Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Angelina Jolie’s Goes Slim Even After the Second Pregnancy Posted by Eric Williams at 1:41 AM

For celebrities, it is very important to look good even in unreal circumstances such as a few days post pregnancy. Angelina Jolie, mother of three biological children and three adopted children was back in shape within weeks. As she had caesarian section for both the pregnancies, getting back into shape was quite a challenge particularly after the birth of the twins.

After the second pregnancy, she attributed her weight loss to her children’s computer games. Her son Maddox introduced her to the games of Nintendo DS online which included “Lets Pilates”. Post this she tried to get an hour of Pilates three times a week resulting in the svelte figure that she flaunts now.

What are Pilates?

Pilates is program that focuses on core postural muscles that provide support to the spine. It is an easily adaptable exercise program that trains the body's mind and muscles to work in unison. The core postural muscles are the internal muscles of the abdomen and back. Developing core strength is the basics of this exercise .Pilates trains the muscles to perform better and strengthens them such that they support the spine better. This exercise makes the person more aware of his breathing and corrects the alignment of spine.

Post pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are stretched and lose much of their tone which results in loose, ugly flab. The lack of muscles can make women susceptible to back injuries. Pilates focus more on the core muscles hence they are perfect to shed off the excess fat that women garner post pregnancy. Women who have been practicing Pilates before and during pregnancy bounce back much faster than those who start afresh after child birth.

These sets of exercises work also work very well for athletes, dancers and senior citizens. Pilates make the body stronger, leaner and able to perform heavy work with grace and ease. In case of caesarian section, the post natal Pilates should start after six weeks.