Diet & Fitness 
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The ultimate new mum shape up

by Josh Salzmann
continued from page 2
For the lower body

Squats. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Gently lower your hips down and behind you as if you're about to sit in a chair. Then, power up using your leg and bum muscles. Keep your weight in your heels and don't let your knees move forward past your toes.

Stationary lunges. Stand up tall, then take a big step forward lifting your back heel off the floor. Now lower yourself towards the ground so both legs form 90-degree angles. Your front knee should be directly over your ankle (don't let your knee move forward past your toes) and your back thigh should be in line with your spine. Gently push back to the starting position and repeat. Switch legs.

Standing leg extensions. Stand up with your feet hip-width apart and your right hand against a wall or resting on the back of a chair for support. With your weight on your right leg, gently straighten your left leg so it forms a 45-degree angle to the floor, keeping your tummy tight. Don't lock your knees. Repeat, then switch legs.

Abs Start by doing each of these exercises 10-15 times. Try pulling your navel up and in towards your spine during each move.

Crunches. Lie face-up on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place a pillow between your legs and gently squeeze it so your lower back stays pressed into the floor. Place your palms behind your head and gently rest your head in your fingertips. Contract your abs and, in one motion, lift your chest and shoulders up a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then return to starting position and repeat. Don't strain your neck.

Oblique curls. Do the same movement above, but when you contract your abs lift your chest and shoulders up and shift your torso so your left elbow moves towards your right knee. Return to starting position, then switch sides shifting left and turning your right elbow towards your right knee.

Let-backs. Sit on the floor with knees bent and your hands grasping your knees for support. Contract your abs and curl the spine while gently leaning back until your arms straighten. Return to starting position and repeat.

Cool down: 10-15 minutes
Remember that your joints are still very pliable because of the residual relaxin in your system, so take extra care when stretching. Repeat the warm-up stretches and keep your movements slow and sustained.

The most important thing to remember during your post-pregnancy workout is to listen to your body and go at your own pace. Take a couple of sessions with a personal trainer if possible or find some low-impact gentle movement classes like Pilates. The more disciplined you are with your workouts, the quicker you'll return to your pre-pregnancy physique.

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