I am looking to lose about 5 lbs and tighten up my stomach. I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old. I cannot afford a gym membership and do not have a sitter to watch them while I work out alone. Does anyone have any work out routines that I could do with them? My stomach is the main area I want to target. I have lost all my baby weight, but it is still flabby and loose. :/ I have a double jogging stroller. Will jogging/running help me shed the rest of this weight? I have a pilates dvd that I try to do, but my kiddos crawl all over me the entire time. My 1 year naps, but my 2 year old does not usually. I know I could get up earlier, but to be honest I am tired. I stay up late cleaning and spending time with my hubby. Are there any routines that I could do with them?
I think you have to do running (or something aerobic), weights (focus on large muscles!) and transverse abdominals. The transverse abdominals are very important I hear. I don't know what to recommend. Do you do Netflix? They have streaming online workout videos. Or you could see if they have any on Hulu. Youtube might give you some trans. abd. exercise ideas. Good luck! I am in the same boat as you and this is my plan.
Okay I used to hang out with an exercise instructor. Walking burns more calories than running and is better on the knees. For added abs work you walk with your abs engaged (tummy sucked in) that will burn calories and tighten your abs. :) Get a stroller and go, win win, you can bring your kids along for the workout.
I do pilates while we watch tv at night. Once you know the exercises you won't need the DVD anymore.
Focus on your nutrition - you can do all the cardio and crunches in the world but if your eating isn't rock solid then the belly will still be there.
Unfortunately there is no such thing such as spot training, unless you have a surgical procedure. And, unfortunately the belly and the saddlebags are usually the last to go. So not fair...
Jogging/running will definitely help as it is a great calorie burner. For some people (like me) it just seems to melt the fat right off. Make your cardio be your block of time, say 20-45 minutes where you can contain the kiddos by strapping them in and going for your run.
Then, at home when they're crawling all over the place sneak in your strength training workouts when you can. If you have to take more time in between doing your pushups, dips, planks, crunches, supermans, leglifts, etc. that's fine. At least you're doing something and coming back to it.
Focus on planks and side planks or any activity that engages the transverse abdominus muscle. It wraps around your midsection like a corset. By strengthening it, you will hopefully get the appearance of a tighter waist (like pulling the strings of the corset) but more importantly the TVA does a lot to strengthen your core and coordinate movements from front to back and top to bottom, thus it is an excellent 'functional' muscle to target.
I don't know if this is what you are after, but I saw a clip on Yahoo a week or two ago that is supposed to be a phenomenal ab workout. You use a stability ball to rest your feet/ankles or legs on, while your upper body is in plank position as if to do a push-up. Then, you contract your stomach and bring your butt up in the air into "pike" position, then go back down. A few reps (like 10) is supposed to be awesome. The further down the length of your leg (toward your ankles) the more challenging the exercise is, because it requires you to use both abs and obliques to maintain the plank position. And it is harder the "longer" you make your unsupported area (ankles vs. knees on the ball).
Here's a link: http://www.fitsugar.com/Abdominal-Exercise-Exercise-Ball-...#
you can get a ymca membership for free with scholarship application. free childcare while you work out.
go to websites for the fitness magazines to get excercise ideas.
Womens Health
Health and Fitness
also www.livestrong.com has great ideas. You can go to Weight Watchers website for a few free suggestions.
I used to excercise with my baby. I would lay on my back, hold babys hands and put her body on my shins, then do leg lifts and quasi situps with her. She thought it was hilarious. I get a ab great workout with the ball, but your 2 yr old would probably never let youplay with a ball without him!
MR had some great suggestions for getting in your strength training workouts at home. I have a 1 and 3 year old and that's basically how I do it. I also run a lot with them in the stroller, it's a great workout and for me burns the most fat and makes me feel the best when I'm done.
You could try Jillian Micheals 30 day shred dvd. Your library probably has it. It's only 20 minutes and a really good full body workout. I know you said you're not a morning person but just give it a try a few mornings a week. When I workout in the AM I feel better ready to face the day and have more energy and patience for my kids.
Beach Body 10 Minute Trainer :-) Tony Horton !!
Check out the web site!
There are stroller strides that are awesome!
no flours, flour products, no dairy and no sugar of any sort and that doesn't mean eat artificial sweeteners. Your stomach will firm up.
