Are there any good arm exercises for building up strength to tote the baby around?
“A ‘rowing’ motion is probably the best postpartum upper-body exercise out there. It strengthens the rhomboids, lats and rear delts, which helps with posture and alleviates upper-back pain. It will also tone up the biceps,” says O’Brien. If you don’t have access to a rowing machine, get some exercise bands or tubes. “They can be used for virtually any body part. Loop the tube through a stable object such as a staircase or fence. Sit and do rows for upper-back and arm strength. Stand on the tube to do bicep curls,” says Druxman. How do I deal with a baby and try working out — it seems overwhelming? “A new mom should schedule her workouts like she does her kid’s doctor’s appointments,” says O’Brien. You can also buy or rent fitness DVDs, take long walks, do yoga while your baby sleeps. It’s about setting priorities. Should a new mom walk with the baby in a sling or BabyBjorn? “It should not pose much risk to a new mom’s back, but she shouldn’t overdo it,” says Wider. However, beware of y
