Naomi Lowit had her first baby, Sophia, 18 months ago. ''I know how hard it is to get back in shape.'' So Lowit designed a class for moms just like her -- and sympathetic dads like hubby William Weyrowski -- at her studio, Nomi Pilates in North Miami (there's a Fort Lauderdale branch, too).

Lowit calls it Innie and Outie. ''I had to design something that was in and out, powerful, fast and intense'' since moms have little time to waste.

The 30-minute classes are based on the Pilates method, but use tower reformer and chair machines rather than floor exercises. Once you've reached a plateau with Pilates on the mat, which relies on your body weight for resistance, the machines, which work on a pulley and spring system, allow you to take the strength training up a notch, Lowit says.

''The first time you take [machine Pilates] you'll really feel the effects the next morning,'' Weyrowski says.

Erica Wildstein, 31, is another new mom. She strolls into the second story storefront gym in the San Souci strip mall with her 7-month-old son Dylan. Babies are welcome at Innie and Outie class and can be cradled in mom's or dad's laps during certain exercises.

''It's the fact he [Dylan] is in eyesight that makes it easier,'' Wildstein says. ``That's an extra hour I get with him in the day.''

Pilates ''stretches and tones muscles and after having a baby you really need it,'' she says, adding an exercise of her own -- a flurry of kisses to Dylan's forehead. Wonder how many calories are burned in that activity?

INNIE AND OUTIE CLASS ***

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Instructor Naomi Lowit aimed to create an ''intense'' class for moms who have little free time, and she delivers. One new movement begins just as you master the preceding one. None among the handful of moms -- and one dad -- at the North Miami class complained.

This is a good class and Pilates is not hard to conquer. There is a fluidity to the movements, especially using the machines. Lowit offers clear instruction and moves around the room to make sure students are in proper position and the springs and straps of the machines are set correctly.

I found some of the reclining exercises for arms and legs easy; several, such as sweeping arms with a bench slide assist, feel graceful.

The abdominals, conducted as you perch atop a block and spring device, require considerable strength to complete. The abs skill calls on ''powerhouse'' moves, Lowit explains, because they require using your core muscles to force the hips upward. If you put more tension on the spring bar to increase its weight resistance, the exercise is actually easier because the spring propels your hips upward.

FUN FACTOR

Moms seem to like Innie and Outie. If their babies and toddlers aren't scampering about the front desk area, the little ones are in their laps as they execute some seated Pilates moves. Lowit keeps things moving. There are no distractions like loud hip-hop or mindless chatter on The View to divert attention from this 30-minute session devoted to body toning, the bond between you and baby, and the mastery of Pilates -- still one of the best workouts for the core.

TO DO IT

Where: Nomi Pilates, 2104 NE 123rd St., North Miami; 305-895-0950; 3051 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-1600; www.nomipilates.com

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday.

Cost: $15.

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