I hear this so many times at Stroller Strides class (even when you think I can't hear you) and I just want to tell all you moms that barring any actual physical injury- you CAN do abs!
My coach in high school, Mrs. Boynton (isn't it funny how I remember her name?) used to say "never say you 'can't' just, 'I have not yet learned how to.........'" and that lesson has definitely stuck with me for over 15 years.

Try it yourself- next time we are doing something challenging in class, or maybe when you are doing something challenging at home- instead of writing yourself off with an "I can't" change it a little to "I can't, YET".

And for those of you that really think you can't do core work, either because you don't have the abdominal strength back from pregnancy, you baby won't let you put them down etc. etc. here is a quick & effective exercise to try. This & other amazing tips can be found in Lisa Druxman's book, LEAN Mommy.

Starting Position
Lie down on the floor or a mat with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Sit baby on your hips, resting against her back against your thighs. Gently hold her in position. Keep a space between your chin and chest (looking diagonal towards the ceiling). Engage your abs by pulling your belly button towards your spine. Press your weight down through your heels.

Action
EXHALE: Slowly lift hips off of floor toward ceiling by squeezing your glutes and engaging your abs. Your body should be in a straight line from your knees down to your shoulders. INHALE: Slowly return to starting position to complete one rep. Aim for 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

Special Instructions
Safety should be your main concern, for you and the baby. Make sure that baby is totally secure in all movements. If any exercise is uncomfortable or too strenuous with baby, try it without baby first. Squeeze glutes and abs during both phases of this exercise. Make it harder: Try not to let butt touch ground when lowering between reps.

Those are the words, right? :)

Come & find out for sure tomorrow- we are having a Michael Jackson tribute class in Stroller Strides class!

Just be forewarned- Thriller was my all time favorite cassette when I was younger, I listed to it every night to go to bed.

Appropriate dress is encouraged...

And don't forget, the Michael Jackson Tribute Dance Party at the Orpheum tomorrow night- 9pm

One of my favorite Lisa Druxman blog posts of all times is titled, "Mama Wants Her Abs Back",
and isn't it the truth!

After you get over that 1st huge body hurdle of shedding the extra pounds- you start to look around & see just how your body has changed as a result of that beaming cherub(or screaming banshee, depending on your child) you brought into the world. For most of us those changes can be as small as some more butt cushion, bigger boobs or larger feet (not to mention the ubiquitous mommy 'pooch'). The great thing about most of these changes is that we can do something about them! We are not 'trapped' in our new body- although trust me, I know it feels that way sometime.

The belly is a focal point for a lot of us moms and besides the perceived esthetics of the area, your core is the FOCUS of strength for your whole body. Ask someone the day after their c-section how easy it is to walk up stairs.... Our core powers us in our everyday movements, it protects our back and allows us to literally have the strength for motherhood.

So to honor our core, and let's face it- love ourselves in our bathing suits, Stroller Strides Flag is proud to announce our new Power Core class. This class will be a 60-minute cardio & core focused class that promises to make you aware of all that your tummy does for you.

Don't worry! This isn't another thing you need to fit into your schedule, for the month of June Power Core will take place every Friday at Buffalo Park. See you there!!