3 Effortless Ways to Turn Your Postbaby Body Envy Into Motivation

In the continued obsession with the postbaby bodies, Kate Middleton turned heads and made headlines once again after she was spotted playing volleyball less than three months months after giving birth, in heels no less. It was her midsection, not her shoe selection, that raised eyebrows when her shirt lifted while going for an overhead shot, momentarily exposing a flat tummy. How did she manage that rapid recovery of her waistline?

First off, let’s be real. The Duchess has access to Royal Resources likely include at least a personal trainer and a personal chef. While it helps to have such means, the work required to get back into shape can’t be bought. Kate should be applauded since she is the one who has done the real work to get her body back. And the truth is that you don’t need the resources of a princess to get into shape fairly quickly after giving birth. You just need the know-how and the will to do it. The will must come from you. As for the know how, here are a few great tips to get you on your way:

1. Get to the core of the matter. Toning the muscles weakened the most during pregnancy helps those muscles regain form more quickly after baby comes. It helps if you start during pregnancy to help prepare your body for giving birth. Try core exercises that are specifically designed for pregnancy in order to isolate the core muscles safely and effectively. If baby’s already arrived and are just starting your recover, don’t despair. It’s never to late to begin! Start with beginner level exercises and work your way up. For added fun, try a core workout with baby. There are fewer restrictions on what the postpartum mama can do, but be sure and get doctor approval before beginning an exercise routine if you are in the first 10 weeks postpartum.

2. Get in the zone. The target heart rate zone, that is. Include cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week that gets your heart rate up into the target zone for 20 minutes or more. How do you find out your target zone? Subtract your age from 220. For pregnant women, the target zone is at 60-70 percent of maximum (so multiply that number by .65). For postpartum moms, the target zone is 70-80 percent of the maximum (so multiply that number by .75). And if you’re looking for something that’s low-impact and easy to do, try walking at a brisk pace, swimming, the elliptical machine, or even water aerobics.

3. Make it a habit. Exercising 5-6 days a week not only maximizes the benefits of exercise, it makes it a part of your schedule (which makes it a habit and less of a chore, right?). Devoting just 20 minutes a day to your health will make you look and feel like a whole new woman.

Did you do anything special to shed those pregnancy pounds?