Celebrities make getting back in shape after pregnancy look like a piece of cake, but it’s not easy to lose the weight–especially around your mid section. Jill Miller, creator of the Pre and Post Natal DVD Coregeous, says the main reason women fail to lose their mummy tummy is that they don’t target the innermost abdominals–especially the obliques. 

Sit-ups alone just won’t cut it. “Your exercises need to cover many different layers,” says Miller. Here are three exercises guaranteed to get you back in shape after pregnancy.

Coreso leg lifts

Why? To target the innermost layers of the abdominals and increase the range of motion in the hips.

How To: Lie on your back and place a yoga block under your pelvis. Extend your arms overhead and externally rotate them so your hands hold onto the sides of the yoga mat and attempt to pull the mat edges apart. Your legs are extended, toes pointed. Slowly lift your right leg until your foot is directly over your hip. Hold and stretch it toward the ceiling. Slowly lower, stopping just before your foot touches the floor.  Hold for a few breaths, then continue for 10 to 15 repetitions. Repeat on the opposite side.

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