This post is for the mothers who recently gave birth, who are thinking it’s time to get back in the gym and getting fit again.
This topic was suggested to me at the right time because I’ll be training another new mother soon. It meant I had more reason to really research this topic and give a few tips on how you could go about getting fit after the baby. Here we go….
1. Talk To Your Doctor
This one goes without saying, before you start any strenuous exercise program go to your doctor. Child birth is no easy task (you actually went through it). It takes a toll on your body. So go see your doctor and get the go ahead to start training. This is especially true of anyone who had a C-section.
2. Take Your Time
Ease back into the gym. If you were a regular at the gym or at the running club understand that even with muscle memory that you aren’t at that level anymore. So you need to approach exercise cautiously and re-learn your body.
Some things may have changed. For example you might not be as flexible as you were before. So take your time and figure out your range and then build from there.
3. Start With Body Weight Workouts And Kegel Exercises
Continuing with my point that you have to “re-learn your body” and there is no better way than to perfect body weight workouts. Body weight workouts will allow you to gauge where you are weak and where you are strong. That way you can develop program specific for your body. Kegel and core exercises will also have to form a big part of your body-weight routine. This is because you’ll have a weakened pelvic floor from child birth. Here is a link to how to start doing kegel exercises at home.
4. Prioritize Feeling Better Instead Of Looking Better
What I mean here is that our main goal in the early stages of the fitness program is not about getting your “body back”. That will happen with hard work and consistency. The main goal will be to correct the imbalances in your body that came about due to pregnancy i.e poor posture, weak pelvic and core muscles. Once you feel healthier and more physically capable you will be able to handle the physical demands that come with being a mother. Your body will also respond and will follow suit.
5. Get Your Whole Family Involved
If possible get your partner and the baby to join in a few morning workouts. This will be a great way to bond while getting fit, search for any mom and child exercise groups in your area. Or do a quick google search on home workouts you can do with your new born. Don’t forget you can also check out my previous blog posts about Family Fitness And Keeping Your Kids Moving.
Those are a few suggestions that could help ease your journey back into fitness but lets be honest you’ve already done the hard part. I’m sure after giving birth exercise will be a walk in the park. I hope this information is helpful and congratulations on your bundle of joy.
Stay Fit and Stay Focused
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