After pregnancy, you may be eager to get your body back to pre-baby shape through muscle-toning exercises. Most are eager to get that taut belly back, since the abdominal muscles have stretched significantly throughout the pregnancy, as have the thighs. After getting the go-ahead from your doctor, there are several toning exercises you can try to get your body back in shape and ready to chase the baby.
Baby Bench Presses
Baby bench presses are helpful in that they tone the abdominal and arm muscles, and allow you and baby to get in some quality time. Lie down with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, and hold your baby so he is securely on your stomach. Inhale and with both hands, lift your baby straight up. As you do this, pull in and contract your abdominal muscles. Exhale and gently lower baby down to his original position. Perform as many reps as desired. You can also use weights equal to your baby's weight if you're uncomfortable incorporating baby in the process.
Crunches
Crunches are a go-to exercise for tightening the abdominal muscles. If you haven't done crunches in a while, start slowly and not too rigorously. Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Place your hands behind your neck. Press your lower back into the floor and lift your head and shoulders off the floor and into the air. Gently lower your head and shoulders back down. This is one repetition. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Standing One-Leg Flye
The one-leg flye not only tones the abs, but also the butt muscles, shoulders, arms and quadriceps. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold dumbbells at your sides and extend your left leg behind you while using your hips to bring your upper body forward. As you do this, keep your palms extended out in front of you and your facing inward toward each other. Gently exhale and bring your arms out to your sides so your palms are facing the ground and your shoulder blades are being pulled toward each other. Gently lower into the starting position and repeat. Do five repetitions on each leg before switching.
Incline Pushups
These pushups work the chest, arms, butt muscles and hamstrings. Place your hands on the corners of a sturdy chair or table and get in full pushup position. Inhale and bend your elbows to lower your chest. Exhale and straighten your elbows. This is the top of the pushup. Here, raise your right leg upward to hip height and hold for five seconds before lowering it back to its original position. This is one repetition. Alternate the leg you lift with each pushup. Perform 10 repetitions.
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