From Baby to Bikini: Keep Your Midsection Toned SAFELY during Pregnancy and Flatten Your Abdominals FAST after You Have Your Baby [Paperback]

Greg Waggoner (Author), Doug Stumpf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Turn baby-fat into mommy-flat with this comprehensive and fun abdominal program, the first geared exclusively toward pregnant women and new mothers. After childbirth, the area women find most difficult getting back into shape is the midsection. From Baby To Bikini offers extensive chapters on how to exercise safely and effectively during pregnancy, alternative exercises for the last two trimesters, a gradual postnatal program highlighting fat-burning abdominal and aerobic exercises, and a diet geared toward regaining a flat stomach.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Whether it's a few pounds or a lot, that postbaby weight around the belly is the new mom's curse. And, as New York City personal trainer Greg Waggoner notes, it gets more difficult to lose with second and third babies. Readers might wonder what a guy can tell them about losing that weight--especially one who puts the dreaded word bikini in the title--but the answer is, quite a lot. Waggoner has done his research, not just in the fitness and exercise areas, but also into the feelings and attitudes his pregnant and new mom readers might have. The book is divided into prebirth and postbirth sections, with appropriate warnings for complications, breastfeeding, and other special situations. For new moms, he outlines a six-month program, further breaking it down into "easy" and "more challenging" options, with additional instructions on how a baby can be incorporated into the exercises. And, unlike magazines, which frequently don't illustrate the exercises thoroughly, this book is crammed with illustrations clearly depicting the required moves. Waggoner also addresses the necessity of adding dietary adjustments (he includes a few recipes at the end of the book) and aerobic exercise into the mix in order to fit into the aforementioned swimwear--or maybe just that old pair of jeans in the back of the closet. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Foreword

There is nothing quite like motherhood and a new baby. Those first few days are filled with such delight, and the early weeks are so sleepless, that you barely notice what has become of your figure. Then one day you step out from the shower (the first free moment you have had in weeks), and you accidentally glance into the mirror. That maternal glow dims as you realize that those pounds you packed on so easily while "eating for two" are no longer bringing joy and smiles into your life. The task of regaining a fit and well-toned body seems impossible, overwhelming. You don't have the time, work looms, the baby is crying, and you desperately need a nap.

Actually, what you need is this book.

This book is special because it brings the knowledge and skill of a personal trainer to your side. Greg Waggoner has enjoyed years of experience and success as a personal trainer for pregnant women and new mothers. His knowledge and common sense make this book a delight to read. It is reassuring to know that the exercises you will be doing have been used by an experienced trainer to help other women remain fit during and after pregnancy. The photographs and easy-to-follow exercise instructions help the reader to embark on a program that encourages a fit pregnancy and an easy recovery.

Greg then turns to the postpartum period. He offers lifestyle advice along with a detailed exercise program. The program is carefully paced, beginning with a routine that, while not overtaxing, is challenging enough to produce the desired results. Seeing early results is encouraging, and over the next weeks of the program the pace increases. Soon the results become more noticeable to you and to those around you.

Because Greg realizes that each woman may be at a different level of conditioning (both during and after pregnancy), he offers suggestions on how to modify each exercise routine for your individual needs. This is one of the key reasons that the program is so successful and why it is so much like having your own trainer. Besides exercises and stretching, the book also provides dietary tips, including some delicious and healthy recipes, that are helpful as you increase your activities or return to work.

As a physician and mother I have read and tried all types of quick fixes and fad exercise programs. Most of them either don't work or are too boring or impossible to incorporate into an already busy life. I wish that From Baby to Bikini had been around a few years ago when I gave birth to my children. However, even women who had their babies a few years ago can benefit from this book! The program is easy to follow, fun to do, and, along with great results, will help you develop lifelong fitness and health.

-Renee Garrick, M.D.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446673986
• ISBN-13: 978-0446673983
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,242,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What abs?, December 22, 1999

By 

SL LYALL "Sarah" (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Baby to Bikini: Keep Your Midsection Toned SAFELY during Pregnancy and Flatten Your Abdominals FAST after You Have Your Baby (Paperback)

I got this book when my second baby was about two months old, and my stomach looked like a bowl of jello. I had been discouraged by the way other exercise books seemed to make you feel instantly terrible about all the post-partum flab, but this book was so friendly and helpful, and so understanding of the delicate psychological needs of plump new mothers, that I felt I really could try the exercises. They were easy to follow, not overwhelmingly time-consuming, and I have to say that, five months later, I have seen my abs for the first time in my life. And I don't have to leave the top button of my pants undone anymore.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book as soon as you find out you are pregnant!!, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: From Baby to Bikini: Keep Your Midsection Toned SAFELY during Pregnancy and Flatten Your Abdominals FAST after You Have Your Baby (Paperback)

I was in my eighth month of pregnancy when I read Mr. Waggoner's book. By slowly and carefully following his suggestions with the permission of my Ob-Gyn, I started a routine of exercises that I continued after my son was born. Tony, the baby, and I do our exercises every day. First, I work with him, then he rests while I do mine. I think it's really working because my abdomin is really getting back into shape as well as my thighs and buttocks. I still have five more pounds to lose, but I feel confident that will come off if I continue the routine I learned in this book. Let me add, also, that the suggestions for diet have been really valuable. I have confidence in what I'm doing because of this book.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Guide to Shedding Post-Pregnancy Pounds, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: From Baby to Bikini: Keep Your Midsection Toned SAFELY during Pregnancy and Flatten Your Abdominals FAST after You Have Your Baby (Paperback)

This book presents a straightforward and easy to follow plan for losing post pregnacy pounds - and we all know how depressing those can be. Personal trainer Greg Waggoner explains a step by step way to get your old body back - and its actually working! The authors write in a friendly tone, and include useful information about all aspects of pregnancy, addressing any health concerns you might have about exercising both before and after the birth. The workouts are time-efficient, well-illustrated, and there are some that include the baby. Also, a balanced diet is stressed as important part of breastfeeding, as well as losing pounds - there are fast, healthful and easy recipes at the back of the book.