians, Row Row Row Your Boat, etc.

Lifting Abby would often require bending forward and straightening up.  That’s abdominal exercise for me! And for my arms and shoulders, I just have to lift my baby really high up over my head, which she really enjoys.  This can be done while seated or standing up.  Again, a very flexible exercise. I do around 2-3 sets of 5 reps for this (8.6 kg baby, remember? Quite heavy!).

Cooling down takes place when Abby is asleep.  That’s when I try to get some work done or take a nap myself.

While my treadmill, badminton racket, weights and exercise videos gather dust in the bedroom, I can rest assured that I still get my fair share of cardiovascular exercise and weight training.  The best part of it all is that I can do it anytime, anywhere, it’s free and I have the best workout buddy of all…my little Abby! :)  While I may complain every now and then of the constant pain in my lower back, and while I may be far from my personal ideal weight, I am 100% sure that working out would never be as fun as it is now!

p.s.  Please consult your doctor before undertaking an exercise program. ;P