It doesn’t matter if you have toddlers or a newborn; leaving them at the house can be really frustrating. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss your gym session.
If you don’t want to hire a sitter all the time or there is no family member to take care of your baby, you may ask, can I take my baby to the gym? Or is there any rule that says I can’t? What’s the deal here?
Yes, you can take your baby to the gym if your gym allows for it. Gyms that provide child care are preferred. However, alternatives include wearing your baby, bringing a carrier inside the gym, or getting another parent as a gym partner.
Don’t worry; we are here to help. You will find all the tips and tricks regarding taking your kids to the gym without making any fuss.
We know you’re dying to know more. So let’s get started.
How to Go to the Gym With a Young Baby – Is That Even Possible?
Being a parent and finding time for the gym can be tricky. Here we put together 5 ways to take your baby to the gym.
Finding a Gym with Childcare
Okay, let’s discuss the easy way at first. For the most amazing experience, you can get a membership of the place with in-gym childcare. In this way, your baby will be happily playing with the toys and other kids, and you can workout without any worries – this is the
However, always make sure that the childcare is run by certified professionals and has a good reputation. You can talk to other parents about their experiences and have a conversation with the staff before making any decisions.
Some in-gym daycares can be a little expensive too. So your husband or wife may not see eye to eye when it comes to the payment.
Furthermore, you may not have good childcare in your local gym. But don’t worry, we will tell you about more options that you can try.
Wear Your Very Young Baby to the Gym
Well, this one can be an out-of-the-box idea, but if everything is in your favor, it can be your savior.
We all use Bjorn or other baby carriers to wear the kids and go for a long walk or shopping. So why can’t we do that for taking a baby to the workout space? This may be a good solution.
If you want to use the treadmill lightly for a small session, you can wear your baby on your body. However, don’t even think about doing strength training or weight lifting; which can be dangerous.
To do this, you have to ask your doctors first. If the doctor gives a positive sign, the next step is to check with the gym.
If your own gym allows you to do it, you can surely use the treadmill without any trouble. But most gyms don’t give you that permission.
Put Your Kid on the Car Carrier
If the gym allows you to take your baby inside, you can carry them on your car seat carrier or the stroller. And while exercising, you can let them sleep on the carrier and keep it around any machine. This way, you can do both strength and cardio workouts without any trouble.
However, while doing free weights exercise, you have to be careful. If the weight plate slips or any accidents happen, you won’t be able to save the day. Hence, be cautious around equipment if you try this method.
Look Out for a Baby-Friendly Fitness Class
When you don’t feel comfortable working out with your young children but still want to get fit, this method will work the best for you.
Some high-quality fitness clubs offer baby-friendly classes. You can choose them for the baby’s amazing development track and enjoy a workout simultaneously.
Get another Parent as a Gym Partner
If you are not okay with leaving your baby on the car seat carrier or wearing them, you can look for another mom or dad as your gym partner. This way, they can watch your baby in the waiting room when you’re on the floor, and you can wait with their babies to return the favor.
Things You Should Never Do If You Take Your Kids to the Gym
Now that we have told you the methods you can try, here are some things you should never do when you take your kids to the gym.
- To keep your baby relaxed, make sure you go to a gym that doesn’t play super loud music. It will run your baby’s nap time.
- Don’t leave your child alone around the equipment, even for a second. You don’t know what may happen in a breath, so you should be cautious about that.
- Before you decide to take your baby to the gym, ask a medical professional if it is okay or not. If the pediatrician is against it, you should follow their suggestion to be on the safe side.
- You should be careful taking your baby inside locker rooms if you feel the locker rooms aren’t too hygienic.
Alternatives of Gym You Can Try
If none of the methods are working for you and you can’t afford to pay for both a gym membership and pay sitter by the hour, you can try some alternatives too. They will be as effective as your gym sesh, so you can give them a try.
Getting Outdoors
When you can’t go to the gym, try going outdoors for a walk with your baby. You can push the stroller and complete a few laps without any issues.
Exercise at Home
Yes, making a home gym is also an option for you. You can always do some light cardio at home, go on a power walk or do bodyweight exercises such as pushups, planks, and sit-ups. In this way, you don’t have to leave your baby or hire help.
Go for Mommy and Me Classes
Mommy and Me classes provide tons of activities that help parents to bond with their children. And one of many activities is including young kids in the workout.
So for your baby’s educational purposes or fitness, you can join these classes without any hesitation. Furthermore, you will be able to socialize with other moms, which will help you to be a part of the community.
Wrap Up
So, Can I take my baby to the gym? Hopefully, you’ve learned a few tips.
If you want to get fit after having your little one, you don’t have to keep them aside. You can get in shape and have fun with your baby — you don’t have to choose just one option.
However, before you take your infant to the gym, make sure it has a top-notch surroundings. Otherwise, the baby’s growth will be hampered, and you don’t want that.
