How to do the Pilates swimming move:
- Lie on your stomach with your legs stretched out back behind you and your arms stretched out in front of you. Think long and lean.
- Pull your shoulder blades down your back away from your ears.
- Pull your abs in and up. Think about pulling the bellybutton all the way back to the spine.
- Think about pulling your tailbone down towards the mat. This will help protect your lower back.
- Keep your head and neck straight. Since you will be watching your baby too, just try to keep as much length as possible in the neck.
- Alternate raising your right arm and your left leg and then your left arm and right leg. Try to get a smooth transition going, 2 going up as the other 2 descend.
- Watch your breathing. Attempt long, slow breaths.
- Try to do 3 sets of 5 repetitions on each side. See if you can outlast your baby!
Pep up Your Pedometer
Do you own a pedometer? This can be a great motivational tool for new moms. It might take awhile to see the weight come off but when you can see how far you actually walk, run and crawl per day you can't help but feel proud of yourself.