Any tips for how a new mom can get energy to excercise?

Pun intended - take baby steps! Start by just going for a short walk around the block with your baby. Or, if that seems like a lot, seriously just make it a goal to put on your tennis shoes, that's it. Sounds silly, but I mean it. Little steps lead to bigger steps.

My doctor wrote me a 'prescription' to start small, and to be grateful for and celebrate every small step. I framed it!

Congratulations on your new baby girl!!

Edit - maybe I misunderstood the question - like how do you find the time - I haven't been a mom. But maybe this possibly helps anyway.

Oddly enough, for me, I think the key is to just do it, whether you feel like you have the energy or not. It will help you to feel good and give you more energy at the same time.

It takes 2 weeks to set a habit, so just make a deal with yourself to set aside a little chunk of time to get the ball rolling. Good luck!

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl!!

I have a just turned 2 year old son and an almost 9 month old daughter so I understand what you are going through

I have found that the best time for me to exercise is when they are in bed. I do the 30 Day Shred (20 min) and it gives me good results.
If I were you, I'd exercise when your little one is napping. (the housework can wait, haha).

Like the other person said, going on walks with your baby is a great way to start! it's great for you and great for the baby (plus who doesn't love all the adoring looks you get?? haha)

All the best and good luck!

syd,
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! I know how you feel. I have a beautiful daughter too, who is now (gasp) 18 months old. (time has just flown by!)

For myself, I was so wrapped up in her, nursing, doing my best for her, that I felt like I was only surviving for a long time. I started back at work part-time when she was 10 weeks old, and it was really tough to balance everything. For a long time, my biggest focus was nursing, then it was how to introduce her to solid foods. It took me a long time to start thinking about me, and what I needed beyond just basic sleep. My daughter was over a year old before I was able to make the commitment to regular/scheduled exercise. In looking back, it was the right decision for me, and I don't regret it. That first year is SO very precious and goes by so quickly. I feel proud to know that I gave my daughter everything I could during that important and very special time.

So, I guess what I'd like to say is: you may not be ready. Don't push it, if it doesn't feel right in your heart. Feel proud and enjoy this time.

But if it DOES feel right to you, and you feel ready, then I agree with heykatieben. Take baby steps. For me, it made a huge difference to do active/physical things with my daughter: go for a walk with her in the stroller, put her in a backpack and take a walk/hike, put her in a baby carrier when you do house work or go grocery shopping (believe me, carrying around the extra weight is a great workout!). It all adds up. Start with one little thing. Maybe commit to taking a walk with her, once or twice a week. Whatever feels easy/fun to you.

Good luck! I'm rooting for you! Friend me if you like for support.
- Judith

Judith: I am not sure if I am ready to start a whole exercise regime and that may be part of the problem. I am not nursing (tried but was not prepared for how hard that was!) but I take care of my daughter with no help. I moved to Guam to be with my husband who is in the Navy but he isnt home a lot and I have no family out here so it is tiring. I think my plan right now is to do what I can and as I get more used to being a mother I will be able to do more. I have no patience with myself so I should probably work on that too. Thank you for your advice

SO happy to hear that you were able to realize how you are feeling. I would also suggest that you consider finding any other MFP members that are located in Guam. My guess is that you are not the only person going through this same experience and you may find great ideas and advice from others that live where you do. Best of luck to you on being a momma and blessings to and your husband for keeping our country safe!

I know it seems like we have no energy for exercise after caring for baby but I have found when I do exercise I have SO much more energy to care for my children. I have a 7 year old, 5 year old, 4 year old, and 6 month old. Every time I feel sluggish I push myself to get up and start moving. I feel a ton better every time and am glad I did it! My husband was also in the Navy and I have always lived away from family. It's hard to juggle the kids and take care of yourself... that is how I put on the weight in the first place. He is out now but still travels a ton for his work and we live across the country from family. Keep telling yourself you CAN do this you are so strong! Good luck!

I love working out, but after my son I didnt have the motiviation to work out at home. I made..and continue to make, a habit of first thing in the morning, I feed my son and start packing up to go to the 9am cardio classes. The classes are like a date you dont want to miss...people of all shapes sizes and ages motivating eachother. I get it done in the morning before I can come up with reasons not to. They have childcare there so my son who is now almost 2, goes there and plays. This way, I feel its as good for him to get out and be around other kids for an hour as it is for me to be around other adults with common goal.
I love it! Mon-fri I do the 9am class so each days the classes are different. Keeps me from getting bored.
Good luck!