Best exercise to help lose weight and tone up

[Angel2018]

I need a little advice please, I gave birth to my son 3 months ago and now Christmas is out the way I looking to lose my baby weight but with so many weight loss plans and exercise regimes I don’t know where to start. Any ladies who have managed to lose weight and how did you achieve it? I’m looking at all options. Thank you

Was going to say running, but see you are only 3 months post partum would suggest pilates , yoga or swimming. They say 9 months up 9 months down and I foumd this to be true. I think I might even add the 4th trimester in there, so realistically 15m till back to pre-pregnancy shape/ weight.

Running running running running running.
Running!

And 3 months post-partum is fine to start, providing no major issues with the birth.

I know they say 9 months up and 9 months down but, realistically, if you're fit and active the weight does come off faster. I found running brilliant for my mental health in those mad early days after each DC was born. Was the only time I got entirely to myself, to relax.

Have you checked for diastis recti? Definitely do this before any exercise.

Did you have vagina or c section because that is also different in terms of what you can do.

My advice would be to do something you enjoy, whether that's solo, with a friend or a group. Classes or cycling/running whenever.
You are way more likely to stick to something you enjoy that just becomes part of your life.

For weight loss, you'd be better off posting in 'weight loss chat' as your eating patterns will outweigh exercise by a huge amount.

For exercise, you need to check the state of your abs, to ensure the muscles have knitted back together properly (google 'diastasis recti') before doing anything you would not do during 3rd trimester pregnancy.

If you're good to go, then I suggest startjng with Pilates , or a n entry-level general fitness class (of any sort which takes hot fancy) or cycling or swimming. And running (often the easiest thing to fit in) - go from the start of C25K if a beginner/novice, or no more than a third to a half of previous level if more experienced. (There's a NY C25K starter thread just getting together in this topic

And the exercise most worth continuing time and attention is those for your pelvic floor

The Erin O'Brien postnatal pilates DVD is a good place to start before adding in other exercise. It concentrates on building weakened core muscles affected by pregnancy and birth.

Running is flexible and efficient but starting before your body is ready puts a lot of strain on the pelvic floor which can be a long term issue. Make sure you can sustain a good brisk walk first.

If breastfeeding, relaxin stays in your body longer and the increased flexibility can lead to strain injuries so build up gently, listening to your body.