Desperate to Get Body in Shape After Having Triplets

Updated on February 03, 2009
B.C. asks from Lansing, MI
20 answers

I had triplets 9 months ago and have negative amount of personal time. My stomach/tummy area sticks out and I am SO self-concious, not to mention frustrated with the impossibility of finding clothes that fit/are comfortable/are semi-flattering.
Are there any exercises that I can do while sitting at my desk at work that will help get my stomach muscles tighter and get me skinnier?
My doctor told me not to worry about dieting for the first year because I have enough to worry about... I appreciate his support but he doesn't have to live with this ugly body! :)

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So What Happened?

Thank you for all the awesome responses! I am SO encouraged and inspired. I'm sitting on my Yoga ball at my desk as we speak :).

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L.K.

answers from Detroit on

B.,

We've all had those UHG body times after birth. The best advice I received was to buy spanx and walk as often as you can. Spanx helped me mentally and were really comfortable and the walking helped physically.

Good luck
L.

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K.H.

answers from Grand Rapids on

My friend, who was always a skinny minny, had twins awhile ago and although she lost all the weight, still had a big stomach. She ended up having to have a tummy tuck at age 25, but now she looks great! It was just excess skin and muscle that was too stretched out to go back to normal. Maybe that's what it is.

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L.C.

answers from Detroit on

You could try to sit on one of those big fitness balls for certain intervals during the day. I think they actually make fitness ball chairs!

You're a better mamma then I am...I'm afraid I'd just say, "Screw it, I just gave birth to triplets!!!"

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D.D.

answers from Detroit on

HI--It took me about 2 years for my body to get back into shape after my twins. I lost 25lbs right away, but the last 20 was impossible to get off! i now go regularly to an exercise class at the YMCA that works on the core. MAJOR difference. Oh, and free childcare, so I get a break too!!

On of the things that I noticed right after the babies were born was that my back hurt. I now do the yoga position "plank" starting at 30 seconds and working up to 1 -1/2 min. no more back pain, and it tightens my abs.

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L.K.

answers from Detroit on

Congratulations on your new babies! How wonderful!!! You've gotten some great advice already, but I wanted to add something that has been working for me: http://video.gaiam.com/services/link/bcpid980289866/bclid...#

Right about the 1:00 mark, you'll see an exercise Billy calls the Core Connector. You can do this sitting in a chair - just scoot forward as far as you can and open your legs as if you were in a four-point stance & standing like in the video. It's a VERY effective exercise for the belly. Four sets of eight a day is great! Any questions, just shoot me an email. Hope this helps!

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K.T.

answers from Detroit on

When you are sitting at your desk, when you exhale, tighten your abs. Keep it tight through the inhale, and tighten more at the exhale. Do this until you can't tighten any more but breath several times in the tightest state....then slowly reverse the process. This will help tighten the core muscles when you need to be sitting.
I've heard that the "sticking out" part doesn't really go away that much (it certainly hasn't for me!) but at least your core will be stronger for picking up your lovely children.
Depending upon how much belly fat you've gotten, you could look into belly fat diets....I haven't had much luck with that.

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S.C.

answers from Lansing on

B.,

With that type of load who has time to even think let alone excersize! To lose the excess weight you don't have much choice but a low calorie diet. Check out Weight Watchers, I don't know anyone who hasn't been successful on this plan. You can eat most anything you want, just in moderation. Another thing you can do at work is get a fitness ball and just sit on it at your desk instead of a chair. This will force you to use those ab muscles to just stay balanced. A couple of our employees used them while they worked here. Try it for a few hours off and on in your day and see if you notice any change. Besides that I'm afraid there is no mircle cure for baby fat, just one of the many joys of motherhood! I sure can relate though, still trying after 18 years to lose my last couple of pounds.

S.

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B.V.

answers from Detroit on

We have a couple people at work that instead of using an office chair all day long, they sit on an exercise ball. Just sitting on them works your core, and improves posture (which I am sure takes a beating carrying around 3 babies!!). Neither one uses it all day long, but they say that it helps.

