There are some amazing advantages to an at-home barre workout. For mothers of young children, one of the greatest attractions of that type of workout might well be the fact that it's a low-impact workout that can easily be performed by a woman who hasn't been giving it her all for the past several months. Consider a ballet barre for your home so that you can enjoy a fantastic workout while still keeping your baby close to you.
Step One: Choosing a carrier
If you're going to be wearing your baby throughout a workout, you want to know that they'll be supported securely without putting undue strain on you. A soft-structured carrier designed for heavy use, like an Ergo or Tula, might be your best choice--or, if you're already wrapping your baby, take the time to check out some secure wraps that will keep them cuddled close to you throughout your routine. Make sure that you choose a carrier (or method of carrying) that has your baby facing in, toward your chest. This will prevent unnecessary stress on both your body and baby's.
Step Two: Choose your time.
If you're going to be working out with your baby, you want baby to be comfortable--that is, dressed so that they won't get too warm, even in the carrier--and peaceful. Don't try to cram in a workout right before baby will want to eat. Instead, put baby up shortly after a feeding. Right before nap time is an awesome time for a babywearing workout. Often, the gentle bouncing movement will put baby right to sleep. With time, you'll learn how to transfer baby from carrier to bed without waking them--or enjoy the snuggles while your hands are free for other tasks.
Step three: the moves.
Obviously, the movements for a barre workout with your baby are a little bit different from the ones that you'd perform on your own. Squats and plies (especially using the barre for support and to make sure that you're keeping your posture correct) are an excellent starting place. Mix up plies and releves--that will keep you moving and adding strength and muscle. The extra weight of your baby will help add resistance that grows with you. As your baby grows, you'll get stronger, until it's nothing to do squats or plies without your baby attached to your body.
Add in some leg lifts. Rest one hand on the barre to help you keep your balance and lift your leg to the front, back, and sides--then switch. This will help improve your core strength and tone your thighs beautifully. Remember, you might not be able to go as high with your baby as you can alone. That's okay! You're building even more strength and endurance.
Feel free to mix in any moves that work for you--passes, attitude presses, and other moves that you've used in the past. Just make sure that your posture is good and that baby is well-supported, and before you know it, your baby will be dancing along beside you while you perform a much more complicated workout.
Contact us with all of your ballet barre needs, as no matter what your space requirements, we have a barre that will suit your home.
