LA-based fitness rock star (and busy-bee book author) LaReine Chabut wants us to carve out the time to get our post-baby bods back, come hell or high water.
I think I have some kind of mommy-amnesia, because I don’t remember exactly how I met LaReine. I just know that ever since I did make her lovely acquaintance several years ago, I’ve pretty much stalked her for fitness tips. Seriously. She’s all over my Momover book, and I reach out to her for anything I’m working on that’s even remotely exercise-related.
Here’s why: The proof is in the pudding. She has written multiple fitness books, including a great one that I’m sure a lot of you already own, Lose That Baby Fat.
And clearly, LaReine practices what she preaches. Yes, she’s crazy-tall. But she’s had two babies in fairly rapid succession and she looks like a million buckaroos. And she’s the first to tell you that returning to her pre-kid form wasn’t a day at the beach. Even given the fact that she’s literally an expert on flat abs. (See: Core Strength for Dummies, by one LaReine Chabut.)
Without further ado, let’s jump into these Qs and these As. I think you’ll find them genuinely motivating and get-off-the-couchy.
Dana: When it comes to getting back in shape after having a baby, what are some of the biggest mistakes you see new moms making? Do they wait too long? Not push themselves hard enough? Undo their hard work by consuming too many calories?
LaReine: The biggest mistake new moms make is not starting early enough! New moms think they can put off working out until they can get the energy, join a gym, have a babysitter and all other kinds of excuses. As a new mother myself, I teach moms how to start early with a simple 10-minute walk around the neighborhood pushing the baby in a stroller. Every mom can do that. And then you can increase the time as you grow stronger and build more stamina. And keep in mind you aren’t eating for two anymore!
Dana: In your “Lose That Baby Fat” workshops, you train and coach a small group of new moms. Why is it important to have that group vibe? But working out alone is cool too, right?
LaReine: Any way you choose to work out is great. However, many moms, including myself, like the motivation they get from working out with other mothers. And if you know your “team” or group is depending on you, you will show up! It takes great discipline and motivation to get to the gym by yourself or do a workout, so I say go for it if that’s what feels good to you.
Dana: How do you motivate new clients who have been hanging onto their baby weight for years? Do you approach the way you train them differently?
LaReine: This is the most popular question I get: “How can I lose the baby fat when I had my kids years ago?” My approach is to first evaluate their fitness level and eating habits then get an idea of how much weight they’d like to lose. Because moms with older children don’t have the same circumstances as mothers with babies, I don’t give them any breaks – it’s tough love all the way – that’s why they came to me in the first place. I do take them through longer cardio-burning sessions at first, then add in weights so they can build muscle to burn the fat. For new moms, we concentrate on the core a bit more because that’s the area that needs it most.
Dana: Is it better to do a little something fitness-y every day or go for fewer – but longer – sessions?
LaReine: Whatever fits your schedule best is the way to go. For new moms I prefer shorter, more frequent workouts that they can sneak in when the baby’s sleeping. For others, I suggest 40 to 60 minute workouts 3 to 5 times a week, or walking 30 minutes every day.
Dana: You’ve mentioned old school “bicycles” to me as one of your favorite tummy-toners. What’s a good goal to set, rep-wise and number-of-times-per-week-wise?
LaReine: I suggest 3 sets of 10 to 15 bicycle crunches 5 times a week to tighten your abs and help whittle your waist. I like doing them at night in front of the TV because I find I do more!
Dana: On the aerobic front, should new moms be trying to incorporate intervals into every session? And how do you that when you’re strollering? Just speed up and slow down?
LaReine: Intervals are a great way to speed up your heart rate then bring it back down so you get twice the results and a boost in your metabolism. I suggest intervals because they also cure boredom and keep your workout interactive because you are changing things up every 3 to 5 minutes. For stroller walking, alternating walking with short bursts of running then adding a few hills works best. You can also hold onto the handles of your stroller and do a set of squats and lunges here and there. Look at it as circuit training using every part of your stroller.
Dana: Any other words of fitness wisdom for my hot Momoverettes? And me?
LaReine: Remember it took nine months to put on the baby weight, and it will take a good nine months to take off the baby weight. Whether it’s a workout partner that motivates you or just wanting to have enough energy to chase after your baby, get out there and do it. What are you waiting for??
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