Consumers Digest

Mommies, plz help me out with a post-partum fitness question? ?

Hi! Ok, so I asked a question in Diet and Fitness about what piece of exercise equipment is "best" for losing that pregnancy weight. So far I haven't gotten any good answers. So I'm asking you mommies for advice on losing the pregnancy weight after you give birth. I'm interested in something that burns more calories, but at a good price. I can't join a gym because of time and money issues. My husband works long hours and I can't consistently get a baby-sitter for a newborn and a 1-year-old allowing me to go jogging etc., so I think the best thing is to invest in one piece of exercise equipment (all I can afford, lol). At least for the time being. I'm thinking of either an ellipitical of a treadmill. Which would you recommend? Or, do you have any other tips? PS I'm not open to going jogging/walking with my two babies, at least not consistently. I tried with my first baby I've never exercised before consistently, so doing it in my home what I want to try to commit to this time.

Public Comments

1. I got an exercise bike for just over $100 at Wal-Mart, because I get bored to tears on a treadmill and the elliptical was just too much for me. I can ride it while on the cell phone or wathcing t.v. so time goes by faster. Also, you can get a Dance, Dance, Revolution Game at Target for around $25 and it just hooks up to a regular t.v. I am a terrible dancer, but it is pretty easy and fun and you really do work up a sweat in a short time.
2. A fitness ball. It also doubles for calming babies, if you hold them and bounce gently. I think Gabrielle Reece, or someone, might even have a book out on this on exercising with baby. Other than that, Im a big treadmill fan. Although I also have a BOB double jogger which I love, they have an infant attachment, and Im still putting my kids in at age 3 and 4. But the newborn in a carrier, and a child in a stroller also work great. I had a baby and 1 year too, obviously from the 3 and 4 thing :) Just read the above one. Totally get a wii, and wii fit. My friends who have it are addicted. Thats far cheaper than a treadmill - and more multi-use.
3. The wii fit works. The ab lounger elite too.
4. I think I can help a little. I have had three boys and three girls all in the space of nine years. Try to take a ten minutes for yourself after the babies have their bath at night and are in bed. You do some stretching. On the floor do a few leg raises, turn over and do leg splits in the air, on your side and raise leg 5 times, turn over and raise the other leg 5 times. Up now and with your legs apart roll your shoulders forward and back a couple of times. Then do several rolls of just your neck and head. Then go take a nice shower, put on some nice body powder and collapse into bed. Most all of these you can do during the day for a couple minutes and the one of holding on the back of a chair and do the legs back behind you is a good one.