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Expert Q&A

	By April Underwood Fitness Consultant Playa del Rey, California

I just had a son 4 months ago. I was just wondering if you knew how long will it take me to go back to normal. Are there certain exercises that I can do? Before I was pregnant I was hippy and now I've lost my stomach but my hips don't seem any smaller.

The length of time it take to "get back to normal" is entirely individual. If your health is good, there were no complications with your birth, and you feel good, with no knee problems, I would definitely recommend a walk/run program. Walking and running in intervals burns more calories than walking alone because you cover more mileage, and it's the easiest thing to do with a baby in a stroller. Start off with intervals of a 3 to 1 ratio. For example, walk 3 minutes and run 1 minute, or walk 6 minutes and run 2 minutes. If a 1 minute run is too long, then shorten it. Gradually increase to a ration of 1:1, running and walking for equal time intervals. This will help reduce your body fat overall, including increasing muscle tone in your hips and thighs.

Congratulations on your new baby, and good luck with your exercise!

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