How to Lose Your Post-Baby Belly by Running

If you packed on the pounds while you were pregnant, the joy of a new baby might be tempered by your frustration with your flabby belly. The Mayo Clinic reports that most women lose about 10 pounds immediately after giving birth, and in the weeks after your baby is born, you'll continue to shed water weight and fluid. If your post-baby belly still sticks around, though, running can help you shed calories and get back into shape.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your doctor at your post-childbirth check-up about your weight-loss goals. If you've had a C-section, you might need to wait a few weeks before you begin working out; pushing yourself too hard could pop open your stitches. If you're still having pain after giving birth, wait until you feel better to start exercising. Instead, begin by focusing on general stretching and getting up and moving.

    • 2

      Start slowly with a brisk walk around the block. Invest in a jogging stroller so you can take your baby with you. Pushing a stroller makes your routine more challenging and can help you burn a few extra calories, and bringing your baby means you don't have to wait for a baby-sitter to arrive before you can exercise. Walk for 20 to 30 minutes most days for the first week or two, gradually increasing the length and speed of your walk as you gain strength.

    • 3

      Try interval training. Not only does this help ease into running, it also burns more calories. Walk briskly for a few minutes, then jog or run for one to two minutes, alternating your pace throughout your workout. Continue with interval training and gradually increase the amount of time you spend running until you're running for most of your workout. Try adding one additional minute of running to your routine each day.

    • 4

      Run each day for as long as you comfortably can. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that those trying to lose weight need about 300 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. If you can't handle this much running, try walking on your off days or taking one walk and one run each day. You'll need to burn 3,500 calories for every pound you want to lose, and dieting alongside your running routine can help you lose more weight.