Where to start??

[irrelevance]

Wow, Medhelp has it all. I had no idea there was an exercise and fitness forum! Anyway, I am not overweight, I'm not in bad shape. But I am also not in the best shape that I would like to be in. I just had a baby 2 and a half months ago, so I would definitely like to work on my abs and my thighs as well. I weigh 121, am 5'1 and started out 115 lbs before pregnancy. So I could stand to lose 5 pounds or so, but I'm not concerned with the weight as much as I am with tone. I don't know where to start or with what intensity! Is there anyone out there with experience with exercising that can help to guide me along? I also have another problem, which I don't really believe can come from any sort of outside force, but I seem to have trouble finding my motivation.. Any suggestions or things that have helped you to get started and stay with it? Any routines that are good to start out on and a plan to progress the intensities of my routines or a program or schedule I should start setting myself up on? I'm ready for a lifestyle change, and I think that this here is a fairly big part of it. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Kelsey

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I can understand your lack of motivation since you just gave birth which is not one of the easiest jobs in the world.
I would suggest you to make sure you eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables.
As far as the exercise is concerned start with what you enjoy doing it can be dancing, aerobics or just a brisk evening walk. Then once your interest is back you can join a gym.

[Pum]

I'm very far from an expert on exercise but might be able to help with the motivation part. Find an exercise you love whether it is dancing with your baby, walking up hills, or running or swimming or joining a gym, or even a variety. Then, if possible, find someone else to do it with you. It's much harder to not go if you know someone is waiting for you on the corner or at the pool. If you stick at it for 20 sessions you are much less likely to give it up. A lot of people swear by having an event to work towards like a 10km run, but I didn't like that idea much.

I have found running the best exercise now I have a child. it's quicker to get fit than walking and means I get some alone time as my partner can't easily refuse when I say I'm off for a run and I'm meeting a friend. My friend has stopped as she hurt her knees and I'm still going strong.