Lose Weight and Get Back into Shape After Pregnancy

Losing weight after having a baby is a challenge. You are exhausted. Your back is sore from packing around your baby all day. You don't seem to have a minute to yourself. Fitness may be the last thing on your mind.

It should be the first thing you do for yourself after you get your doctor's OK. You will feel more energetic. Once you get a little stronger, lifting your baby all day long won't be as challenging. Your back pain will lessen. Regular exercise will make you sleep more soundly. Those few hours of sleep you do get will be deeper and more replenishing.

The best exercise to start with is walking. Walking is great for new moms because you can get a cardio in while your baby naps. Get a good jogger stroller and get moving. Pushing a stroller while you walk at a brisk pace is a good cardio exercise. To progress, walk in a hilly area or start jogging. If you get one you can attach to a bike, you can begin biking when you get a little fitter.

When you feel ready to start strength training, pilates is a good place to start. Pilates will strengthen those all-important core muscles. It is the best exercise for flattening the tummy. It improves posture so you look leaner and taller. It will diminish your neck and back pain.

Pilates is nice because you work your core muscles without " crunching" movements that are hard on your neck. It actually feels good on your back while you are doing it. Moves like rolling like a ball are especially soothing to your entire back.

When my kids were babies, I would pop in a pilates DVD after I put them to bed, no matter how tired I was. I would do as much as I could. Some nights I could only do a few exercises before I dragged myself off to bed. It always made me feel better to do a little. Consistency is the key. A few minutes a day is better than nothing.

Your back, neck and shoulders are probably sore from tending to your baby. Constantly bending to pick him up can lead to back pain. All that rounding over can lead to poor posture.

Yoga can help. There are classes and DVDs that you can do with your baby. Or you can take a break, get a sitter and go to a class. Yoga can be a relaxing and rejuvenating break from your baby.

The hardest part of getting back into shape is trying to find the time. Remember that in the beginning, you don't need very much time at all. Every little bit helps so squeeze it in whenever you can. It will take time to get your figure back. Be patient and don't rush it. Be consistent and you'll be back in shape sooner than you think.