How the stars shape up
Nicki Waterman, GMTV's fitness expert, looks at what you can learn from how celebrities have shaped up after their children's births...
Patsy Palmer
Actress Patsy Palmer swears by her fitness routine* which she used to get back in shape after having
her son Fenton and daughter Emelia
quite close together.
Nicki says: "You don't have to go to classes or join a gym but you do need to fit exercise into your daily lifestyle to make it work. It doesn't have to be a marathon - just small things every day will help you get back on the road to fitness. Take your baby out and about, do some exercises at home
(see our Post-baby shape-up plan) and buy a video if it helps. Start with short sessions of 10 minutes, and gradually build up to 20-30 mins every day if you can."
*Patsy Palmer has produced a fitness video called Urban Workout (available from
AlphabetStreet.co.uk for £10.49)
Davina McCall
Davina McCall used Pilates before and after the birth of her daughter Holly
Willow.
Nicki says: 'Pilates is a gentle form of exercise so it's good for after having a baby because it's based on simple, low impact exercises to make you longer, leaner and stronger. It will improve your posture, give you greater flexibility, tone and
strengthen your muscles and improve your bone density (which will help you in the longer term, too). Most gyms run Pilates classes but you really need to book a course to reap the benefits.'
Catherine Zeta
Jones
Catherine Zeta Jones switched to a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to help her slim down after having son Dylan.
Nicki says: 'Having a child is an incredible lifestyle change but you need to think about yourself as well as your baby, so combine healthy eating with gentle exercise and plenty of fresh air.'
Melanie
Blatt
After her baby was born by Caesarean, Melanie Blatt from All Saints will have been advised to take it easy for a while.
Nicki says: 'Melanie likes to wear those crop tops so I guess a flat tummy would be high on her wish list after the birth. My advice to anyone who's had a
Caesarean is to forget formal exercise for the first three months and just get out for lots of walks with your baby
instead. After all, a Caesarean is major surgery and you don't want to end up with something like a hernia so take it gently!'
Madonna
Madonna's knowledge of ashtanga vinyasa yoga helped her tone up quickly after having son Rocco.
Nicki says: 'Ashtanga is power yoga, an incredibly vigorous form of exercise so now really isn't the time to take it up but Hatha yoga is much more gentle so would be a much better option. Check out Penny Smith's video
Essential Yoga
[Telstar, £12.99 - or from Amazon.co.uk for £9.99], which is all about breathing, relaxation and meditation.'
Nicki Waterman and Sally Ann Voak have just published Sun Slimmer Fight Fat, Fight
Fatigue (Thorsons, £6.99) - available from Amazon.co.uk for £5.59.
TAKE NOTE!
Always check with your GP or midwife before starting any new fitness or eating regime.
Melanie Deeprose
Where to next?
- Go back to Post-baby shape-up article
- Talk to others about your post-baby get fit plans on our New Parents discussion forum
- Check our postnatal health guide for more advice
- New baby, no sex? Here's how to keep the passion alive
