The Front Pack Workout:
Exercising with a Baby Carrier

must-have for every new mom is a front pack carrier. These handy holders let mom carry baby around and keep her arms free. Baby loves the motion and being close to mom and she loves the freedom. What moms might not realize is that that same carrier can also be a great workout. Because baby’s weight is evenly distributed, it adds a functional “weight” to the workout.

Let’s turn that baby weight into a weight-loss workout!

Posture, Posture!
Before we begin your workout, let’s talk posture. The only downside we can find with a front pack carrier is that it can wreak havoc on your posture. New moms already suffer from posture problems aggravated from feeding, picking up baby, car seats, and more.

The best way to use a baby carrier is to focus on stretching the chest area and strengthening the upper back. When wearing the carrier, regularly contract your shoulder blades, bringing them together as if you were squeezing a pencil. Keep shoulders down and back, and the neck long and relaxed.

Plie Squat
A plie squat is a gym favorite for shaping thighs and lifting derrieres. This exercise works the quads, hamstrings, inner thighs, and glutes. Normally, you hold a dumbbell or barbell in this exercise to add to the intensity. Here, you add the weight of your baby.

• With baby in carrier, stand with feet wide, toes turned out at a comfortable angle.

• Pull abdominal muscles in flat to support your back and the baby.

• Slowly lower down until your thighs are near parallel to the floor, keeping knees and toes in alignment.

• Slowly squeeze thighs and glutes until you’re back to start position.

• Repeat for 1-3 sets of 12-16 repetitions, with a 20-30 second rest between sets.

The heavier the baby, the harder the workout. To add variety and intensity, hold your squat in the lowered position and do some controlled pulses. Baby will love the light bounce and your bottom will love the workout.