It is going to be challenging for dads to continue working out with a newborn.
With an abundance of late nights, little sleep, and continual babysitting, it is hard to find any time to devote to your body and your health.
The ‘key’ to exercising and working out with a newborn is to create small pockets of time throughout the day to get your fitness in.
A loss of free time and the constant care of another is draining for a new father, especially if this is number 1.
You need to buckle up, set a schedule and stick to it.
Any time you find some free time, you need to get some exercise.
For the next 4 years of your life, you are going to be constantly needed.
As a dad, use these tips to find time to work out with a newborn.
How to Work Out with a Newborn (for Dads)
Tip #1 Workout with Your Child
If you must hold your baby, you still have a chance to stay in shape and do some squats and lunges.
Mix in different variations such as the sumo squat, side lunge and curtsy lunge.
Your newborn may appreciate the movement, keeping them distracted and quiet.
Tip #2 Do Cardio with Your Newborn
You don’t have to stay home with your newborn.
Take them outside and get your workout in.
Put them in the stroller and go for a walk, jog, or run.
Once they get a bit bigger, strap them to the front or back of your body and take them for a hike.
Tip #3 Work Out at Lunch
If you cannot find time to workout at home, workout at lunch.
It is the perfect time to get a quick workout, shower, and recharge.
You do not need to take an hour to eat.
Just eat at your desk throughout the day as you are doing your work.
Tip #4 Utilize your Free Time
Even though you may not think you have anytime, you most certainly do.
Utilize the free times when you wake up, before bed, and when you are watching tv.
Instead of just sitting there, jump on a stationary bike or elliptical and watch your Netflix video.
Tip #5 Work Out Next to your Newborn
The last way a dad can get a workout with a new baby is to just exercise when the baby is laying on the floor playing by itself.
You can do a bodyweight workout next to the baby.
Just make sure you are extra careful with body positioning and weights.
Tip #6 Work Out on the Weekends
If you can’t find time to work out during the week, try to get a couple full body workouts in on the weekends.
You can have your spouse or mom watch the newborn baby for a couple hours while you sweat it out at the gym.
Find a friend that can stop by every so often to watch the child.
Utilize the resources you have, and you will easily find extra time to get your workout in.
Summary: How to Work Out with a Newborn (for Dads)
Even though a new dad may feel overwhelmed and exhausted throughout the day, it’s still necessary to get a good workout in, even if it’s spread out. You owe it to yourself and your newborn to stay healthy and fit. Do your strength or cardio workout with your child whether you are squatting or jogging. Mix in a lunch workout or bike in front of the tv. There are multiple times throughout the week where you can get some exercise in to help you stay in shape as a dad. Even though you may be tired, you need to push through and keep your body in tip-top shape.