Lose the Baby Weight Postpartum
Your body is a temple. We don't care if your boobs are hanging down to your ankles and your belly is a bowl of jelly—you created a baby in that bod and for that we (and everyone else on earth should) worship you. But temple or no temple, we totally get that you might be up for a little renovation these days. So read on for tips on how to tighten, tone and lose that baby weight. (Not that you're not looking fab just as you are!)
What You're Thinking: "Watch out skinny jeans, here I come!"
Baby Milestones
- Of course your baby is still the center of your universe, growing faster than a Chia pet, and becoming more gorgeous and irresistible every day, but this newsletter is all about YOU—because you, mama, are AWESOME!
Mommy Milestones
- First, get the good doctor's green light. You should always wait for the go-ahead from your health care provider before starting any postpartum exercise program. There's a good reason your doc probably asked to wait six weeks to resume any serious workout (and by "serious" we mean like half a squat ... and by "half" we mean there's a good chance you're not gonna want to get back up after you squat down). Be patient with yourself—you'll get there!
- Get baby in on the act. Can't put your baby down long enough to do a single sit-up? Don't! Include him in your workout! He'll make the cutest barbell around. We've got dozens of awesome, easy exercises for your abs and core, your back, chest and arms and, yes, your butt. And you can do them all with your baby in tow!
- Need some motivation from other moms? Sign up for a Baby Boot Camp class where you can meet other mommies and get in shape at the same time. It's so much more fun to shed the pregnancy pounds while gossiping about the latest episode of the Bachelor!
- Skip the diets. As tempting as it may be, now's not the time to restrict your calories. Your body needs nourishment right now, especially if you're breastfeeding. (Just whipping out the boob burns an extra 500 calories a day alone!) So focus on increasing your activity level instead of skimping on the carbs. Is that music to your ears or what?!
Home Front
Don't want to join a gym or go to an exercise class to get back into shape? It might not be necessary! One study actually found that people who exercise at home are more likely to stick with their fitness routines than people who work out somewhere else. So take that, gym membership!
Instead, you might consider turning your living room into a mini, baby-friendly fitness center. We've got some quick and inexpensive ideas. Read more ...
Everything you ever wanted to know...and were just about to ask...
Buy It:
Strollometer
Turn your walks in the park into workouts in the park.
Do It: Peekaboo Pushups
Entertain baby and tone your triceps all at once!
Share It: Baby Weight Debate
One mom's struggle with 25 too-familiar baby pounds.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: Month 6 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 7
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street, you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
report abuseTurn your walks in the park into workouts in the park.
Do It: Peekaboo Pushups
Entertain baby and tone your triceps all at once!
Share It: Baby Weight Debate
One mom's struggle with 25 too-familiar baby pounds.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: Month 6 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 7
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street, you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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