Post-Pregnancy fitness can be challenging, but the key is to stay active as much as possible without stressing and being too hard on yourself. That daunting prospect of losing weight after pregnancy lingers in the head of every pregnant woman.
The trouble for most women is that they don ’t know where to start.
Being a new mother is no easy job. It ’s difficult to find the time to shower, let alone exercise, so where to even begin? The key thing to remember is to take it slow and don ’t push it too far. Your body has undergone a huge strain and if you are breastfeeding this can make your energy levels drop greatly, as well as the lack of sleep.
For the first few weeks or months your baby ’s sleep and eating patterns may be irregular, leaving you not much of a gap to do anything else. But don ’t complicate things, just keep it simple by perhaps doing a 10-minute stretch or walk up and down the stairs.
If your partner is in, then why not go for a walk around the block? Later you can work up to something bigger like a 30-minute workout video or join a gym class with other mothers. Working out with someone who has been through the same can be very motivational: it ’s great when you know you ’re in it together.
If you feel like you don ’t have time to leave the house, there is also a variety of exercise equipment you can get for home, from skipping ropes, to yoga mats. A treadmill is great for those who have a busy life: it means you can jump on for a run or walk at any time without having to worry about putting on something warm, or leaving the house for too long.
It ’s good to set a goal and work towards something, but just remember to keep it realistic and simple. Don ’t feel selfish about taking time for yourself. A happy mommy is a happy baby.
With freeing any guilt and losing the stress, you can then pat yourself on the back for your activity, whether large or small post-pregnancy.
~Betina
Post-Pregnancy: How To Keep Active Without Stressing
These are good tips, and you’re right a treadmill is perfect for getting your run in when you’re busy because you can do it at 4 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, or whenever you get that time!
I think the best advice is to be realistic. So many people set high goals for themselves and that just sets them up failure. Great tips!
Great ideas.
Every little bit helps.
The important thing is to do something.
A sling is great with a newborn. You can get your walk in and they love the rocking motion!
When over-tired with a newborn, it’s hard to grasp that taking a walk OUTSIDE the house might help, but it always does. My first was born in winter, so we walked the mall a lot. It really does help to get outside the house bubble and see the world is still spinning on its axis as it should — even if home feels topsy turvy!
These are excellent tips. It is important to make sure you are eating enough calories if you are breastfeeding and exercising.