Your little bundle of joy is here and she’s growing big and strong. Everyone gushes over how much they love her chubby little arms and legs and they say over and over again, “She looks just like you!” They are, of course, referring to her green eyes and the dimple in her chin, but you want to scream, “I know my arms and legs and stomach and butt are chubby! You don’t have to point it out!”

If you are like most women, you can lose a little more than half of the weight you gained during your pregnancy with light to moderate effort. But it’s those last pounds that seem to be responsible for the extra roll around your middle, the bit of pudge at the tops of both legs and the wiggle in your arms that was never there before.

Unfortunately, another common problem in the fight to rid yourself of those final pounds and inches, is time. Who has time to spend an hour in the gym when you barely have enough energy left to brush your teeth before those few hours of sleep until Precious wakes for her midnight feeding?

Here are some practical ways to ditch the bulge and get back into your pre-baby jeans.

Use the baby as exercise equipment! They are actually very effective in weight resistance exercises. Lay on your back, bend your knees and lay an infant strong enough to hold their own head up on your legs between your knees and ankles. Hold her tight and slowly bounce her up and down. Squeeze those bum cheeks and flex your thighs. It won’t take long to feel the burn.

Squat into the catcher’s position and hold him on your knee facing out. Be sure to balance yourself well with the other hand. Do low squats until you feel those pounds melting away.

Do sit-ups while holding your little sunshine on your belly – balancing him while doing crunches will really work your abs.

Bench press the baby while lying on your back. Hold her straight out and bend your elbows as you pull her into you. Hold her straight out and bend your elbows to move her up and down. She’ll love it. You’re spending time together. And I promise, you’re getting a workout.

Take advantage of that fancy stroller. It will help put him to sleep and you’ll get those hips back into your yoga pants.

My kids love to watch me dance. I’m sure even an 8 month old mind can comprehend how funny that looks. Get into it. Move and twist and bend and stretch. It’s cardio baby-style.

Don’t be ashamed to get a pair of Spanks while you’re working back to your goal. While you do need to have clothes that fit and make you feel good, don’t go buy a new wardrobe in a size you don’t want to stay in. It will only enable you to eat carelessly and skip opportunities to workout.

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