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R.M.

answers from Saginaw on

Congratulations on your babies! I hear what you are saying, but still say be patient with yourself. I would suggest easy ways to fit healthy back into your life. I don't know your habits, but these are some changes that I've had to change after having my son last March. I've lost 17 pounds since 'getting smart' as I call it:

*eat a healthy breakfast every day (one with fiber, grains, etc. there are great cereals out there)

*drink that water. I have a jug that if I drink 2 of them I have all my water for the day in. It takes time to get used to it, but it makes such a difference

*one snack smart a day - have something intentional (no picking here and there) and with protein....have cottage cheese, cheese stick, 4 slices of turkey, yogurt, sometimes I even have the popcorn with seasoning; it's not protein, but a nice change up

*don't eat anything after dinner.

*remember that your children will see and learn from your eating habits so why not start getting healthy now?

Good luck and don't get down on yourself. It will come in time. Enjoy those babies!

Oh, go to fatsecret.com too if you want a way to track your days. It's a free website to check out.

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E.M.

answers from Detroit on

Look up fit yummy mummy (I think that is it). She has some great tips on her blog.

I would practice tightening my abs at my desk - when you get up to walk pull your belly button in towards your spin. there are quick things you can do on the floor with your kids too. try to get them involved - I dance for 5 minutes or do squats. Use them for resistance.

Right now, you need to focus on sleep because your because your body will not get back into shape if you are sleep deprived - LOL your a mom of triplets you ARE sleep deprived. Make sure you get enough fruit, veggies and protein. Cut out sugar and only eat good carbs. It will come in time; even if you can only do 10 minutes a day.

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N.L.

answers from Detroit on

Hi,
I read your post about getting in shape after having triplets and wanted to let you know about this stuff I am taking. It’s called max WLX. I know there are a billion products out there but this stuff is phenomenal. The difference is that it works at a cellular level. Really. I am 38, have 4 kids and I have lost 21 lbs. in 2 months and feel incredible to top it off. I want every woman I know to try it. Here is some info on it:

In 1994, scientists discovered communication between fat cells and your brain. A messaging hormone called leptin that is manufactured by every fat cell in your body tells your brain when you've had enough to eat. It also serves as a sort of "on-off switch" for fat cells- a switch that determines whether cells will store fat or burn fat. But for this switch to work, your brain has to clearly hear leptin's message. When your body is sensitive and listens to the leptin message, it is easily satisfied with food. But this message can be drowned out as a result of overeating.

Max WLX lowers leptin levels and will help your body regain its sensitivity to the appetite message while allowing leptin to dial up your metabolism. You WILL break the vicious “fat gain” cycle. You can FINALLY work with your body rather than against it. Max WLX helps your body utilize the powerful, leptin mechanism for weight loss you can achieve and maintain.

8 week clinical trial results showed over 20 pounds of fat loss in 2 months.
Participants at the University of Connecticut Clinical Trial:

Lost 21.5 pounds of body fat in 8 weeks

Lost 3.96 inches off their waist

Lost 3.28 inches off their hips

Lost 1.2 inches off each thigh

Had a 90 percent greater fat loss than the diet and exercise alone group!

I had to order it through a friend of mine so let me know if you would like to try it. It costs about $70.00 for a month supply. I am just blown away by the results. I know it is weird to hear from someone you don’t know but I like mamasource and the opportunity for women to help women!
Happy Day!

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C.L.

answers from Detroit on

I also feel like I have zero time.. but I don't have triplets. Since January I've committed to doing 20 minutes a day of exercise and watching more what I eat.

Perhaps there is something you can do with the babies? Walk with them? Or maybe you can walk during your lunch break?

I always find if I don't exercise first thing in the morning I don't do it..but I'm a morning person.

Perhaps you can leave 15 minutes early for work and walk around the building.

