Upper Body Exercises Post Baby: Help! a Strapless Bridesmaid Dress!

Updated on April 11, 2008
S.F. asks from Berrien Springs, MI
10 answers

Okay, I am having a baby in T-minus 19 days :). I am in my brothers wedding the end of June. That gives me barely 2 months to somehow lose the swollen puffy look of a new mommy. I am so not excited about a strapless dress, not to mention the 3 inch heels! I am at a healthy 30 pound weight gain for this baby, but that doesn't count the extra weight from babies one and two that has to be squeezed in. I will still be breast feeding, but I have to go this week to get fitted for the dress. Which is going to be a serious joke.
Anyway, I loathe my shoulders and my arms, and I was wondering if anyone had any great work outs for upperbody that can be done while still pregnant, and soon after delivery.
I know its not much time, but how was I to know they would be choosing the least flattering style for my body?
Okay, thanks for listening to my complaints.

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L.Y.

answers from Saginaw on

I am seconding the notion!! Get a wrap! Strapless? I know the saying is that the bride is supposed to look the best but really a little sympathy for the mommy of three would be nice!

L.

www.HealthyFamilyHome.com

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E.K.

answers from Kalamazoo on

Dont stress too much, most people will be looking at the bride anyway. You could let her know about your issues with the dress, maybe she would let you choose a similar style (with straps) in the same color. Just let her know with the breast feeding how uncomfortable you would be in a strapless. Otherwise I suggest light weights and cutting as much salt out of your diet as you can, as this will help with the puffyness. You can try weight watchers also, they have a weight loss program for nursing mothers.

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L.W.

answers from Detroit on

Do yoga, you will get cut arms and a great body. Lifetime gym has free daycare (it is included with the monthly dues) and they have yoga seven days a week there. Oh, your baby has to be three months old to go to the daycare. Okay, so get a yoga video it really tones your body fast if you do it daily!! Good luck.

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E.M.

answers from Detroit on

Planks, Planks, Planks! Not only will your arms get strong, but so will your abs. Also "wash the walls". Put wash clothes under your hands and put your hands on the wall. "wash" up and down and side to side. Push ups on a fit ball. low weight dumb bells and do curls and tricep exercises.

I did all of these moves in physical therapy for shoulder problems and man my arms, shoulders and back looked great! I did all this when my son was 10 months old.

Of course consult with your doctor prior to any excerise, you do not want to hurt yourself.

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L.O.

answers from Saginaw on

Hey S.!

Check out T-Tapp.com -- you will love it! I am working on getting my waistline back after having 4 children (twins at 39). This will work if you are committed and does not take much time and helps you lose inches rather than weight. Get the book and read it first -- it has a coupon it in that you can fax to them and then get the dvds at 30% off.
Good Luck! When you lose the inches, just call the seamstress to take in the dress!

L. O.

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K.G.

answers from Detroit on

I was my sisters Matron on Honor when my 2nd daughter was just a couple of months old and also had to wear a strapless dress, which I hated to wear even before having kids. Oh and I was also nursing at the time as well. My sugestion wear a wrap or something...even if it is just a shear piece of material. People will be understanding.
K.

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B.B.

answers from Detroit on

You can start walking anytime. Don't try to go for miles, but just a couple slow laps around the block will actually help with baby delivery and all... Plus, getting you and the other kids out of the house on a nice day helps mommys stay sane. :-)

I also agree with the wrap... Then if you have to nurse, you also have a cover... :-) It seems like people like getting married right after a babys born. I was in my sis in laws wedding 4 mo after #2 baby (strapless dress) and my sisters 1 mo after baby #3. lol Remember to think of the fact that you will have several things having to happen.. Either nursing the baby, pumping, or a constant need to change your nursing pads. Most strapless dresses have the option of putting straps/strings on the dress... Get a good supportive bra!!! After missing or delaying a feeding your gonna be feeling pretty heavy on the top. I got one that was strapless but also had the option of putting straps on and one of the pairs of straps was see thru... Other wise you would be the suprize of the party on the dance floor. :-)

Are they insisting on the 3 inch heels? Ask if yo can get lower for safety sake of having to carry a baby around and still being a bit off balance from only wearing "sensible, not sexy" shoes for who knows how long...

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B.R.

answers from Kalamazoo on

start lifting weights. Light weight w/ more reps. Do tricep/bicep curls, shoulder shrugs, your deltoids, chest flies. Do different muscles each day so that you're not getting fatigued. Take measurements and keep a journal. Good luck! OH! Lots of water too.

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C.G.

answers from Detroit on

First off, congratulations! If you want to work on your arms and shoulders, you can do that while you are still pregnant. Use dumbells of low weight (2-5 lbs) with lots and lots of reps and just lift them every which way you can think of. Then once your doctor says its safe for you to exercise, you can move into more rigerous machines or other stuff like walking, jogging, etc. If you switch to jogging, don't forget to keep up the arm stuff too. And, lots and lots of water. You will be looking great in no time! Good Luck!

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A.H.

answers from Lansing on

After you have the baby I would get some 2 lb and 5 lb hand weights and do some strength training. Maybe get an upper body areobic video. Start with the 2 lb weight and work your way up to the 5 lb. Make sure you stretch beforehand. Even while you are sweeping and mopping you can do it slowly and steady and help tone your arms. Hope this helps. Also I know this may sound weird but try to weedwack your yard. When I worked for my dad doing this my arms got really toned just make sure you switch arms to evenly tone each arm.

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