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Fit Mamas!

Get Back in Shape
After Baby, With Baby

By Kelly Burgess

Elizabeth Trindade from New York, N.Y., founder of Strollercize, a stroller fitness regime, has built a fitness empire around the stroller. A personal trainer for many years after she had children, Trindade didn't want to put them in care so she could work out. Instead, she developed a full workout program using a stroller. She suggests a couple of exercises that Baby enjoys and will also benefit you:

Saddle the Bags (trims buttocks): Standing sideways to the stroller, put right hand on stroller handle, turn right foot perpendicular to the wheel, keep knee slightly bent. While slowly pushing the stroller away, raise left leg with toe pointed down. Return to starting position. Repeat on other side.

Marilyn Monroe (thighs, legs, balance): Turn stroller around so Baby is facing you. Put hands on handlebars and keep feet together like you're wearing a little mini skirt. Sit back as if you're sitting on a sofa, and then stand back up. The wheels are rolling back and forth, but the stroller helps to support the movement.

There are also plenty of floor exercises that can be done with Baby. Here are two that De Simone recommends:

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