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Community Corner

The Bargain Hunter! Time to Get in Shape!

Our Frugal Family columnist takes a look at few local spots where you can shed some pounds.

"Baby weight," two words that new moms fear. But what about new dads? Since John Carlito was born almost five months ago Amy, my wife, has lost a ton of weight and looks incredible. In fact, she wore a pair of pants to work last week that most parents wouldn’t have let their teenage daughters go out in.

I, on the other hand, have been packing on the pounds. If there was a flood the intertube around my middle would allow me to float to safety. So, this week I’ve been thinking about new ways to exercise and shed my baby weight before bikini season starts. Here are my top 5 exercise ideas for the frugal family in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

5. Lucky Lotus Yoga — At one time taught “Mommy & Me” yoga classes. But, I see the powerful stay at home dad lobby has got to them and the class has been re-named “Baby & Me,” and costs $17 a class. Whatever it is called I look forward to watching John Carlito in the Downward Facing Dog Pose as I strengthen my core and open new energy channels with my favorite Roaring Tiger Pose. Namaste, little man.

4. — Put the “Rocky” theme song in your iPod and head to the stairs at Fort Greene Park. Your baby stays at the top of the stairs in his or her stroller with your workout partner while you run down the stairs and back up again. High-five your partner, try not to upchuck on your baby, and catch your breath while your partner runs down the stairs and back up again. Repeat while singing the “Eye of the Tiger” lyrics at the top of your lungs.

3. Imagine School of Swimming — Do you want to be that parent the camera pans to when your child wins an Olympic Gold Medal in swimming? Or do you merely want your kid not to have to rely on water wings when they are teenagers? Imagine School of Swimming offers $40 lessons all around the city, including at .  

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2. Home workout — Here is the workout routine I have developed with John Carlito over the past week to fight off cabin fever: we put on our headbands and wristbands and look for Jane Fonda on the tube. Then I sit him on my stomach and I lower him to his back on my legs as I come up doing a sit-up. When I go back down I gently pull him up by his arms at which point he either giggles or spits up on me.

1. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — This one frightens me a little. I have visions of Amy throwing me in a when the soufflé I’ve slaved over all day isn’t fluffy enough for her. Still, $19.95 for a private lesson doesn't seem like much given that you'll be well one your way to a career in Ultimate Fighting.

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