Fit Mamas!

Get Back in Shape
After Baby, With Baby

By Kelly Burgess

Grace De Simone, director of group fitness programs for Plus One Fitness in New York, N.Y., says the changes in her body after having her two children helped her greatly as a fitness instructor. "I had to let go of some of my former fitness drive and let things happen more gradually to get back into shape," says De Simone. "For the first time in my life, I was not in control of my body the way I had always been. It made me a better instructor and trainer because of the experience."

Leisa Hart completely agrees with the gradual approach. Best known for the Buns of Steel exercise video series, Hart is a mother of two with one on the way. Her own experience of being a fitness icon and dealing with the challenge of staying fit during and after pregnancy led her to develop the FitMama video series, including FitMama and Me, an exercise program that includes Baby.

Hart says listening to your body is the key to knowing when to start back with exercise after giving birth. "You should always check with your doctor, but, in general, most doctors will say you can start exercising again at six weeks – eight weeks in the case of a C-section," says Hart. "Even before that you can probably start taking some easy walks, but it's important to remember that you do need a recovery time. You're not exercising with your own hips yet; there's been a lot of limbering and loosening, and your joints can be affected for several months afterwards."

Just as your body isn't quite ready for an all out assault on your post-baby belly for the first few weeks after you give birth, your new baby probably isn't up to much physical stimulation his first few weeks. However, once he starts becoming more alert, exercise is a great way to bond with your baby. It also sets a good example.

One of the best ways to exercise with Baby is that old standby – the stroller. But there's no need to limit your exercise to just walking or jogging (although Hart does rhapsodize over the clever designs of modern jogging strollers).

Want to see more?

• Gentle Postpartum Fitness: You Can Start Right Away
• Talk about it!
• Families Who Walk Together: Get Fit and Have Fun!
• Teaming Up: Fitness, Fun and Friends Through Play Groups