Pushing a stroller doesn't mean you have to stroll

DAYTON, Ohio — After giving birth, most new moms are anxious to get their pre-baby body back.

Linda Gisburne, a Chicago personal trainer and lifestyle coach, offers some great tips and exercises that can be performed nearly anytime, anywhere, with little to no equipment (other than the occasional baby).

First and foremost, before entering in to a post-natal workout routine, always get your doctor's permission and clearance for physical activity.

Your body is not the same as it once was, and so it may not be ready to do some of the same exercises, but with time it is entirely possible to reach fitness goals.

Portion control

Gisburne suggests watching portions by eating mindfully, not mindlessly. "Being a new mom means baby must count on you to be healthy. This is especially true if you are breast-feeding. Eighty percent of your results rely on making healthy and smart food choices. Also, drink plenty of water to support your system."

Cardio

"So many times I hear that now that baby's here, there isn't time to exercise," Gisburne says. "Not true! You can always sneak a faster walk in while taking baby along in the stroller. For variety, go an extra few minutes each way during your walk instead of speeding it up. While the baby is napping, pop in a workout DVD. Most of all, ask for support, and take a 'mommy time-out' to go for a solo run, walk or bike ride."

Exercises for new moms

Hip bridge with single leg extension: Lying face up on the floor or a mat, place hands at sides, palms up and feet flat on the floor a hip distance apart. Pressing feet and shoulders into the ground, lift the hips up toward the ceiling, creating a straight line from rib cage to hip bone to knee.

Extend the right leg straight out from the knee keeping thighs parallel. Set the right foot back down to the floor and with hips still elevated, repeat with the left foot. Finish by placing left foot down and then lowering hips to the ground. Repeat 10-15 times.

Baby curl and overhead: Hold your arms, or weights, at your side or if your little one is old enough to be lifted up over head, hold him/her about waist height. Simply curl the arms, weight, or baby up to upper chest height. Then press your arms, weight, or baby up overhead as high as you can.