Tips to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

by | Aug 11, 2015 | Exercise, Health & Fitness

While having a baby can be one of the most thrilling periods in a person’s lifetime, with it comes the addition of unwanted baby weight. However, with the help of our friends at the DOGPOUND led by trainer Kirk Myers, here are some tips to shedding those extra pounds you may have gained during your pregnancy.

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

1.) Exercises:

  • Kegels. These can be done without anyone knowing and it’ll help pelvic muscles recover faster.
  • The baby glider. Holding your baby across your arms close to your chest, take one-step forward and bend your knee (a lunge). Return your leg and repeat with the opposite leg. This will help not only strengthen your legs but also strengthen your back muscles and abdomen.
  • The baby bouncer. From the same position as in the baby glider, take your one step out to the side (instead of front) and attempt to squat.
  • Rock-a-baby squats and curls. Stand with your legs a shoulders width apart. Holding your baby tight and close to your chest, squat down allowing your baby’s feet to touch the floor. As you rise up, bring the baby back closer to your chest. This should not be done until your baby is at least 10 to 12 weeks old. Repeat 15 times. (or add some DOGPOUND style exercises)

blueberries

2.) Nutrition: SUPERFOODS

Salmon, blueberry, kale and chia seeds are all examples of superfoods.  After having a child, essential nutrition can be stripped away. So it is very important to gain it back.

3.) Skin

Skin firming creams are great when rubbed around the tummy and thighs twice daily. Some of these include Lamaze Post-Pregnancy Rejuvenating Cream and Nivea Body Skin Firming Moisturizer Q10 Plus.

When looking for creams, the best ones are collagen-based, like Reviva Labs Elastin and Collagen Body Firming Lotion or St. Ives Collagen/Elastin Lotion. The collagen is a skin-tightening agent and restores the elasticity in skin. Also, creams with Vitamin E are effective for healing skin. In addition, cocoa butter helps in reducing appearance of stretch marks.

4.) Cardio

Cardio will keep the baby weight at bay, while helping in other areas of life. Physical activity like walking or jogging even for short periods of time can energize and give the body a glow.

yoga

5.) Yoga

Plank Vinyasa

Get down on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders. Get into plank position, balancing on the balls of your feet, abs pulled up and in, and head in line with your spine.

Elongate your spine and press into the balls of your feet. Inhale, then exhale as you draw your right knee in toward your chest, contracting the muscles in your lower belly. Return to Plank position, then switch legs. Alternate knee tucks for 8 to 20 reps.

6.) Mindset

The best way to make progress comes mentally. You have to envision the end result of what you are trying to accomplish.

 

Tags:
Downtown Magazine