[charissevh]

I have had 8 pregnancies and my last two were back to back. In fact, I had a baby in Nov. 2004, then a miscarriage in April 2005, then a healthy boy Feb. 2006. Really, that is the equivalent of three pregnancies in two years. My body has had a slow recovery time. I've had a lot of back pain, and noticed a significant loss in muscle tone (compared to my other pregnancies). My baby is now five months old, and I am just back at the point where I can handle a real workout!
Does anyone know of a great routine that will really restore the muscle tone to the lower back pelvic region. I have been doing a lot of one legged squats (without ankle weights) and have noticed a lot of muscle tone returning to the quads and hip area; but I need something to target my pregnancy stressed pelvic and lower back area.

[movni]

There's this exercise I do that involves me getting on my hands and knees and lifting my legs. It has really helped my lower back, alot.

If you are looking for a more detailed help there's this wonderful site that can help you.

http://hyperstrike.com/

It offers lots of exercise and tips how to do it right and also an animation showing you how to do it. Also you can choose what you're looking to work on and it gives you lots of options for different exercises.I recomment you taking a look at it.

I really like how you can even look for certain exercises that involve equipment you already have, even a rolled up towel

[harleysneak]

Thanks for the link. I will have to check that site as well. Pregnancy really can have all different kinds of effects on your body.

[Lyricb]

Five months still seems early to me for getting back into a serious workout, especially after all the pregnancies you've had. I guess it depends on how active you were during the pregnancy.

[Danielle]

Try isometric balance exercises. They'll engage your abs, pelvic, and lower back muscles. Your local library will probably have some related books, but it doesn't have to be complex to start out. Just try balancing on one leg for a few seconds at a time. Just make sure there's something sturdy nearby that you can hold on to (just in case).

[Sven21]

why don't you try deadlifts and some hyper-extensions.i had some problems with my lower back as well and the deadlifts with low to moderate weights and medium number of reps did a lot for me

[Lyricb]

Good suggestions. I like the idea of utilizing isometrics because you can do them just about anywhere, anytime.

[movni]

Well it's not all about how active you were during your pregnacy. It's also about your body recovering to handle the stress on it and also wheter or not your doctor says your body is ready.

You shouldn't start exercising until you talk to your doctor about they type of exercise you want to do and such. I had a friend who tried to do sit ups and crunches two months after giving birth and I believe she said her pelvic bone ended up being locked. Something like that. She was in extreme pain.

[navitatl]

Wow yeah, I would seriously consider just chilling out for a while. Is there a really urgent need to get back in shape?
Talk to your doctor.
Also, start using birth control or something!

[hizumiruupu]

The best thing you could do is probably just stretch and do some aerobics each day. I wouldn't do any cardio or weightlifting just yet. Be patient!