1. Own It!
You've given birth, 4 to 6 weeks have gone by and you are ready to get back into shape. The first thing you need to do is get yourself mentally prepared. Create a reality in your mind that you are already in the shape you want to be in. Live it, breathe it and act like you are in possession of it. Create a positive mind frame, and the goal of getting back your beach body will come a lot easier.
2. Reach for the Sky
Get up out of your chair and stretch. Even if you were exercising regularly up until delivery, you are still probably suffering some flexibility issues. It's a great idea to engage in flexibility training two to three times a week. Yoga works wonders to satisfy this need. If you suffered from the abdominal gap that often occurs with pregnancy, make sure this has closed up before you do any serious ab work. You might want to investigate the wonderful world of Pilates.
3. Balance Makes Perfect
Practice does not make perfect; balance makes perfect. If you don't have balance, then you can't practice. It is no secret that your balance gets worse the further you go into your pregnancy. One of the key things to focus on after delivery is regaining your balance and stability. This can be something as simple as alternating standing on one foot while preparing baby formula or touching your foot with your opposite hand five to 10 times, then switching to the other side. You can easily tailor these exercises to your schedule and perform them throughout the day.
4. Alternate Cardio and Strength Training
The best way to get definition and get your metabolism cranking is by doing a 3-day cardio, 3-day weight-training routine. Work your muscles in a circuit-style format. For example, do chest, shoulders, back, triceps, biceps and legs. Do one routine of each with 1 minute breaks in between, then repeat the circuit three times. Do your cardio on alternating days in an interval format.
5. Starving Yourself Is Not the Answer
In most situations, your body will go back down to its normal prenatal size or at least close to it. Eat sensibly and aim at no more than 1 lb. per week of weight loss. This will not be too overwhelming, and it will be a meaningful lifestyle change.
You've given birth, 4 to 6 weeks have gone by and you are ready to get back into shape. The first thing you need to do is get yourself mentally prepared. Create a reality in your mind that you are already in the shape you want to be in. Live it, breathe it and act like you are in possession of it. Create a positive mind frame, and the goal of getting back your beach body will come a lot easier.
2. Reach for the Sky
Get up out of your chair and stretch. Even if you were exercising regularly up until delivery, you are still probably suffering some flexibility issues. It's a great idea to engage in flexibility training two to three times a week. Yoga works wonders to satisfy this need. If you suffered from the abdominal gap that often occurs with pregnancy, make sure this has closed up before you do any serious ab work. You might want to investigate the wonderful world of Pilates.
3. Balance Makes Perfect
Practice does not make perfect; balance makes perfect. If you don't have balance, then you can't practice. It is no secret that your balance gets worse the further you go into your pregnancy. One of the key things to focus on after delivery is regaining your balance and stability. This can be something as simple as alternating standing on one foot while preparing baby formula or touching your foot with your opposite hand five to 10 times, then switching to the other side. You can easily tailor these exercises to your schedule and perform them throughout the day.
4. Alternate Cardio and Strength Training
The best way to get definition and get your metabolism cranking is by doing a 3-day cardio, 3-day weight-training routine. Work your muscles in a circuit-style format. For example, do chest, shoulders, back, triceps, biceps and legs. Do one routine of each with 1 minute breaks in between, then repeat the circuit three times. Do your cardio on alternating days in an interval format.
5. Starving Yourself Is Not the Answer
In most situations, your body will go back down to its normal prenatal size or at least close to it. Eat sensibly and aim at no more than 1 lb. per week of weight loss. This will not be too overwhelming, and it will be a meaningful lifestyle change.
