Getting Back into Shape After Giving Birth

To prepare for birth, it's only natural you gain some weight so that those extra calories can go toward feeding your baby. But after you've given birth, the fat sticks around, like it or not. So here's where you have to start working to get back in shape after your pregnancy. First of all, just because you're no longer giving birth you'll be more active in the home and outside; this is a good start. It's best to start with light exercise and then after a few weeks have passed and you feel ready, go into slightly more demanding routine. In far more detail, here are the top ten tips you need for losing weight after giving birth.

Take Your Baby Through the Park
Taking your baby through the park is a great way to exercise and lose weight during your post-pregnancy. Your baby will grow with a strong sense of nature and will love the fresh air. And even better, you won't even notice how fast the time will fly. When my mom used to roll me around in the park, as she has told me many a time, she said she could go on for around two hours without even knowing. Walking around while pushing a cart for that long will make you lose your pregnancy weight in no time, especially if you can do it routinely.

Take the Long Cut
You're going into the mall and there's an escalator and a staircase. While most of us would prefer to take the escalator, it's better that you take the staircase. Although it might not seem like a lot, taking the stairs as a habit will definitely have an effect in the long run. When losing weight, start with small things, like taking the stairs instead of escalators or elevators.

Change Your Diet
Basically, you're no longer feeding two people once you've given birth. This means its time to cut those calories because your body doesn't need as much as it used to, no matter how much it thinks it does (and it will definitely want more). With self-control, you can slowly eat less and throw some more vegetables into your diet. But don't go rushing to lose weight either; in actuality, it's unhealthy if you don't make the process gradual.

Go Swimming
No need for some tiresome, strenuous laps in the deep end. Rather, simply spending an hour a day in the water ends up being great for your health if you are even slightly active. Chat, take a short lap, walk around: everything you do in the pool will help you lose weight. If you have a membership to a recreational center, use it and spend an hour a day in their pool.

Lift Weights
Your muscles have been out of commission for a while now; that's normal. But, it's about time to put them back into business. You don't have to start a rigorous regiment and raise your weight by the week, but start with low weights and gradually go up. Don't worry about benching or anything if you're just trying to lose weight. Simple light weight dumbbell resistance can give your figure shape after going through pregnancy.

Check in With Your Local Gym
Often times, your local gym has specific programs for women who have just given birth. You should check to see if they do because, while they can be more expensive, this is the most efficient way to losing those extra pounds quickly.

Never Skip Meals for a Diet
This is probably one of the worst things you can do for your body, whether or not you just gave birth. In fact, if you don't eat breakfast, for example, your body will just take more calories from your lunch meal (because in actuality, it never uses them all). However, your meals aren't balanced and this can be unhealthy for your body. Don't think skipping meals is dieting. If you have to, eat less food more often (more than three meals a day is okay!).

Go on a Jog
After you're done walking and strolling around with your baby, you can pick up the pace a bit. Use that old, forgotten treadmill in your basement or take a few laps around the block. Don't rush yourself because this kind of stress can be bad for your body, but go at a nice, comfortable pace. Routinely doing this, no matter how fast you go, will burn calories and fat faster than you expect.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
When you exercise, your body gets rid of a lot of water through exhalation or sweat. It's important to restore this water by drinking it all back (water is your primary choice over other drinks, but definitely no sodas). This is even more important if you're breastfeeding, so make sure you hydrate well.

Do Some Situps
While they're not the best method, compared to running and walking, to actually burn the weight, situps are the best way to create a strong core of muscle underneath the skin. Without doing situps, you'll never have the same shaped stomach like you used to. Situps won't necessarily make you lose all the weight you want, but combined with running or walking, you'll have an admirable core in no time.

Sources:
"Post Pregnancy Exercise." Pregnancy Wizard.
"Get in Shape After Giving Birth." 6 Pack Girl.
Lisa Rodriguez and Marjorie Greenfield, "Losing Weight After Giving Birth." Dr. Spock.
"Baby2Body Regime." GMTV.