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New Mom "Fat Traps"

How to Avoid Them
and Lose Weight

By Melinda Copp

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"Women, especially moms, don't put themselves first," Edwards says. "Moms often focus on everyone else's needs, and making themselves feel good drops on the priority list."

Moms may not make time to exercise because they feel guilty taking time away for themselves, or they may feel uncomfortable leaving Baby with a sitter. In this case, a mom-and-baby exercise program will get Mom some exercise and introduce Baby to social situations and other babies.

Plus, moms may feel more comfortable working out with other moms who may not be in the best shape either. "We get people from all different fitness levels, even women who are pregnant," says Edwards, who teaches stroller fitness classes that involve lots of interaction with Baby. If you don't have a mom-and-baby exercise program in your area, you can look for a gym that offers free childcare while you workout, or talk to your friends and acquaintances about getting together to walk or jog with your strollers.

Another reason that some moms avoid exercise is that they struggle to find an activity that they enjoy doing. "Exercise has to be something fun that you look forward to; otherwise you won't do it," Edwards says. So take time to find something that you really like to do, whether that's setting aside 40 minutes a day to run a few blocks or chatting with other moms during a stroller fitness class.

However, before you start any exercise program you should always consult with your doctor, especially after having a baby.

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