Expert: Karen Fili Sullivan - 8/9/2006

Question
Hello again. I could definately use some tips on what kind of exercise routine to get into.  Thanks for all your help.
Lannie
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Followup To

Question -
Hi. I am 28 years old and have a 2 year old little girl.  I never had any weight problems before I became pregnant, but during pregnancy I gained a good bit of weight in my hips and thigh area.  Most of it went away, but I still retain a good bit, and it really bothers me because my waist is as small as it's always been but my hips and thighs are larger and it looks out of proportion.  I wanted to know what kind of exercise techniques work the best to get the hip/thigh/butt area in shape again.  Thanks alot for your time.
Lannie

Answer -
Lannie,
Do you do any kind of exercise?  It sounds as if your body deposits fat in that area and the way to drop the fat is to start to exercise the whole body -- lifting weights for tone all over and walking at a brisk pace should do it.  Contrary to what the magazines tell you there is no way to spot reduce.  It is a total body package.  Do it all!   Eating right is good too.  If you need a workout, write back.  If you are already doing these things then just keep it up and remember -- science shows us that fitness is improved when you do exercise 6x a week.  Keep up the good work!
Karen

Answer
Lannie,
I remember those days with a 2 year old and it can be hard to get a routine going.  So be patient with yourself and with your baby!  Start with walking 3 times a day.  If you have the time make it 6 times a day.  A stroller push at a fast pace is a great exercise!  At home you can do crunches while you lay on your back with legs bent and feet on the floor.  If you have weights you can start doing Squats holding dumbells, Lunges but not so deep you hurt your knees, (I liike to hold the dumbells and set my feet one in front one in back and then do the lunge without moving my feet do 10 on each leg and try to do 2-3 sets as a start).  Bicep curls, Tricep kick backs, rows for your back and lay on the floor and do chest press.  If you have a gym it is even better.  See if there is some place you can go and take your little girl to play.  See if you have a friend with children and you guys can switch off and watch each others children while you work out.  

The key is activity 6x a week and eat healthy and clean!

It will come off.  Be patient as you fight your way back to your body!
Karen

p.s. my worse nightmare is the memory of being angry with my 3 year old because I was trying to do an aerobics tape and he was loud and was going to wake the baby and I then I couldn't work out. . . I spanked him and it haunts me to this day.  You will get it together. . . she will be 2 only once.  xxoo Karen