So we all know that it takes a while to lose the baby weight after giving birth, as commonly quoted “9 months on, 9 months off”. In fact many women really struggle to lose the weight full stop and no wonder given what little time we mums have to regularly exercise, eat at the right times, prepare healthy meals etc.
However there is another factor to consider and that is changes to your actual body shape. Weight gain isn’t always distributed evenly on the body and so styles which flattered your body shape pre-pregnancy may no longer work for you. For example it’s very common (and hardly surprising!) to store fat around the belly even if it wasn’t previously a problem area for you. Also you may find that more weight is stored around the hip and thigh area making you a Pear shape where previously you may have had an hourglass figure.
Please bear in mind that if you’ve had your baby less than 9 months ago your body shape may still be changing. If you are stuck with a stubborn jelly belly then exercises really are the only way to make changes but you must ensure you are doing them correctly! Did you know that certain techniques for sit-ups will actually give you a more rounded stomach?! This is a good website for clear instructions on the right tummy exercises http://www.pregnancy-info.net/topic_other_topics.html
Anyway, I digress! The important thing here is to correctly identify your body shape as it is today. There are 5 key body shapes and you should be able to pick out yours from the descriptions below. When you have found the one that fits click onto the link underneath to read tips on how to dress to best suit your shape.
Pear Shape
· Your shoulders are narrower than your hips
· You take a larger size on your bottom half
· Your hip measurement is at least 5% more than your shoulder measurement
· You have full hips, bottom and thighs with a smaller top half
Inverted Triangle
· Your shoulders are broader than your hips
· You take a larger size on your top half (although not always)
· Your shoulder measurement is at least 5% more than your hip measurement
· You have little definition between your waist and hips
· You may be more angular than curvy
Rectangle
· Your shoulder and hip measurements are roughly the same and you have an undefined waist
· You have no obvious curves and your bottom is usually quite flat
· Your waist is less than 25% smaller that your shoulder measurement
Apple
· You have balanced hips and shoulders
· You carry excess weight around the tummy and upper body
· You have no waist definition
· You have an average to generous bust
· You have rounded shoulders
· You have shapely legs
Hourglass
· Your shoulder and hip measurements are roughly the same and you have a defined waist
· You wear the same size top and bottom
· You are curvaceous rather than angular
· You have an average to full bust
· Your hip and shoulder measurement differ by no more than 5% and your waist is at least 25% less than these measurements
Copyright © Alice Treanor 2010
