It’s easy to make excuses for why we don’t exercise. Especially as new mothers, the daunting tasks of finding a sitter or fitting a class into a busy schedule make it seem too difficult and not worth the hassle. But there are several exercises you can do with your baby, right on your living room floor. Once you learn how to incorporate your baby into your exercise, a half an hour of playtime is transformed into an effective workout,\ and before you know it you will be making big advances toward your fitness goals. (Score!)

Try these four fun exercises, excerpted from Baby Weight, to give you a feel for it:

Photo: Baby Weight Book

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Boat Pose

Kids love this pose, infants and toddlers alike! Sitting tall with your knees bent, hold onto your thighs, roll your shoulders back and down and lift one foot then the other off the floor to make the shins parallel to the floor. Try to release your hands from the thighs while keeping the feet up and shoulders back, holding the pose for 3 to 5 slow, deep breaths. Your baby can be facing you with her back on your thighs or facing away with her back on your tummy. A bigger baby or toddler can be supported on your shins for real challenge!

Do you find time to exercise with baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

25 Things to Do With Baby

Mommy and Child Exercise DVDs

10-Minute Workouts While Baby Naps

Maternity-fashion-guru, Liz Lange, lets us in on her favorite celeb looks to steal during each time of year.

Photo: PopSugar

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Summer: Claire Danes

“One of my favorite summer pregnancy looks of all time was Claire Danes at the 2012 Emmy Awards. She rocked effortless elegance in a canary-yellow strapless Lanvin dress. The color screams summer and looked amazing on her. She was seven months pregnant, and she looked better than many of the non-pregnant celebs on the carpet.”

The takeaway: Don’t be afraid to sport a bright color as the temperature rises.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Tips for Finding Comfortable Maternity Clothes

Sneaky (and Cheap) Ways to Stretch Your Wardrobe Throughout Pregnancy

10 Must-Have Maternity Fashions