Sitting, nursing, sitting, feeding, sitting, cuddling, sitting... well, you get the idea. The first few months of baby’s life usually involves a lot of... sitting! Couple all that sitting with the postural deviations from pregnancy that don’t always sort themselves out after baby is born, and you’ve got a recipe for a tight back and legs. Before that tension turns into pain, or even a pull or strain, try this stretching sequence: begin with 1-2 minutes of jumping jacks, jogging on the spot or marching with high knees to warm up the legs. Next, with feet together, slowly bend forward as far as possible, allowing arms to hang and tucking chin tight into chest. Hold 30 seconds. With one hand on a chair or wall for balance, stand on right leg and cross left so ankle rests just above right knee; stick bum out behind you and squat. Hold 30 seconds on each side. Return to forward bend. Hold an additional 30 seconds. Repeat this sequence as many times per day as you like, and after walking with baby.
~ Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. With a decade under her belt, Dara now shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through Fit Family (fitfamily.ca) personal training and Belly Bootcamp (www.bellybootcamp.ca/) pre- and post-natal fitness. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family.
