Mommy Workout Wednesday: Sliding Abs with Baby

If you’re aiming to tone and tighten your abs post-baby, this exercise is perfect for you. It’s a great way to target those stubborn lower abs while having fun doing it! This exercise is best to perform with an older baby who can sit up on his own. If your baby is still too young to self-support, use a dumbbell instead.

Start by sitting in a straddle position on the floor with your baby in front of you, at an arms length distance, facing toward you. Seat your baby on cardboard or a material that slides easily on your floor’s surface.

To begin, reach forward from your waist, keeping your back straight and slowly pull your baby closer to you. As you pull, use only your abdominals to bring your baby towards you (don’t pull with your arms). Then, slowly push your baby back out, again using just your core muscles and not your arms. Your back should stay straight throughout the exercise. Repeat for 15 repetitions.

Note: The slower the better with this exercise. Not only does the slow movement further engage your core, but it is also safer for moving your baby. If your baby is new to sitting up, hold your baby’s waist while performing the exercise and gently slide your baby this way for extra support.