Ask the Experts

Question: "I have three kids and just turned 40. I'm having trouble keeping the weight off. Any suggestions?"
--Joanie, Brookline, MA

In order to answer Joanie's question, we've brought together Shakespeare's moms for a roundtable discussion on staying fit post-kids.

Hermione: I was always so busy running around after my son and breastfeeding that I never had that problem. I actually had trouble gaining weight.

Lady Macbeth: Was that before or after you were holed up pretending to be a statue for 16 years. 'Cuz I'm pretty sure I see some love handles on you now.

Hermione: Excuse me. How many children do you have?

Lady Macbeth: Oh, we're going to play the counting kids game, are we? Last I checked, that wasn't going so well for you.

Gertrude: I agree-- breastfeeding just makes the pounds melt away! I breastfed my son Hamlet until he was 16. Of course, he was fat, but I was as lithe as a willow branch. I just don't understand why a woman would hire someone else to do it for her. Where are you going, Cappy?

Lady Capulet: I need some air.