help! dvd to help me get rid of my (flubby) new-ish mom body?

[lmewilson]

okay, okay. so, i'm not actually a NEW mom - my daughter was born nearly 11 months ago. but, between chasing her around the house and trying to keep up with my 3 year old, i'm finding it hard to fit in going to the gym as much as i'd like.

i told myself that by my birthday (which was last week) i'd be "fabulous" and not "FLABulous": i didn't meet my goal. i didn't realize how hard it would be to have two little girls. so, i'm trying to be forgiving of myself and work to get to my goal as quickly as i can.

i'm working on my diet, and i'm getting the cardio i need at the gym, but, i know that in order to get my body to be less "flubby" and more like it used to look before kids, i need to do some strengthening/toning.

i'd *love* some dvd recommendations for firming up my belly (AKA abs), getting rid of my back fat (ew! where did this come from???), and even slimming down my upper arms. any that you have found to really produce results would be sooooooooo helpful to me. i've never done video-fitness - but i do know there are a zillion titles out there (i've been reading the threads)... please help me narrow it down.

thanks for helping me get back to being *me*.

[funniegrrl]

First, it's important to understand that strength training builds muscle, which does make you look "toned" as well as improving your functional strength, improving bone health, and lots of other benefits. HOWEVER, you cannot reduce the fat in an area by exercising. This old myth of "spot reducing" is persistent but totally bogus. Your body deposits and burns off fat in a pre-determined order, dictated by your individual genetics. Burning more calories than you consume -- without making too drastic a reduction -- will reduce the fat on your body.

Having said that, strength training is VITAL to having the kind of body you are looking for. You'll add muscle while you burn the fat, and that will make your body more compact because muscle takes up less space than the same weight of fat. In terms of video recommendations, I am a big fan of Kathy Smith. She has two EXCELLENT strength training videos: Lift Weights to Lose Weight, and Lift Weights to Lose Weight vol. 2. Each requires only dumbells, although vol two has a bonus swiss ball workout. They both have powerful core (abdominal/lower back) exercises, and you can do a complete half-body workout in less than 30 minutes. You can see reviews and video clips at www.collagevideo.com

Kathy also has a new project that's a more comprehensive program. It's called Project: YOU and it is a complete cardio and strength workout plan, and also includes a food plan. I participate on her bullletin board on iVillage and I know she's very excited about it -- sort of a dream project. So, if you are looking for a more one-stop-shopping program, you might look into it. You can only get this through her website, www.kathysmith.com.

[Valerie226]

If "flubby" is not a real word, it needs to be!. Too funny!.

[Luv to Cook]

I have been really happy with the "Firm" videos. I am sure you have probably seen the infomercial for them. I went through the same thing after my DD was born. I started working out with the firm right when she was around 10 months old...she is about 19 months now and I can see a definite improvement in my arms and legs. I do still need to do some more cardio, due do the reasons funniegrrl mentioned. The layer of fat is still hovering over all that muscle. I am in the process of getting outside more to walk and play with DD, and we are really trying to get into the habit of not eating anything after 7:30PM which has worked wonders for me feeling better and sleeping better.

Good luck.
Anita