It’s the age-old question: will I still get back to my old pre-pregnancy size? The answer is of course, yes! The battle isn’t quite over yet as you are faced with a new set of obstacles – breastfeeding, erratic sleeping patterns, diaper changes and the baby’s colic. There are just so many issues to contend with, to top it off, you are stressed and trying to do three things at once.
Exercising after childbirth is such a necessity because not only do you want to look better, you would also want to feel better. You want to look at the mirror and look at yourself and feel happy in spite of the endless mommy duties. The main benefit of exercise, apart from losing the baby fat, is getting rid of postpartum syndrome, and to help heal the body from the laborious endeavor of pregnancy – and you would want to accomplish this within an 8 week time period. The sooner, the better!
There are a few simple ways to get rid of the post-baby belly in 8 weeks.
Walking
The simplest way of exercising without the hassle of bringing a stroller and a newborn is through walking. You can start with a stroll, or a slow paced walk. Don’t feel pressured to get back right away to your old jogger self. Walking is perfect especially if you have a stroller, and while baby is napping or on the bottle, take advantage by circling the park or just around the block. If you are breastfeeding, walking is perfect as you can just find a comfortable and private spot, breastfeed, then go back to your usual pace. You can also try later on walking in zigzag or walking backwards to strengthen your coordination and leg muscles.
Kegels
This exercise is best to strengthen bladder muscles and helps to fight incontinence. It also gain back the strength of pelvic floor muscles. The way to do this is to contract your pelvic muscles for 10 seconds and then release, doing this for a series of 10 times and then form the habit of doing this 3 times a day.
Abdominal Crunches
By doing simple sit-ups, even if you don’t manage to do it all the way, you help strengthen your core abdominal muscles. You can also try breathing all the way in, and then holding your breath for 3 seconds and then release.
Pelvic Tilt
The pelvic tilt is done by lying flat on the floor and lifting your head up, holding it for 20 seconds then release. This way, you are burning calories at the same time making your tummy muscles firm.
Baby Glider
Put your baby on your chest and put one foot forward. Bend that knee while you are carrying the baby, adding weight as you lunge. Repeat this 10 times on each leg. This exercise will help strengthen your leg muscles at the same time harness your core as you are supporting your balance and making sure that the baby is fully centered on your chest.
Baby Bouncer
This exercise is similar to the baby glider but to the side. Lunge to the side until your knees are totally bent. This exercise will help strengthen the muscles on your hips and help tone your abdominal muscles too.
Curls
Put your baby to your chest and bend your knees until you are in a squatting position. Do this 10 times and try to keep your balance. Be careful not to drop the baby!
Doing these simple exercises are fun and will help you multitask. If exercising involves your baby, it guarantees you from a continuous work out for at least 45 minutes a day. You are uninterrupted and the baby enjoys going up and down with you as you hold him to your chest.
When exercising, lactic acid is said to be produced more. This is why lactating mothers should hydrate before and after their workout.
If you should need your mommy alone time, try getting a gym membership. Affordable gym memberships in 24 hour Fitness (Guest Pass or Fees) and Anytime Fitness (Guest Pass or Fees), where you can squeeze in a short workout session or a quick use of the treadmill.
Getting back into shape after pregnancy and losing that post baby belly is not so hard to achieve. Mostly, it takes proper time management and keeping your fitness regimen a priority. Finding time to do these exercises should not be hard too, especially if baby is part of the workout. Also, going to the gym will give you breathing room away from the stresses that come with dealing with the newborn. If time would allow it, enroll in a yoga class. Yoga will certainly help with calming your nerves and will help you rejuvenate yourself for another day of hectic child-rearing.
Before losing the post baby fat, it must be clear that your body needs as much attention as the baby’s, and if this is clear, making time for an exercise routine is not so hard.