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Twenty Tips for regaining your figure after pregnancy
Being pregnant leaves a particular strain on your body, figure and general wellbeing. It can affect women in many different ways. Many enjoy their time carrying their child, and are said to ‘bloom’. Some go in completely the opposite direction – lack of energy, enthusiasm, a ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude and are generally lethargic.
Most women also find it hard – if not impossible to get back their figure. The odd one or two seem to look no different after a few children, but the majority find it a major chore to look as they once did.
It can be done. It won’t happen overnight – nor in a week, but with will-power, a strict exercise and diet routine and time to devote to your challenge, you can do it.
So here are my top tips for women wanting to fit into there lycra leggings once again:
1. Have a realistic goal. If you are heavily overweight, give yourself mini-goals every 6 months, such as being able to last 20 minutes longer in the gym or cutting out a fatty food you adore, if you don’t mind counting the pounds, have a goal of losing 5lbs.
2. Reward yourself. This doesn’t mean go an undo all the hard work you’ve just accomplished by eating a whole packet of chocolate biscuits. Once you’ve reached your goal buy a new outfit – or even better, part of a new outfit such as a skirt/trousers. When you’ve reached the next months goal buy a top to go with it. This will give you something to look forward to and to work for.
3. Make sure you enjoy it. Doing boring jumping jacks for an hour every day, I doubt you’ll last a week. Go roller blading in the summer, jogging on a sunny afternoon, play tennis indoors in the winter. Don’t do the same thing every day – even every week.
4. Find an exercise partner. This will be an excellent support system. Make sure they are just as motivated as you – otherwise they’ll just hold you back. Make sure you both want what you’re working for.
5. Clean out your cupboards. You won’t be tempted by that pizza or bag of chocolates if you don’t buy them. Buy just what you need for your diet. Forget hiding treats for being good.
6. Make your food interesting. Don’t just have a salad – spice it up with some chicken. Buy a healthy eating cookbook and try a few different recipes. Yoyu’ll soon falter if you’re eating the same old thing day in day out.
7. Take up a dance class. Find something energetic, but something you can keep up with. Try tap, mambo, rock ’n’ roll or line dancing. Go every week as a supplement to your exercise routine. Exercise can be fun!
8. Go out with your child and get physical in the park. Run and jump along with your baby, don’t just stand and watch. This will make your interaction more enjoyable, you'll see the difference in your child’s happy face.
9. Make sure you wear a few extra layers when excercising, this will make you perspire more, making the pounds fall off.
10. Don’t ever miss a trip to the gym/dance class/jogging because you ‘don’t feel like it’. The chances are if you miss one, you’ll miss more and more.
11. Try joining a slimming club. The group are all there to lose weight and they’ll support you every step of the way.
12. Don’t be put off by any insecurities you might have. None of us are perfect, and we all need a little help in one direction or another.
13. Try to swim at least three times a week. It’s very relaxing, and an excellent work-out for your legs, arms and bottom.
14. Walk to the shops (if it isn’t too far). Don’t buy more than you can carry.
15. Make sure your friends and family help you. Surround yourself with those who want you to succeed, and who aren’t going to give you that piece of candy you crave.
16. Wake up half an hour earlier and join in with the exercise class on morning television. If nothing else, it will get your blood pumping and get you awake.
17. Massage yourself with essential oils every other night (or get your husband to do it). If you have stretch marks, they’ll start to fade with a regular massage in the right places. Stick at it, it won’t happen overnight, but you should start to see and feel the difference within two months.
18. Be patient, after a few months you’ll feel fitter, be more energetic, stay awake longer and lose the weight!
19. Keep it up! If you come across any hurdles or lose your motivation just think about your goal. Think of you on a tropical beach in a bikini, sipping from a fruit cocktail. Do your best.
20. Treat yourself to a beauty day at your local salon. This will give you just the boost you need to continue working to your goal.
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