Trying to lose weight during the Holidays

Hahaha! Yeah right. That’s like, impossible. But I’m still trying. From May to July of this year I lost 10 pounds. Then our family went on vacation for two weeks, exercise slowed down a bit and now I’m trying to pump it up again. At least I didn’t gain any of those 10 pounds back over the last 4 months but I have definitely hit a plateau. The scale sits at the same spot every week and it will not budge. I began to realize that to make further progress I may have to change things up, and I have been. Between May and July I used the elliptical machine in our apt. complex fitness room and now I’m trying different styles of exercise videos to both burn calories and tone. Two of my very favorites are Gym in a Box with Leisa Hart and Target Specifics with Jennifer Kries. I used both of those videos to lose 15 pounds after my second was born. I love the cardio work out in Leisa’s video as it combines three different styles of calorie burning activity. It makes your work out seem to fly by, keeps it interesting and works everything in your body. The Target Specifics by The Method Pilates features four 15 minute segments designed to tone different areas of your body. I really enjoy all the segments but the Hips segment alone makes the video worth purchasing. Who knew such intense muscle burning could feel so awesome? That one really helped me get my pre-pregnancy pants up over my thighs again.

One problem I have yet to solve however is getting a flat stomach. I’ve definitely strengthened my core but in the process my abdomen seems to bulge out even further due to extra muscle and I so don’t need that. So I was excited to be given a chance to review a new video which focuses on Post Natal Core Conditioning. Bounce Back Fast! is an innovative postpartum reconditioning program brought to you by BeFit-Mom.

“Unlike other programs that offer a run of the mill assortment of exercises that have little relevancy to postpartum needs, the BeFit-Mom system—which fitness expert Helene Byrne created and honed over many years of helping hundreds of new moms get back in shape—provides a unique set of progressive exercises that specifically target postnatal physiology and concerns.” - befitmom.com

So I tried the video and I like it. It’s all about strengthening your core and helping with abdominal separation if you have it. The moves are definitely safe for doing very soon after delivery, definitely strengthen and the instructions are very clear and easy to follow. I was surprised at how sore seemingly simple stretches and slow movements could get me. And I really liked Helene’s reminders to keep your tummy sucked in throughout. That’s one of my biggest problems, forgetting to tighten my abs when I’m exercising. It’s a nice calming conditioning program that’s great for someone like me who is way post partum or for someone who has just given birth and I’m glad I got to add it to my collection.

Now I just need to stop baking and eating holiday goodies.