How to Exercise to Lose Baby Fat

Putting on those extra pounds during pregnancy took nine months, so new moms shouldn't expect to lose that weight in a few weeks, even with exercise. Patience and persistence are paramount to successful and healthy weight loss. Before embarking on any exercise regime, make sure to get the OK from your doctor--even if you were a marathon runner before your pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable clothing
• Supportive footwear
• Scale
• Logbook

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Instructions

• 1

  Many new mothers wash away those extra pounds by swimming.

  Choose an exercise program that meets your specific needs and interests. Your doctor, nurse or local fitness center and other moms are good resources for ideas. Walking and swimming are highly recommended options.

• 2

  Neighborhood walks get mom and baby into an exercise groove.

  Begin slowly and increase the level of intensity gradually. Walking is often recommended as a good way to get back into exercising, because walks several times a week will prepare you for more strenuous exercise. And the baby can come along too.

• 3

  A weekly weight-loss log helps you and your doctor track your progress.

  Keep track of the amount of weight loss per week in a logbook or on your calendar. The National Women's Health Information Center recommends losing no more than one pound per week.

• 4

  Exercise and a healthy diet can get mothers back in shape more quickly.

  Tailor your diet to meet your needs and your baby's needs, to achieve the maximum benefit from your selected exercise regimen. The USDA has an online tool (see Resources section) that can help you choose foods based on your energy needs and your baby's nursing habits.