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Q. Hi Fitz. I need some advice on how to best use my treadmill. I have a seven month old baby, and have lost a bunch of weight….but I’ve hit a plateau. I’m nursing, and am constantly hungry. Please don’t suggest a gym, because I can’t afford one. I’d just like to make the best of my treadmill any other free or inexpensive items. I’m desperate. Help! Amber
A. Plateaus suck, Amber. Very frustrating. Fortunately though, it sounds like we can get you moving in the right direction. I nursed both of my children as well, and remember the feeling of constant thirst and hunger. In fact, the second I sat down to nurse, my husband went running to get me a drink. The urges are wild, aren’t they?
You don’t need a gym. Gyms are fantastic tools if you choose them, but they are no means the end-all when it comes to fitness. You can work wonders in the comforts of your own home, while junior can comfortably sleep or play. You didn’t tell me what you’re doing on the treadmill now, but I can give you this advice. Do more! Go further, faster or train at an incline. Cranking up the intensity of your workouts is a sure way to burn extra calories and develop the muscles in your legs. If you don’t have specific health issues that prevent you from jogging…….do it! Many of my personal training clients shied away from jogging pre-me, because it seemed too hard. Now they’re all running several miles a day.
Increase the level of your training gradually. Don’t expect to double your efforts right away. Jog for two minutes, walk for two minutes. Jog for three minutes, walk for two. Jog for four, walk for two. This is a simple way to increase your jogging to walking ratio. Soon you’ll be jogging several miles without a break. If you can’t jog for some reason, use that incline. Increase the level by one percent each day you train and eventually you’ll be climbing mountains. Not only will it burn mega calories, but you’ll earn the firmest fanny in town. And if you can’t jog or walk at an incline….walk further. Increasing mileage decreases you!
I recommend that you start strength training as well. The more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day. Push-ups, squats, lunges, dips, crunches, leg lifts, planks. All of those things will cost you nothing while providing a great total-body workout. You can use your baby as resistance by doing most of your exercises while holding him. Fun for both of you! If you’re willing to invest $20, I’ve got a killer core training DVD, FLIP FLOP ABS – which targets every last inch of your abs, back, and hips … probably those which a new mom is weakest!
Lastly, eat wisely, and make great use of this EXACT FORMULA FOR WEIGHT LOSS. Since you’re hungry quite often, be particular about what you put in your mouth. Look for highly nutritious, low-calorie options. Fruit, veggies, lean meat and lean dairy in small portions will keep you satisfied and on the way to your fitter figure. Now get to work!
Fitz
