Mommy and Me

Bond with your baby and get a workout, too!

Sure, it’s important to find time to exercise after the birth of your baby. But it can be hard to tear yourself away from the amazing new being in your life. Mary Beth Knight, creator of the MommyMuscle Restore The Core DVD and a mother of two, designed the following workout so that you don’t have to choose between spending time with your baby and getting rid of that post-baby belly.

“Working out with your baby creates a bonding experience between you and establishes a foundation for lifelong healthy habits,” says Knight. “This workout incorporates learning and stimulation for your baby through ball play, singing and counting, while giving you a challenging workout right at home.” The moves are designed to help get rid of the “pooch” that pregnancy leaves behind by focusing on the deep abdominal muscles.

You can do this workout every other day, but wait six weeks after delivery before starting; if you’ve had a Cesarean section, wait eight weeks or until your incision has completely healed. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning it or any other exercise program.

The Basics

• Warm up Put on your favorite music, pick up your baby and dance around the room for five minutes. Or, warm up with a walk (see “Baby Steps,”).
• The moves You will need a mat or blanket big enough for you and your baby, as well as a small, soft ball. During the workout, interact with your baby by singing, counting or playing with the ball as you do the moves. Repeat each move 4 times, working up to 10.
• Cool down Lie on your back with your baby at your side. To stretch your lower back, hug your knees into your chest and rock from side to side. Breathe deeply and pause at each side for 10 to 30 seconds. Sit up and take a moment to breathe slowly while holding your baby.

Exercises That Slim Down your Belly

Exercises that Slim Down your Belly

You have to do a lot of different types of exercises to tone down belly fat. You have to do cardio, crunches/ab work and some weight lifting. You also need to vary what you do so that your muscles don't get accustomed to the routine you are doing.

Pelvic Work - the pelvic thrust

Lie on your back, knees bent and your arms lying naturally at your side. As you exhale, bring your pelvis up and tilt it toward the sternum. It's important to keep your lower back on the floor. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, inhale and let your buttocks gently down. As far as repetitions, do between 10 and 25 depending upon the kind of shape you're in for 3 sets.

Another lower abdominal workout gem entails assuming the same starting position with the knees bent. This time lift those knees up and bring them in with control engaging that lower belly to do so. Bring your legs back down and tap those toes on the floor. For a more advanced version, lift your hips up as well when those knees are hovered above your sternum (knees remain at a 45 degree angle throughout), then drop it and bring the toes to the floor.

Exhale on the way up and use the ends of the fingertips to press the floor and keep the movement in the right direction for lower belly targeting like as already discussed in part 1. To add resistance and make it even harder, cross one leg over the other and perform the same sequence. You’re going to want to do 3 sets of these and as far as reps, see how many you can do the first time before muscle exhaustion and use that as a target for the consecutive sets. Fifteen is a good goal and the slower you work, the harder it will be, meaning getting to muscle fatigue quicker.