For many Moms getting back into a workout routine after their baby is born is very difficult. We are working under a brand new set of circumstances that have thrown our previous schedules for doing just about anything down the drain. We are running on fumes from sleepless nights, we’re leaking from odd places, and sometimes just getting dressed for the day is a fete in itself.
But if you are among the multitude of Moms that are longing for their pre baby body and are ready to get busy, we’ve got some tips for you!
Losing that baby weight is like losing any weight that is stubborn and just doesn’t want to come off. Do a combination of cardio work and strength training to achieve maximum results, you’ll tone up while dropping those lbs.
The best way to do this is through interval training. Running for hours on the treadmill is not exciting and the motivation to do it will most likely not come. Punch it up with intervals of running combined with strengthening exercises. A few examples of this would be set a distance ( 2 miles) and do run/walk combo. Run 1 mintue, walk 1 minute. If this seems too challenging just shorten the intervals to 30 seconds running and 1 minute walking. You can also set a time limit, for example do the run/walk combo for 20 minutes. When finished with that do 3 to 5 rounds of all of these exercises, 10 to 20 repetitions depending on your fitness level.
For strength-training, start with push-ups, squats, lunges, crunches or sit ups and lying back extensions. Planks are great at developing your core, it’s there somewhere! Do 10 planks from your elbows at 8 seconds each, resting only 2-5 seconds in between each plank.
Kegals. You must do them! This may be one of the areas that you don’t necessarily think about when getting back into shape but it’s still just as important, and their easy to do! Do them while driving, sitting in car pool, standing in line at the grocery store or just anytime you think of it. If you’re coordinated, do them while you exercise too.
Just remember to start out slow, and make sure to get the green light from your Dr before starting back on any type of exercise program. Getting on a plan now might just get you back in that swimsuit before summer, not to mention all of the added energy you will have to deal with your little bundle of joy!
