This week we are celebrating International Babywearing Week. This week we are doing many events to show our love for babywearing in and around the community, in person and online. Monday we had a blast with our online scavenger hunt, Tuesday we learned something new from our Volunteer Babywearing Educators, and now for Wednesday we are going to Work It Out!
Now lets face it strapping extra weight, in some cases 30 or more pounds, can be a work out in and of itself. Doing everyday chores like sweeping, laundry, or even walking the dog will boost your burn by just wearing your snuggly baby. Be prepared as you may be distracted by your baby's cuteness, I consider this an added perk. Who doesn't love looking at their little one while being productive?
Exercises
Since babywearing is a type of prolonged weight bearing exercise it is important to remember proper form to prevent injury. Keeping our head, upperback,and tailbone in line to maintain the neutral spine position is key. Choosing a carrier that is well fitting and adjusted properly for mom and baby ,regardless of brand, is the vital component for wearing and exercising.
Walking benefits your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and strengthening your heart. The number of calories burned while wearing baby and walking depends on how much you weigh and the length of your workout. This is a easy way to work in exercise. Whether its taking a 15 minute walk after dinner or parking a little further away at the store this is a easy way to add some exercise to your day. Hiking adds in the extra work of rough terrain so this adds another level to moms workout experience. Be careful when hiking. Always go with a group, it's more fun that way too, an watch your step, there are all kinds of rocks, roots, and plants that could be a potential fall hazard.
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| Our hiking group at Ijams Nature Center this morning |
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| Rachel enjoys wearing while walking 5Ks |
Squats- This is one that we do on a daily basis and may not even notice. Bending at the knees instead of the waist is the safest way to pick up the toy that baby so generously tossed on the ground for you or grabbing something off the bottom shelf at the store. This goes for anyone wearing or non; squatting to pick things up takes pressure off of your lower back. Keep your back safe while working on your gluteus!
Babywearing while doing squats
Babywearing while doing squats
Side squats in a reinforced ruck
Lunges- Again working the lower body, an easy way to firm things up down there. Make sure when you are taking these lunges your body is staying mainly in an upright position to keep baby safe. If baby is on the front you may feel more comfortable putting your hands on baby's back and neck to help stabilize them during the movement.
Lunges in a reinforced ruck
Types of Exercise Programs
There are many exercise programs out there for mom and baby some are even made just for babywearing moms. When doing some research for this topic I came across a company called The Babywearing Workout, they incorporate safe easy exercises with the use of your baby and carrier. They refer to baby as "your little personal trainer". I don't know about you but I found this adorable.
Preview for The Babywearing Workout
Babywearing Yoga!
My favorite is probably this category. I love yoga for it's relaxing slow flow. I love it even more when there is a sweet snuggly baby to wear. Here are a few places to check out how to practice yoga while wearing.
This link is for a very straightforward ,and gorgeous, photo tutorial from Wrap Your Baby.com . http://wrapyourbaby.com/blog/2014/10/yinyang-babywearing-yoga-sequence/
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| Ashley practicing yoga while babywearing with her youngest at the park
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Short yoga flow video featuring an Ergo in the front carry position
Note: Do what feels comfortable for you and little one. Start slow and don't rush into moves your not comfortable with. Practicing without baby first is always a good option if you are still learning. Once you've mastered without baby then you can add the carrier and get a feel for it with some extra weight on your front or back.
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| BWI of Greater Austin held a yoga session to kick off motivation Monday |
Babywearing Zumba!
This high energy exercise has been all the rage over the past few years. It's lively music and upbeat energy makes this workout go by in a flash. Basically it is dancing with a group while wearing which is a perfect way to boost Mom's mood and energy levels. Several BWI groups around the nation offered Babywearing Zumba as a fun way to engage with their members for IBW.
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| BWI Grand Rapids Zumba class for all ages |
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| BWI of Grand Rapids celebrating IBW with a Zumba class! Babywearing Ballet
The most beautiful form of exercise, ballet. I have never been a ballerina but I do love watching the intricacies of how their feet and arms move in some sort of synchronization that I will never be able to attain. Let's just sit back a minute and watch these amazing babywearing mama's do their thing.
Plus the song rocks !
Just Dance!
I know several forms of dance have already been mentioned but there doesn't have to be any rhyme or reason to the way you "shake it". Just get out there! Wear, move and most importantly have fun!! All that movement with extra weight on the front or back can help burn more calories than you realize plus its a great way to bond with your little.
For your viewing pleasure, Happy- Babywearing from Poarta-ma
So many ways to work it out and babywear it is hard to choose what to do for the day. Luckily if you want to join in for our IBW fun we have an event tonight. We will be walking West Town Mall starting at 6:15pm (10/8/14). We would love to have you and your sweet littles join us for our leisurely stroll.
Happy International Babywearing Week 2014 from BWI of Knoxville!
Happy wearing and working out, Mamas!
Sarah
VBE and Co-leader of BWI of Knoxville
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