Post Baby Exercise Classes/personal Trainer

STOP doing crunches now!!! The fact that you had 2 c-sections and tried doing crunches which didn't work, indicates that you probably have a diastasis recti(split abs). Crunches will only make it worse. It's very easy to test if you have this. Lie on the floor on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees up. Place your fingers on your belly in the midline at your navel, and just lift your head off the floor. If you feel your fingers dip between your abs in the center you have this split. I'm guessing it's a big one. I had a c-section, and also have quite a split.
The best abdominal exercise you could do for now is a plank. That is the push-up position on your elbows drawing your navel in and holding for a count of 5. Make sure to do this with good posture...head in line with spine, shoulders down and back, chest lifted, abs and glutes tight. Repeat as many times as you can, and try to do 3 sets a day. The other thing you can do is whenever you have time to rest, breathe deeply, drawing your navel in on the exhale and holding for a few counts. Also, there is a book called, "Lose your Mummy Tummy" I've forgotten the author's name, but she's an RN. I'm sure you could do a search on Amazon to find it. Good luck!

S.:
Many of the new clubs in the area Lifetime Fitness and LA Fitness have Momma Boot Camps to target body issues of mom's. Perhaps you can find a club close to you. If you belong to a club speak with the head of personal training and discuss your goals and needs they should be able to find you someone.

Hi S.,
I've been going to Bally Total Fitness (Schaumburg/Barrington Road). The have excellent trainers. I had a baby 5 mos. ago so I know how you feel. I can't tell you how much energy I have since I started with my trainer. I suggest calling the Director there his name is Frank Montesanti number ###-###-####, he can set you up with a first workout and get a feel for your goals. I love it!!! Hope it helps.

Diet and exercise, girlfriend! And I don't mean a diet. Just healthy foods, cut out high fructose corn syrup, white starches (for good!), and find exercise that you enjoy. I've had 2 babies now (I understand the c-section tummy) and teach exercise classes at the YMCA in Glen Ellyn. For me, it was just getting back to working out (even though I felt really large and in charge in my black spandex at first. I started with just walking the track with my baby in the sling. All in all, combine cardio with weight training when you can. Good luck!

I would recommend a Stroller Strides class. There are locations all over Chicagoland. The instructors are all trained in pre/post natal fitness and it's a great workout. It's also a great social support, you'll meet lots of other new moms.

www.strollerstrides.com

I highly recommend the Boot Camp at Aura Fitness in Villa Park! It helped me lose my baby belly- and fast! Laura is the owner and does a GREAT job at the Boot Camp- it's fun and motivating and your measurements are taken every month. She also does a "Biggest Loser" competition and personal training. Please tell Laura that T. recommended you!

www.aura-fitness.com is their website.

T.

Hi S.,

I have a freind who has a one year old and is also a personal trainer. If you would like to contact her, her name is Jan Ten Bruin (P)###-###-####. I would give you her e-mail but last I heard is that it was down so calling is best. If you call her then please let her know that you got her name from N. Slagoski.