S.S.

answers from Detroit on

I am feeling the same way but I didn't have triplets. I do have two kids at separate times but that is enough to do some damage to the figure. A fit friend of mine who has had 3 kids recommended I do this excercise called the PLANK. Check out the link below. You only need to do it for one minute take a brake and do it again for one minute. That is TWO minutes and I am telling you it will kick your butt! You will feel it the next day. Try it. It isn't exactly something you can do at work but you can do it while the kids are one the floor playing. They will love having you at their level.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=plank+exercise&...#

You may also try good posture. It causes you to use your muscles to sit straight. It also lengthens the muscles. That is easy to do at work or the car.

God Bless you and your little ones!
good luck!

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D.E.

answers from Detroit on

You have received a lot of good suggestions, but I wanted to remind you that your body is amazing. You have done something that few others have done. You have created and grown three wonderful babies at once! Hold your head high and remember what you have accomplished when you look in the mirror or try to squeeze into unforgiving jeans.

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K.A.

answers from Detroit on

There are these little bike type things on qvc (I'm sure other places as well). You put it under your desk and while your sitting, you pedal away. Aerobic excercise is supposed to be one of the best ways to lose belly fat (so I've read).

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J.H.

answers from Saginaw on

I like the site sparkpeople. I used to use it for tracking my foods but they have all kinds of exercises with short videos to show you how to do them and there should be some on there that you can do at work while sitting at your desk.

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J.S.

answers from Detroit on

I don't have any advice for you on this, but I jsut wanted to say that you're not alone. I jsut had twins 3 months ago, and I HATE my body. My stomach is completly destroyed and my Dr said the same thing to me, not to diet/excersie, especially b/c I'm nursing them and need the extra cals. I hate not being able to find anything that looks even slightly good on me. Hubby says not to worry about it, I'm married I don't need to impress anyone. Whatever, it's nice that he doesn't care, but I still hate it.
*sigh*
Sorry for my ramble, I just wanted to let you know your not alone in this. I think I'll use some of the advice that you were given for myself :)
GL!

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M.G.

answers from Jackson on

Hi B.! Congratulations on your triplets!!!

You mentioned that calorie counting worked for you...would a pre-counted plan customized to you and for you be a possible fit for you?

Is you having simple guarenteed nutrition a priority for you?

I look forward to hearing what you think.

warmly, M.

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D.M.

answers from Detroit on

HI B.---Congrats on the babies. I tend to agree with the moms who urge patience. BUT, there are several things you can do in the meantime.

Regular exercise actually increases your energy levels. It won't seem so at first, again, patience. Schedule your exercise like any other appointment and STICK to it. I'd like to get the balance ball office chair for core work AND a trainer I know also says to just suck in that gut, belly button to the spine, as much as you can. Your keigel exercises will also do a little core work.

As for diet, think in terms of eating for health, not to lose weight. If you concentrate on eating AT LEAST 7 to 13 servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day, along with whole grains and legumes, you will lose weight automatically. IF you are nursing, you will pretty much be eating constantly. Concentrate on getting over 40 grams of fiber a day. That way you will have to concentrate on the 4 food groups that I mentioned. Then use animal protein as either a condiment or as flavoring in soups or stews. You'll reduce saturated fat and nutritionally poor calories that way.

I am studying to be a wellness educator and I have lots of files and articles that I can share with you. Even if it's just to chat and I become a cheerleader, I would be glad to help. Would you be interested in attending health education events in the Lansing area? A group that I work with sponsors them regularly. Just let me know when we talk. I look forward to it. In health, D.
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M.P.

answers from Detroit on

Exercise is always great for toning but it sounds like you don't have a lot of time.

Is it important to you to have support in a weight loss program? With triplets it sounds like you want something simple and convenient. Is that true?

If this is, I have an exceptional program that will help loose pounds but more importantly help with muscle mass. The muscle mass builds speeds the metabolism, naturally, reduces cravings, and increases energy.

To view this program, go to www.cinchplan.com/mamabear. Feel free to call me at ###-###-####. I have great easy tips to get you to your goal weight and stay there.

M.

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