Battle of the Baby Weight

by POPSUGAR Moms

Work it out! For some people, the postpartum pounds fall right off, and for others, like me, they don't! Our friends at Equinox set me up with a postnatal trainer who is helping me get back in shape. There are women who prefer getting their exercise in the great outdoors or incorporating their kiddos in the activities, but for those who hit the gym, here are some reasons to consider a personal trainer.

Amy Fiske, NSCA-certified personal trainer, advises that a mom get her physician's OK before she starts exercising. Here are thoughts about the benefits of a trainer. She said:

1. Personal trainers are professionals. They have the knowledge to deliver a safe exercise program specific to your needs. Whether you have worked out before or are starting from scratch, a trainer can challenge you.

2. Trainers hold clients accountable. Making an appointment with a trainer means you are less likely to skip going to the gym. I usually ask my clients if they have been doing their "homework" — cardio workouts and keeping good nutrition — so they get results quickly. That is a constant motivator!

3. Trainers create time effective workouts. A mom has a busy life, you can spend two to three hours a week with a trainer and target specific muscle groups with the correct form so you don't waste your time.

To see the other suggestions, read more

by POPSUGAR Moms

Motherhood happens! In January, I decided to take the FitSugar Challenge and vowed to lose 20 plus pounds by the end of the year and vlog through the process. But, like lots of other moms juggling a job, three kids, and a marriage, the first thing that fell off my to-do list was my own goal. Now my son is six months old, and my clothes still don't fit, but I've got hope.

Our friends at Equinox set me up with a postnatal certified trainer who is going to show me how I can shed these postpartum pounds in an attempt to get my pre-baby (or at least something that vaguely resembles it) back! And, because many mothers don't have time to hit the gym or the money to spend on a personal trainer, I'll be relaying my trainer's tips to you!

If a mother can commit to working out three times a week, Amy Fiske NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, says there are three tips for prolonged weight loss and toning. She said:

1. Cardio that works in your training zone.
2. Lift weights or do body weight exercises for at least 30-60 minutes, include warm up, cool down, and stretch! Your metabolism stays working at a faster pace after lifting weights (more cals burnt).
3. Nutrition – maintain a healthy diet full of whole foods, don't eat all your calories for the day in one sitting, eat little and often to help maintain a stable metabolism, otherwise, the body will think it's starving and store any food which it's given.

Follow the Battle of the Baby Weight series here!

by POPSUGAR Moms

I'm no FitSugar so the idea of spending any more than $20 on a pair of workout pants hadn't occurred to me ever. . . until I tried on the new Perfect Core Pants ($98) that Lucy sent me to test out while I battle the baby weight. Made to encourage body alignment while working out, the "power mesh" zones offer targeted support (also known as sucking a mama in and making her look better), which can boost a flabby and sleep deprived girl's confidence as she heads to the gym to shed her postpartum pounds. Traditional workouts aside, these comfy pants have the perfect amount of stretch for a mom to keep up with kids on the monkey bars and appear slightly more put together in the carpool lane. I wish I had had a pair to wear home from the hospital after my son was born. New moms swear by Spanx and waist cinchers to streamline their post delivery spillage, but for ladies who find those products too restrictive, these pants are a nice alternative that can serve other purposes for the hefty price. Available in practical black and navy, the well-made bottoms match with everything else in a woman's wardrobe. If you want to complete the gym ensemble, check out Fit's review of the coordinating top!

by POPSUGAR Moms

Eating healthy can be hard for moms who have picky kids to feed. So today (as part of the Get Fit for 2010 challenge) I'm sharing one of my favorite healthy family recipes for Asian inspired green beans. It's low in fat, high in fiber, and dairy-free making it perfect for vegetarians and those with diet restrictions. Serve it to your children with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

It's a new year, and I want my old body back! Inspired by FitSugar's health challenge, I'll spend the next 10 months hitting the gym to burn the baby fat. If you're a mom who wants to bid your postpartum baggage good-bye too, set a goal, and join the Get Fit For 2010 community group for support!

To get see the rest of these mouthwatering pics and to get the recipe, read more

by POPSUGAR Moms

Work it out! This week Fit challenged us to journal our fitness routine and was kind enough to hook me up with some of her awesome workout downloads. I was excited to hit the gym and test them for my vlog when a couple of mom emergencies interfered. Due to scheduling conflicts and a sick child, I didn't get to work out. But life with kids is always go, go, go, so I've decided to share some tips on keeping active with your little ones rather than feel guilty for not getting to the gym.

• On your mark, get set, go! Play tag with the kids. It takes a lot of running to exhaust a child, and you'll burn calories trying.
• Let them ride! Strap on their helmets and let the kids roll down the open road on their bikes. Put a little pep in your step and keep their pace on foot.
• Use your offspring as weights. This concept is popular in mommy and me classes, and as your kiddos get bigger so will your biceps.
• Tone your arms while pushing your children on swings at the park.

It's a new year, and I want my old body back! Inspired by FitSugar's health challenge, I'll spend the next 10 months hitting the gym to burn the baby fat. If you're a mom who wants to bid your postpartum baggage goodbye too, set a goal and join the Get Fit For 2010 community group for support! Check out my updates here each week.

by POPSUGAR Moms

It's a new year, and I want my old body back! Inspired by FitSugar's health challenge, I'll spend the next 12 months hitting the gym to burn the baby fat. If you're a mom who wants to bid your postpartum baggage good-bye too, set a goal and join the Get Fit For 2010 community group for support! Check out my updates here each week.

by POPSUGAR Moms

It's a new year, and I want my old body back! Inspired by FitSugar's health challenge, I'll spend the next 12 months hitting the gym to burn the baby fat. If you're a mom who wants to bid your postpartum baggage goodbye too, set a goal and join the Get Fit For 2010 community group for support! Check out my updates here each week.

by POPSUGAR Moms

It's a new year and I want my old body back! Inspired by FitSugar's health challenge, I'll spend the next 12 months hitting the gym to burn baby fat. If you want to bid your postpartum baggage goodbye too, set a goal and join the Get Fit For 2010 community group for support! Check out my updates here each Tuesday.