Tired of the same old post-baby workouts? Trying to find time between diaper changes and grocery shopping to actually use your treadmill for something other than a glorified closet organizer? The good people at Synthecore realize time is a luxury -- and that each moment with your child is precious.

Their solution? Bring the two together with "Baby & Me Pilates & More." We sat down with Synthecore's president, exercise expert Michelle F. Starlin, to find out more about this cool new workout for moms.

ml: How was the idea for "Baby and Me: Pilates and More" developed?

Michelle Starlin: After the birth of my second child, I found that I had less and less time to dedicate to working out. I still had the desire to keep myself in shape, but at the same time, I didn't want to sacrifice spending time with my child. I had seen and attended different mommy-and-baby workouts where the focus seemed to be all on the baby, or where the children were left out completely. I felt that there must be a way to have a more adult-focused workout without giving up the bonding time with my child -- a workout that synthesized the needs of both parent and baby. Being a formally trained Pilates instructor, a retired professional dancer and an attachment-parenting advocate, I started playing around with different exercises. I integrated a number of Pilates-, yoga- and ballet-inspired movements that I could perform while holding or keeping my baby close. The result was Synthecore's "Baby & Me Pilates & More."

ml: What are the physical and emotional benefits of exercising with your baby?
 
MS: As parents, we spend a lot of time holding, nurturing and nursing our babies. Without a strong core, these activities can take a toll on your body. It's crucial to perform exercises and movements that strengthen your powerhouse and help keep aches and pains at bay. Pilates is all about core strength (abs, pelvis, lower back and spine), while yoga keeps muscles stretched and relaxed. This dual focus of "Baby & Me Pilates & More" will not only have you looking better, but feeling better equipped to handle the physical rigors of parenthood. Spending quality time with your child at an early age ensures their emotional security and trust, and [builds] a positive self-image. Moms benefit emotionally as well: As we all know, pre- and post-natal hormones are a little bit of a roller-coaster ride. It's important for mommies to reconnect with themselves and foster their own good feelings -- and exercise provides that. This can be difficult to remember when you're focused on caring for your child. Our DVD allows you to meet your needs without sacrificing quality time with your child. The motto in my home, as my husband puts it, is, "Happy mommy, happy home!"

ml: Moms are always looking for a quick and efficient workout. Tell us why this program fits into both categories. (And it sure does!)

MS: Pilates is an incredibly efficient workout. It involves precise movements in a specific order that maximize benefits in a short time. In our workout, I started with the Pilates' basic series of moves, then incorporated the baby. I then added some ballet movements and strength-training (also involving the baby) for variation and alternative benefits. [When you add to this the fact that you can] do the workout in the comfort of your home -- without having to get a sitter, pack a diaper-bag or load your baby in the car -- it becomes a quick and attainable goal.

ml: Strength-training with your baby in a carrier is so fun! What are some of your moms' immediate reactions to using their babies as workout tools?