The Best Workout to Lose Pregnancy Weight

If you’re wrestling with losing pregnancy weight, your eagerness to shed pounds is probably only surpassed by your level of exhaustion and lack of time. While breastfeeding can help you burn between 600 to 800 calories a day, it doesn’t always target those last, pesky five to 10 pounds around your tummy.

Stacey Armijo, owner of The Dailey Method in Roseville, says one of the most effective ways to “get your body back” after pregnancy is to strengthen your core. “I lost my baby weight in about 6 weeks,” she says. The workout, developed by Jill Dailey, expands on the Lotte Berk technique, which is based on ballet, pilates, and yoga.

Increased Flexibility and Core Strength

An athlete all her life, Armijo began competing in marathons and triathlons in 2000. Eight years later, the tightness in her hamstrings had reached the point where she needed to do something about it — fast. A friend brought her to a class at The Dailey Method. “It was a life-changing experience for me,” she says. “I was sore in places that had never been sore before.” After a month of classes, Armijo saw a noticeable improvement in her flexibility and core strength. “It changed my body significantly and saved me from injuries.”

Exercising During Pregnancy

The program offers numerous modifications for pregnant clients. Armijo exercised three to five days a week throughout her entire pregnancy — right up to the day she gave birth. Dailey, herself a mother of three, did the workout up until the day she delivered each of her children. Kimberly Goehring, an instructor, says that she’s also taken classes three to five times a week throughout her third pregnancy. “In spite of being nearly eight years older than I was during my first, I’ve noticed a marked difference in my energy level, flexibility, and the absence of back pain compared to my other two pregnancies,” says Goehring. “I’ve also gained less weight.”

When Armijo delivered her baby she recalls, “My doctor looked at me and said, ‘I don’t normally have to tell women this, but stop pushing so hard!’” Her doctor was so impressed with Armijo’s core strength that she also became a Dailey Method client and then made it her mission to inform all her pregnant patients about the program.

Why is this Workout so Effective?

The workout maintains a strong emphasis on alignment and posture, in addition to lengthening and strengthening muscles. “It’s a series of isometric holds, layering one contraction over another,” says Armijo. “The small range of motion is so effective for building strength.”

Dailey Method client Jennifer Hamlon was able to pack up her maternity clothes just one month after giving birth. “I have done every type of exercise known! You name it – spin, cardio, boot camp, and weight training,” she says. “This workout helped me regain my shape quickly because it targets all the muscles that get stretched out during your pregnancy.”

New Mom Workout Packages

New moms love attending the class, not only because they see quick results, but also because it’s a welcoming, child-friendly community. All The Dailey Method studios across the country, as well as those in Canada and France, offer a child care facility on the premises. Additionally, “New Mom Packages” are available to help women shed post-pregnancy pounds in the safest, most effective way.

As an instructor, Goehring says, “I have witnessed women return to their pre-pregnancy fitness level in record time, and many women attest to ‘easy’ deliveries. Armijo resumed classes a mere 12 days after her delivery. “You’re sleep-deprived, and your body is tired, but it’s important to feel good as quickly as possible,” she says. “It’s a really time-efficient hour.” The increase in energy and muscle tone helps new moms feel stronger and build the confidence they need to stay positive and committed. Hamlon adds, “Just be consistent and go easy on yourself! With regular practice and patience, you will be back to normal soon.”


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