Exercise can help get you back in your old body, although it won't help with your stretch marks. But how soon can you start working out after your baby is born? What are the best exercises? And when will you get your old body back? The main factor in determining how fast you regain your shape after pregnancy is how healthy you were during your pregnancy.

If you've ever wondered why movie stars are able to lose weight so quickly, it's because they exercised before and during their pregnancies. Plus, they're mindful of what they eat. It also doesn't hurt that they can hire trainers to get them to the gym seven days a week for four hours each and every day (sometimes even longer).

For us normal people who have to deal with families, jobs or the responsibilities of being a stay at home mom with new children, losing weight is not so easy. While you might not have enjoyed dragging yourself to the gym throughout your pregnancy, you'll be happy that you did once you start trying to exercise after you give birth.

Getting your body back to normal can take anywhere from three to nine months. For that in-between-time, you may want to use a support girdle to help your body heal and give the appearance of a flatter stomach.

So, when should you start exercising again? Normally, it is recommended that women wait about seven weeks to start exercising after giving birth; eight weeks if they have had a cesarean. When you decide to start exercising, consult your health care provider first.

If you had an uncomplicated birth, you can start doing small exercises as early as the day after you give birth. These should be very easy, non-stressful exercises, like leg stretches. If you've had a cesarean, wait until you've stopped bleeding and your health care provider has given you the OK before you start doing any form exercise.

To make the most of your exercise, try to set up a routine that you can stick to. Establishing a schedule will help maintain regular workouts that fit into your everyday life. Also, try to workout at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. If you want to lose your weight quickly, then exercise more often. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion. If your body is telling you its tired, stop exercising immediately.