Baby Bump Burn: The New Workout in Town

Kettlebell workouts are one of the latest fitness crazes to hit tinseltown. Geri Haliwell, Mariska Hargitay, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Biel and Matthew McConaughey are all doing it to keep themselves in tip-top shape. And no wonder—it works! The workout, which includes squats, lunges and swinging the kettlebell from side to side, can burn up to 1500 calories in just one hour. It’s no wonder then that this is currently becoming an increasingly popular workout with new mums trying to get back in shape.

Sarah Lurie, herself recently postpartum, and a self-described kettlebell fanatic and expert recently got in touch with me regarding her new BABY BUMP BURN workout, which incorporates a variety of “Mommy Moves,” designed to help yummy mummy's get their bodies back fast after giving birth

The goal is strengthening your core and building endurance. Strong core muscles mean less back pain and the developed strength and support to carry junior on your hip all day. The DVDs routines are all between 10 and 30 minutes long so they are easy to do at home when baby is sleeping. Though it might be more tempting to crash on the couch with a cuppa and a biscuit, I have to say the benefits to this workout are immediate—more energy and an increased feeling of strength. Ready to conquer the world? You can purchase your Sarah Lurie’s Kettlebells workout DVDs on Amazon.com. Need more persuading? I took ten minutes with a six-week post-partum Sarah to find out more about this craze.

KK: What got you interested in kettlebell workouts?
SL: I was intrigued after incorporating The Swing and the Turkish Get Up, two of the basic moves, into my exercise routine. Immediately my body started to change shape. I had leaner abs and a firmer butt and the results were noticeable in a very short amount of time!

KK: What's the ethos behind kettlebell?
SL: Kettlebells produce quick results, so after a couple workouts people feel the instant effects of the workout and they are hooked. It’s something totally different and unique, which is part of what makes it so fun! If you’re not having a good time with your workout, you’re not going to continue with the program—but kettlebells are a sustainable workout for all ages and athletic levels, and people keep coming back for more.

KK: What do you see are its benefits over other types of exercise routines?
SL: The main benefit of using kettlebells is the ability to combine cardio, strength and flexibility for a complete and efficient three-in-one workout. You can spend 30 minutes working out with kettlebells, and your body will feel the same as it would if you were in the gym performing a traditional workout for two hours.

KK: What can you expect to achieve with a kettlebell workout?
SL: Simple: Fat loss and increased strength—fast. Your body will become incredibly lean and strong. Not bulky muscles just toned, lean and sleek in all the right areas.

KK: How quickly can you expect to see results?
SL: Most people report results after three weeks of working out with kettlebells.

KK: How soon after giving birth can you start a kettlebell workout?
SL: I started walking with my newborn daughter in a sling at four days. We went two miles and it felt great. The next day I decided to pick three simple kettlebell exercises and do reps equal to her age. So at five days post partum I was using my kettlebells again. I worked out with kettlebells for six years before giving birth, and I worked with them up until a few days before labor. My doctor would probably be horrified that I started lifting kettlebells at five days post-partum, but I know my body and it needs to be active in order to feel good. However, I do advise getting your doctors approval first. I had an all natural birth, so I wasn't dealing with having to heal. Most doctors will probably want you to wait four to six weeks.

KK: Are there post-partum benefits to a kettlebell workout?
SL: So far I have lost 26 pounds of the 35 that I gained during my pregnancy. I think getting up and moving has tremendous benefits. I am also breastfeeding, so that burns a lot of calories too!

KK: How many times per week do you advise you do a kettlebell workout?
SL: Three to five days a week is a good goal to shoot for. You can alternate between walking with the baby in a sling, which gives you great resistance as workout, and kettlebell workouts. I haven’t even taken my stroller out of the box yet.

KK: What type of eating plan do you advise you combine with the kettlebell workout?
SL: I have always followed a good eating plan that includes protein, fruit and vegetables for every meal with a snack or two in between. Often time’s women don't eat enough protein and don't get enough fruit or vegetable servings. During pregnancy I was diligent about getting the recommended allowance every day and I continue to eat that way now.

KK: I know you recently gave birth, congratulations! How much weight did you gain in your pregnancy and how is the weight loss going?
SL: My daughter is only a few weeks old so motherhood is new to me. But by starting to exercise sooner rather than later and keeping up with my good eating habits I have established a standard for myself that I will stick to no matter how crazy life gets. I gained 35 pounds during my pregnancy. So far at day eight, I have lost 26 pounds. I am losing weight by exercising, eating well and breastfeeding. Even if I haven't slept the night before, I still make a point to exercise even if it is just a walk. I have been busy since coming home with my daughter, but I decided before she was born that I would stick with working out. During my pregnancy I worked out three to four days a week with kettlebells. During the last trimester, when I slept very little, I still stayed committed to working out, even if I couldn't do as much as before. I knew if I waited until I wasn't tired or until I "felt like working out"— that time would never come.

KK: What's your advice to busy moms who are trying to fit exercise into their hectic schedules?
SL: The bottom line is if you want to be in shape and look and feel good, you need to carve out time. The great thing about kettlebells is you can pick one up while your baby is napping and get in a quick workout. You can start with 10 minutes and build up from there.

For more information on Sarah Lurie and ketllebells workouts, head to http://www.ironcorekettlebells.com/


Article tags:
Hannah Claire Shapiro, Knocked-Up Knockout, KUKO, Sarah Lurie, kettlebells, Jennifer Lopez, post-partum, Jessica Biel, Matthew McConaughey, Mommy Moves, Baby Bump Burn, Mariska Hargitay, pregnancy, weight gain, exercise, weight loss