When mommies get active again after baby, it’s not uncommon for old and new muscle and joint pain to arise. Perhaps it’s an old injury from your high-school sports days or some new low-back pain stemming from the months of pregnancy posture. If low-back pain is an uncomfortable part of your new mom routine, try the Plank to strengthen your abdominal and lower-back muscles and prevent worsening back pain. Set baby on the floor and place your hands shoulder-width apart on either side of her. Assume a push-up position. Draw belly button upward and keep shoulders over hands while you hold the position and focus on breathing steadily. Make faces at baby to keep her entertained! Hold as long as possible. Rest a minute, then repeat. Do the Plank daily and build up to a 2-minute hold.
~ Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. With a decade under her belt, Dara now shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through Fit Family (fitfamily.ca) personal training and Belly Bootcamp (www.bellybootcamp.ca/) pre- and post-natal fitness. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family.
