Have you heard of mommy and me workouts? If not, they are the perfect solution to wanting to help your body get a stronger bond with your baby at the same time. Yes, you can still workout with the baby at home.

(This post is sponsored by Comfort Design Mats and may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here. )

Workout with Baby At Home

After having Penny, I quickly realized how difficult it was to get things done. My time was (and is) no longer my time, especially in those early days. When I  started thinking about working out again, I felt like I was either too tired or didn’t have time. Also, I was feeding/pumping every two hours and between that and you know, eating and sleeping, there literally was no time.

But as taking care of her got a little easier I found a few pockets in my day I could work on building up my strength again. Notice I didn’t say “lose the baby weight” or “get to my pre-baby jeans” again. Please. We put way too much pressure on ourselves in that first year and I’m speaking from my own life.

But to want to get stronger and feel better about our health after having a baby? That is a worthwhile goal. However, finding the time can still be an issue. When Penny slept I tried to sleep or more likely, showered, loaded the dishwasher, folded laundry, etc.

I couldn’t figure out how to fit exercise into my day again until I realized I could work out WITH her. That’s when I came up with my own Mommy and Me Workout that I could do right in my home.

The great part about these exercises is you don’t need any extra weights. Your own bodyweight plus your little one is enough to give you a great workout.

While yoga mats are nice for a party of one they are just not big enough when working out with a baby. During a few of the exercises, Penny will sometimes get fussy but because we have hardwood floors in our house, it was not always possible to lay her down next to me. That is until I got a gorgeous Comfort Design Mat that function as play mats for babies and/or large mats for working out, but look like beautiful rugs!

I got the floral oasis playmat and it looks stunning in my bright and colorful sunroom. If you know me, you know I have an affinity towards pretty things and I love that this playmat is as pretty as it is functional. But if floral is not your style, don’t worry. They also have vintage damask, geometric, foliage, modern lattice, and tribal squares. There is a style for everyone.

Comfort Design Mats are also:

• nontoxic
• waterproof
• hypoallergenic
• BPA-FREE
• PVC-free
• Formamide-free
• phthalate-free
• odorless
• non-flammable,
• and a lot more.

It’s also several times larger than a normal yoga mat so I can lay or sit Penny on the ground while I finish my workout. She actually loves just watching me do funny moves. If she gets bored, I get out a few toys and she can crawl around me to her heart’s content.

When I’m done working out, I get down on the floor with her and we easily transition to playtime. It is also a dream to keep clean. My Roomba works great on it, but so does any transitional vacuum cleaner or just a broom. And – this is real life guys – my cat puked on it a few days ago and it was so easy to clean up.

But now it’s time to get to the workout!

DISCLAIMER: Please make sure you receive approval from your doctor first. Also, I’d recommend waiting until your baby can hold their own head up (about 3-4 months).

Workout with Baby at Home Routine

1.) Mommy and Me Squats + Press

To warm-up, I like to do 3 sets of 12 squats holding Penny out front. When I come up (make sure to exhale!) I press her above my head giving my puny arms a good warm-up too.

Muscles worked: This exercise will work your thighs, hips, quads, and butt as well as your upper and middle back, shoulders, triceps, and biceps.

2.) Mommy and Me Lunges

It’s time to focus more on those legs I do 3 sets of 12 on each side. You’ll be surprised by how much the extra weight of your baby gives your workout quite a boost.

Muscles worked: quadriceps, hamstrings, buttocks, and calves.

3.) Mommy and Me Bridge Lifts

I love bridge lifts. Not only do they work on your butt and glutes and I can do it while laying on my back? Yes, please. To modify this for the baby, simply sit him or her on your stomach as you lift your hips towards the sky. If your baby is anything like mine, they will find this very amusing. If not, no worries, set them down next to you. After all, the mat is plenty big for both of you.

Do 3 sets of 12 again.

Muscles worked: Glutes, abs, obliques!

4.) Mommy and Me Pushups

We’re going to give the baby a break here by placing them on the floor underneath us. If your little one is a newborn they can chill out comfortably on the cushy mat while you do 3 rounds of push-ups.

If your baby is crawling, then it’s the perfect chance for them to work on their little arms while you work on yours.

Muscles worked: Chest, shoulders, deltoids, triceps, and abs

5.) Pliés

3 sets of 12

Muscles worked:  quadriceps, hamstrings, buttocks, and calves.

6.) Baby Curl-ups

Muscles worked: Abs!

Do 2 sets of 20

7.) Put baby on the floor and do a few standing stretches. Then sit on the ground and stretch over your legs to try to touch your toes. Do whatever other stretches feel good.

Now it’s playtime! Do you workout with your baby?

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