The big day has arrived, and you now have a beautiful baby and a few extra pounds. Once your doctor gives you the green light for exercise (usually six weeks to eight weeks after delivery), why not try an activity that will strengthen and tone?

"Nothing flattens stomachs faster and more efficiently than Pilates," says Sarah Picot, a certified Pilates instructor and creator of Prenatal Pilates and Post-Natal Pilates workout videos. "It is the best postpartum exercise I have ever seen." She adds that Pilates helped her get back to her pre-pregnancy body within 16 weeks of delivering both of her boys.

"Pilates not only continues to aid in securing a healthy posture, it gives a new mom the abdominal strength she needs to carry her baby all day long without backache," says Picot, whose video incorporates the baby into the routine. "Nothing is better than playing with your baby while getting your body strong, long and flexible at the same time."

Other great postpartum workouts include walking (with your baby!), yoga and swimming. These are low impact exercises that will ease you onto the road to fitness.