With society getting busier and our time becoming increasingly more limited, it’s not surprising to hear individuals having trouble finding time to hit the gym. Now, include the addition of a new family member into the mix and it’s easy to believe that whatever free time you did once have is officially gone. But, I assure you that all hope isn’t lost.

Speaking from personal experience, my wife and I have been blessed with a beautiful 1-year-old baby girl named Alana. She is our pride and joy but let's just say those first few months were a physical, mental and emotional test like no other! So, how do you make the time to workout while raising a newborn? Here are a few tips and strategies that my wife and I used to make sure we stayed as active as possible.

Invest in Home Exercise Equipment

According to the latest IHRSA report, total fitness industry revenue was an estimated $94bn in 2018. For many families, thanks to the competitive industry, it simply doesn’t make financial sense to spend hundreds of dollars on gym memberships when workout equipment can be purchased at such an affordable rate. Combining the money saved from gym memberships with the time traveling to and from the gym, this creates a much higher probability of working out. 

Swapping Caregiver Duties

Having a spouse, friend or family member you can depend on is a large advance if you can set up an arrangement where one individual goes to workout while the spouse, friend or family member watch your newborn. Then you do the same in return. This will not only allow you to have some therapeutic time away, but it can create an accountability partner for each of you on your respective health goals.

Workout Where Available

When it comes to having a newborn, you have to workout wherever you can when you can. Is there a fitness facility close to your job where you can jump into a 30-minute class? If not, can you switch outfits and go for a quick jog on your lunch break? If you’re home, can you do a quick 20 minute home video routine while your baby naps? There are always options, the problem is when parents try to return to the same schedule they once had before becoming a parent. Once you become a parent, you will have no choice but to adopt a whole new routine and that’s perfectly fine!

From one parent to another, the reality is that if something is important to you, you will make the time for it. For many, performing endless amounts of cardio or lifting weights simply isn’t enjoyable so we must first strive to engage in activities that motivate us to begin moving. But, it must not be ignored the importance of getting a good amount of rest when you can due to the negative effects that stress and lack of sleep can cause towards body composition goals. If you are chronically fatigued, you will be fighting an uphill battle so the priorities must remain on nutrition first and rest second.

For more wellness tips and strategies for busy adults, please visit CoachTaz.com.

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Taylor “Coach Taz” Rodriguez, certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach, is Owner and Head Coach of Taz Fitness & Nutrition. Taz Fitness specializes in workouts and meal planning for busy adults to help them feel more athletic and improve the overall quality of life despite their time restraints. He provides personal training and coaching services in Volusia County, including to those in Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and beyond. To read more about his experience, to begin coaching with Taylor, or to request a free consultation, contact us today.

Benefits of Chiropractic care for new moms/infants

A recent study by Viola Frymann demonstrated that 90% of newborns suffered the effects of birth trauma.  A study by Gutmann examining more than 1,000 infants concluded that approximately 80% had some form of nerve dysfunction. This is of utmost importance, since 65% of neurological development (brain and nerve system) occurs in a child’s first year. During this crucial time, it is vital that the nerve system be healthy so the child can grow and develop to her potential.

What can cause birth trauma?

• Very short labor
• Very long labor
• Failure of the cervix to dilate
• Use of Pitocin to strengthen/induce uterine contractions
• Use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Cord around baby’s neck
• Cesarean delivery (due to lack of progress)
• Pulling or twisting on the head to deliver the infant’s body

What can nerve dysfunction from birth trauma look like?

• trouble breathing
• reflux/frequent spitting up
• irritability/colic
• difficulty nursing (impaired sucking/swallowing or head positioning)
• balance issues
• sleeping difficulty
• delayed developmental milestones

Chiropractic care can be effective in easing the transition into the post-partem world for both mom and baby.  Ensuring they are both receiving adequate, quality sleep, are forming a healthy breastfeeding relationship, and are as relaxed and stress-free as possible are just some of the reasons to have both mom and baby’s nervous systems evaluated and treated.  

Source: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/