Every new mom wants to get back in shape and what better way to do that than with baby in arms? If you've ever put on an exercise DVD only to have your baby wake up and need to be held, you'll appreciate this one made with babies in mind. Chicks-n-chickens Lullaby Exercises is a group of moms wearing their babies while working out to fun music. I had a chance to review this fun DVD/CD and even have one to give away.
The workout is easy to follow along with. Darcy teaches some country dancing type steps and makes it fun to move. The DVD starts out with a "groove" section and end with a "sleep" section of slow songs. All of the exercises can be done with your baby in a carrier or in your arms. If your baby falls asleep, you'll want to turn the dvd off before the end because when the credits roll upbeat music comes on a bit suddenly. Once you've learned the movements you can just put on the music CD and exercise anywhere you are.
Working out along with other moms and babies creates a fun sort of connection. The atmosphere on the DVD is relaxed and fun (maybe a little too relaxed? There is a baby crying through an entire song which is rather unnerving.) The moms are all cute and the set design is great. Check out their website to see a video clip. Lucy and Julia had fun dancing to the music and enjoyed watching the babies. Evidently Julia was paying attention because when I was putting on the DVD for a second time she said "Are they going to shovel?" Lucy explained that she meant "shuffle" and we all laughed.
I only did a few of the songs along with the DVD before tiring out (and this is not a hard workout). I definitely need to put this on regularly! I'm glad to have this fun easy way to get some exercise, especially since its hard to get outside in the Michigan winter. Exercise will not only help me get in shape but also lift my spirits and mood too. Props to mom Darcy Novo Albrecht for running with her idea and making a fun dvd!
Would you like a Chicks-n-chickens DVD/CD of your own? I'm going to run this giveaway a bit differently. I'd love to hear your creative ideas, questions, and suggestions for getting exercise while caring for a baby. Lets discuss this in the comments below. Any comment you leave is an entry to the giveaway and you can comment as much as you'd like as long as it makes sense and is part of the discussion. If there are already comments you'll want to read those before jumping in. Be sure to include your email address in one of your comments so that I can contact you. Check the button to have follow up comments emailed to you so that you can come back to this discussion again. I'll close the giveaway on March 20th at midnight. Lets get the discussion started...
*This giveaway is closed. Random.org chose comment#6, Wendi!*
Perfect since my baby never leaves my arm :) I squat down and give Ike kisses and count each one. Ike hears counting, loves his kisses and my legs burn.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... a couple of things my husband and I have tried: sitting down with the kids on the legs and then lifting our torsos and legs off the floor and balancing. It makes the abs burn. My husband also does push ups with the kids on his back.
ReplyDeleteI think I definitely need this DVD! I cannot get into a rhythm since having kid #3. Lately I've been doing 1-2 "girlie" push ups, while holding my almost 4 yr old on my back and my 7 mo old underneath me. Every time I go down, we give the baby a kiss. Makes the kids giggle every time, but I can't do more than a couple at a time.
ReplyDeleteI do jumping jacks in front of my daughter....she thinks it is funny and "dances" with me
ReplyDeleteykatrina at hotmail dot com
When my son was younger i'd keep him in the carrier and do an exercise video that had more dance type moves, it was fun. Now that he's older i'll lay on my back and lift him up and down to tone my arms. -Sonja dsnarvesen@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love pushing my kids in a stroller/jogger as I walk around the neighborhood, but in winter that seems to be hard here.
ReplyDeletewputzke@gmail.com
I, too, enjoy the jogging strollers. It allows me to get out and walk or run with Liam. He often asks if we can go running:) It's great to model healthy behaviors!...and all get some fresh air while doing it!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I do is hold them while on my big exercise ball. I can just bounce with an infant or have them sit on my lap while I lean back and forth to work my abs. They enjoy it and it's a workout.
ReplyDeleteI usually do the simplest thing, which is exercise while the kids are sleeping. But, I do sometimes work out with an exercise video while my 2 1/2 year old is awake. She loves running around me while I exercise. Sometimes she actually asks for me to exercise so she can watch and play along. It certainly makes things interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas everyone! I have no excuse not to exercise now, lol. Wendi - I have a friend who takes her little one to the mall and walks around it, I always forget about that, but its a great idea for still getting a walk in the winter!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, Christy! I was just going to post on here and ask if anyone does that b/c a friend of mine just told me about the mall! But, the only double stroller I have is the bike trailer kind. Do you think that's too big for the mall?
ReplyDeleteKarissa, I've done that, too. I prefer to get up early and exercise before everyone is up, but I can't seem to get out of bed before 7 AM these days.
Wendi, you could definitely get your stroller through the main areas of the mall. Its not a very busy mall, in fact its kind of deserted, lol.
ReplyDeleteI usually just put music on and dance with my granddaughter through the house to get some exercise
ReplyDeleteSamneneD@aol.com
So - another question for you ladies. How do you stay motivated to exercise? How often do you exercise and how do you keep yourself going? I'm exhausted after just a normal day, forget adding in exercise too!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I've yet to stick with something for more than a month. My goal is to exercise 3 days a week (with three kids, I just don't have enough free time for more than that). I was doing great for about 6 weeks, but then everyone in my family got sick and the Olympics started and I've yet to get my motivation back. Wish I had more to offer. My best friend's getting married in Sept, so I need to find some motivation SOON!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the same things. I try to exercise a couple times a week. i guess my motivation is that it makes me feel good, which in turn makes me a better momma and wife!
ReplyDeletedsnarvesen@hotmail.com
I think stroller walking in the mall is a great idea and as they get older just playing outside with them, kids love to be active.
ReplyDeleteWe have used the stroller for so very many, many walks. Not only does it let me get exercise, it also lets me introduce nature to my girls. One of the best ways for them to learn is to be outside.
ReplyDeletejewelsntreasures (at) yahoo (dot) com
Almost ready to close this! Any more inspirational thoughts about exercising? ;) Now that its getting to be nice weather, we'll definitely be taking walks and enjoying spring!
ReplyDeleteI used my kids as little weights lifting them up and down they would just laugh thanks eaglesforjack@Gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the discussion ladies! Congratulations Wendi!
ReplyDelete