Raising Babies Does a Body Good
I always wanted to have muscular arms but was too lazy to go to the gym. Now, I get a workout every day, like it or not, lifting my 30-pound son.
I didn't have the luxury of easing into a rigorous exercise program the same way I would if I went to a gym, using those little dinky 5-pound weights. No, my son entered this world at almost 10 pounds and he keeps gaining weight.
My arms never had such definition, such strength. I'm amazed when I look at them.
My legs are more toned, too. With all that strain on the upper body I make sure to use my legs to help balance my weight so I don't strain my neck or back.
My technique works well on most days. But when Hendrick begins to twist and squirm in my arms, as he is prone to do, I forget about proper back support and contort my body in whatever position is necessary to keep him from hitting the floor.
One day, an older lady who saw me struggling to hold Hendrick, who turned 18 months today, shook her head and said I've got to use my stomach muscles. "What?" I snorted silently, as I passed him from hip to hip. "Is she serious?"
She was. And she was right. Now my abs are firmer, too.
Who knew raising babies could do a body so much good? And there's no expensive gym membership required to keep up this routine. My son's happiness is all the motivation I need.
Of course, it's getting harder as he gets bigger. But I'm trying to stretch every day and stay in shape in other ways so that my body can handle the rigors of child rearing.
Maybe pregnancy prepares you for all the heavy lifting required. I missed out on that experience, so I couldn't say. But, if I was smart, I would have pumped those 5-pounders in the weeks before Hendrick's arrival so that my underworked muscles had a hint of what was coming.
If I just keep my diet under control - and drink plenty of low fat milk, of course! - I can have the body I always wanted. That is, when I was single and worried about every unflattering buldge sticking out of my jeans.
Who has time to worry about such things now?
I didn't have the luxury of easing into a rigorous exercise program the same way I would if I went to a gym, using those little dinky 5-pound weights. No, my son entered this world at almost 10 pounds and he keeps gaining weight.
My arms never had such definition, such strength. I'm amazed when I look at them.
My legs are more toned, too. With all that strain on the upper body I make sure to use my legs to help balance my weight so I don't strain my neck or back.
My technique works well on most days. But when Hendrick begins to twist and squirm in my arms, as he is prone to do, I forget about proper back support and contort my body in whatever position is necessary to keep him from hitting the floor.
One day, an older lady who saw me struggling to hold Hendrick, who turned 18 months today, shook her head and said I've got to use my stomach muscles. "What?" I snorted silently, as I passed him from hip to hip. "Is she serious?"
She was. And she was right. Now my abs are firmer, too.
Who knew raising babies could do a body so much good? And there's no expensive gym membership required to keep up this routine. My son's happiness is all the motivation I need.
Of course, it's getting harder as he gets bigger. But I'm trying to stretch every day and stay in shape in other ways so that my body can handle the rigors of child rearing.
Maybe pregnancy prepares you for all the heavy lifting required. I missed out on that experience, so I couldn't say. But, if I was smart, I would have pumped those 5-pounders in the weeks before Hendrick's arrival so that my underworked muscles had a hint of what was coming.
If I just keep my diet under control - and drink plenty of low fat milk, of course! - I can have the body I always wanted. That is, when I was single and worried about every unflattering buldge sticking out of my jeans.
Who has time to worry about such things now?
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