If you weren't active during your pregnancy, or tapered off your fitness routine as the weeks went on, start slow and check with your doctor or midwife before you begin exercising. Exercise is good for you, but keep in mind that your joints and ligaments will still be loose for about three to five months, so don’t push yourself to hard. Your body needs time to heal, and you need time to adjust to your new role and to care for and bond with your baby.
For many new moms, exercise takes a back seat to other concerns — sleep, for instance. But you'll find you have more energy for yourself and your baby if you make time for even short bursts of exercise. Ten minutes here and there is better than nothing, and it'll do you good. Being active helps raise metabolism, shed extra weight, provide much-needed energy and helps reduce stress and tension. The key is finding an activity that you enjoy and that works with your schedule and lifestyle.
Some ideas to try…
Go for a daily walk with your baby in a sling or stroller. This can be nice to do alone or with a friend.
Check out local health clubs. Many offer postpartum exercise classes suitable for new moms — as well as day care and even classes you can take with your baby.
Swimming is a great postpartum exercise! It is gentle on your body but involves all of your muscles.
Yoga has some gentle poses can be a great way to get your blood flowing while reducing stress. It can be done at home following a video or just looking the poses up on line. There are also some great postpartum yoga groups, many you can even take your baby with you!
Kegel exercises can help strengthen weak pelvic muscles, which can cause bladder control issues, which are common in women postpartum.
Exercising with a ball can be a fun way to approach fitness at home.
The important thing to remember is to be gentle with yourself and follow any doctor's orders. Make sure you're eating a healthy diet, particularly if you're breastfeeding (which may require up to 500 extra calories a day). Stay well-hydrated and don't give up. Fitting in exercise may be hit or miss as you adjust to your new life and baby. So do the best you can and focus your energy on taking care of yourself and your baby.
For many new moms, exercise takes a back seat to other concerns — sleep, for instance. But you'll find you have more energy for yourself and your baby if you make time for even short bursts of exercise. Ten minutes here and there is better than nothing, and it'll do you good. Being active helps raise metabolism, shed extra weight, provide much-needed energy and helps reduce stress and tension. The key is finding an activity that you enjoy and that works with your schedule and lifestyle.
Some ideas to try…
Go for a daily walk with your baby in a sling or stroller. This can be nice to do alone or with a friend.
Check out local health clubs. Many offer postpartum exercise classes suitable for new moms — as well as day care and even classes you can take with your baby.
Swimming is a great postpartum exercise! It is gentle on your body but involves all of your muscles.
Yoga has some gentle poses can be a great way to get your blood flowing while reducing stress. It can be done at home following a video or just looking the poses up on line. There are also some great postpartum yoga groups, many you can even take your baby with you!
Kegel exercises can help strengthen weak pelvic muscles, which can cause bladder control issues, which are common in women postpartum.
Exercising with a ball can be a fun way to approach fitness at home.
The important thing to remember is to be gentle with yourself and follow any doctor's orders. Make sure you're eating a healthy diet, particularly if you're breastfeeding (which may require up to 500 extra calories a day). Stay well-hydrated and don't give up. Fitting in exercise may be hit or miss as you adjust to your new life and baby. So do the best you can and focus your energy on taking care of yourself and your baby.
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