For moms who want to bounce back into shape

Some women, even those in reasonably good shape, are unhappy with the way their body looks after giving birth and want an efficient way to get back in shape. “Post-Pregnancy Pilates” (Avery Publishing Group, 2005) offers stretches and exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, as well as tone legs and arms.

Post-Pregnancy Pilates: Author Karrie Adamany, who discovered Pilates after the birth of her son Chester seven years ago, suggests starting slowly, with breathing exercises, shoulder rolls and pelvic curls, before graduating to more intense workouts, most of which don’t require equipment. Though most of the book follows the traditional Pilates method (the hundred, the double leg stretch), other exercises have been added to target specific areas, such as biceps and triceps lifts using light dumbbells. All exercises are explained in detail, with photo illustrations.

“After I had my baby, I felt so soft and droopy, like gravity was dragging me down,” says Adamany, who became a Pilates instructor and opened Pilates Edge studio in New York City in 2001. She understands the importance of post-partum exercise, even if it’s only a few stolen minutes of stretching. “New mothers are running around, multi-tasking, and if you take time out for yourself, you’ll feel better about your body. You’ll feel good.”

Price: $18.95; available at bookstores.

-- Jeannine Stein