|
UNDER COVERS
“Bouncing Back After Baby”
by Becky Youman
review by Amy Bauer
|
 Having a baby is truly an amazing experience. The miracle of creating a brand new life, and the love you feel for the tiny person you’ve only just met is often overwhelming. But among the most life-altering adjustments is the realization that your once fit body has become almost unrecognizable and the thought of fitting into a pair of “skinny jeans” seems about as far-fetched as a stork delivering your next child.
“Bouncing Back After Baby,” written by fellow Austinite, Becky Youman, is a wonderful reference for getting that pre-baby body back—or at least as close to it as gravity will allow!
This book focuses on three connected elements—exercise, nutrition and mental health—and Youman feels that addressing all of these simultaneously is what sets her book apart from the rest.
“All three are so important when it comes to getting back to the old you,” says Youman. “Also, I think it is the only one that offers a week-by-week plan for 12 entire months,” she says.
The book is broken into 12 distinct chapters, each representing a month during the first year post-pregnancy. Among the topics covered are good eating habits, moderate exercise and proper maintenance of mental health.Youman, a professional yoga instructor, believes strongly in offering week-by-week plans as a systematic yet flexible way to achieve optimum results. For example: “Your needs in the first few months of motherhood are quite distinct from the ones you have as you near your baby’s first birthday,” she says.
Throughout “Bouncing Back After Baby” there are side notes called “Mom Hints.” These are basically motivational tips and secrets, ranging from calorie-counting advice to underwear options if you’re looking to hide that lingering baby weight. There is also an overview at the end of each section summarizing all of the new steps taken and applauding that month’s accomplishments.
From Web site references and playgroup ideas, to healthy recipes and alternative forms of exercise with your child, this is a sensible and healthy way for new moms to get back in shape, both physically and mentally. All of the exercise and nutrition advice is easy-to-follow and Youman continually reminds readers that moving at their own pace is the most important lesson of all. Best of all, “Bouncing Back After Baby” provides a simplistic and realistic approach to fitness for new and expectant moms, so they can more fully enjoy their recent additions!
|
