Benefits of post-pregnancy workouts:
Look at your exercise routine as a way to reap the benefits of staying active as you gain strength in the muscles that changed or weakened during your pregnancy. Making time to exercise regularly can help you:
- Stay and feel more energized
- Sleep better
- Manage stress and anxiety better
- Lose weight
- Strengthen your abdominal muscles
Here are some important must-knows when it comes to creating a new exercise routine.
Don’t start in again too quickly.
If you have had a normal vaginal delivery, it’s okay to start some light walking a few days after you give birth. If you have a c-section, your mobility will be limited for a longer time and it’s important not to overdo it. Staying active is good but be sure to talk to your doctor about what is advisable and what’s not. If you put too much strain on your body too quickly, you could delay your recovery and make things more painful.
Try new types of exercise.
Walking is a great way to get some gentle cardiovascular exercise in. In some time, consider adding some strength training exercises into your routine, too – but check with your health care provider first. Yoga or water aerobics classes are also good options that can help keep your body moving.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
It’s easy to forget about hydration sometimes. Once you start back into your exercise routine, hydrate well – even when you’re out for a light stroll with your baby. Good hydration helps minimize constipation and other postpartum problems, and if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll really need to increase your water intake.
When you’re busy caring for a newborn, it can be difficult to find time for yourself to exercise. Hormonal changes can also make you feel emotional and somedays you simply might just feel too exhausted to do any sort of workout. Give yourself grace on those days, and don’t give up. Seek the support of your partner, other friends and family, or other new parents that may be facing the same thing. Grab a walking partner and create a standing date – this could help keep you motivated.
Listen to your body.
No two bodies are exactly the same! Recovering from pregnancy can look different from person to person. Even if you were in tip-top shape before your pregnancy, your body simply isn’t the same after you give birth. You might have to start at the basics in order to build your strength and stamina back up. So, be patient with yourself and listen to your body. This will guide you as you find an exercise routine that works.
Stay on top of medical checkups.
Giving birth is a big deal! So, stay on top of medical checkups after the baby is born. This not only helps you identify any issues that may be holding you back from eventually getting back to full speed, but it also gives you the opportunity to ask your medical team for advice or tips on your health and fitness routine.
Work with a professional.
Hiring a personal trainer that specializes in post-pregnancy workouts could be a beneficial way to get back into the swing of things. This person can help identify the most helpful exercises and stretches for you while avoiding those that are detrimental, and it also ensures you aren’t doing too much too fast.
Eat well.
It’s also to remember to never underestimate the importance of eating a well-balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. Eating too many carbs or loading up on foods that are too rich in fat could slow down your journey to losing the baby weight and could make you feel even more sluggish or tired than you already are.
With spring and summer just around the bend, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get active! Exercise after pregnancy might not look like it once did, but it can surely do wonders for your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing!
