Becoming a mother definitely adds plenty of physical activity to your life. It seems you’re constantly bending, lifting, carrying and moving. But maybe you feel that you don’t have time for “real” physical fitness. After all, you don’t even have time to sit still for a few minutes, so how can you find time for exercise?

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You probably are anxious to get back in shape and back into your normal clothes after months of wearing maternity tops and dresses while you were pregnant. There is a lot you can do simply by exercising with your baby.

Dancing to your favorite music is a great way to incorporate movement into your life. With your baby in a sling, or simply holding your baby and swaying to music, you will comfort your baby, help him or her begin to appreciate music, and burn some extra calories.

If you gently lift your baby up and down, perhaps adding vocalization or nursery rhymes , you not only interact with your baby, but you’ll strengthen your upper body , and your workout will become gradually more demanding as your baby grows.

A good stroller is a new mom’s best friend. Babies love going out on walks, even in chilly weather as long as they are adequately clothed. The fresh air is good for both of you, as is a change of scenery. If you can afford one, a jogging stroller is very comfortable for babies due to the larger wheels, and is very comfortable for moms, too, because it cuts down on vibrations. You don’t have to actually jog with a jogging stroller. It will work just as well to help you have a good brisk walk. And if you enjoy yourself, you’re more likely to keep up with it.

Babies love to imitate movements and sounds. Even sitting on the floor playing, you can add some silly movements for your baby to imitate. You’ll probably also make him or her laugh, and is there anything more wonderful than the sound of a baby laughing?

Exercising with a new baby isn’t a piece of cake. After all, you’re probably overwhelmed with taking care of the basic tasks of life that seem to grow exponentially once a baby is included. But you can add short stretches of fitness into your everyday routine without having to find a sitter or join a gym. Every little bit helps, so give it a try!