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Expert Q&A

	By Aneema Van Groenou, M.D. General Medicine

What's an exercise I can do to get in shape and have a little fun with my baby?

Babies love water – probably because they emerge from the watery uterus and are born with a "dive reflex" that helps them hold their breath underwater (it is automatic until about 6 months of age). Warm water is comfortable and supported paddling is good exercise for the little one – some babies even learn to swim before they crawl. Baby and Mom/Dad swim classes are a terrific way to encourage your child to explore the environment.

Water aerobics is a good low-impact workout for you, too, since the water offers resistance without straining your joints. Water exercise also helps tone pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that control the flow of urine) to prevent long-term problems with incontinence (leaking urine), improves circulation and prevents varicose veins.

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