by Heather Tinker

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2008

After-baby fitness: Try baby-squats, baby-bridges, and push-up kisses

The first close look at yourself in the mirror after giving birth can be quite a shock. Your body has undergone incredible changes in the last 9 months. It's a pretty sure bet that your once tight places are a little on the flabby side, while your once flabby places are now sagging unmercifully. Your own mother may tell you that sacrificing your figure in order to support bringing a new baby into this world is just the way things have to be. You don't have time to take care of yourself with all the new demands on your time, right? Wrong! It doesn't have to be that way. You can enjoy the blessings of motherhood and get back to being the radiant, sexy woman you deserve to be. Working out to improve your figure does not have to be a solo act. You can spend time bonding with your baby while doing these simple and effective exercises in the comfort of your own home.

Baby-Squats
By holding your baby in your arms as you perform the common squat, you can spend time with your baby and work on toning your glutes and thighs. Start by standing in a neutral position with your feet shoulder width apart to find your center. Slowly lower your body, pushing your hips back, as if you were about to sit in a chair. Stop when your knees are bent at about 90 degrees (just before your thighs become parallel with the floor) and slowly return to your neutral position. Make sure to keep your heels flat on the floor throughout the exercise to avoid leaning too far forward. As you exercise, you can talk to your little one or sing your favorite nursery rhymes. Your new baby will love the up and down motion, being close to you, and hearing the sound of your voice as you get closer to your goal of fitting back into your skinny pants.

Baby-Bridges
This form of the bridge is excellent for working your hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and place your baby on your lap. You will probably want to keep your hands on your baby to ensure stability. Raise your hips, pushing through your heels. Squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles, then slowly release as you lower your hips. This is sure to become a favorite activity for both you and your baby. As your baby grows and matures, the weight of your baby will intensify the exercise. To increase the intensity further, do several in a row without allowing your hips to touch the floor. You and your baby will be bonding and laughing

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