I think all new mummies hope they can start exercising as soon as possible. After all, it’s the best way to shift that baby weight. However, you need to wait for your body to be ready before you take the plunge. Therefore, talk to your doctor first before you start to exercise, you might also want to visit somewhere like Our Fit Family Life to find out more. A lot of doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks before starting to slim down. But even then you should stop if you get any bleeding after exercise. You can get some more advice on this site about post-baby exercise. If you are ready to start exercising after having a baby, here are some essential tips you need.
Take it slowly
It can be tempting to start getting fit as soon as possible. But although you want to start working out, it’s so important to take it slowly. After all, your body has been through a huge trauma, and it needs time to rest. Therefore, start exercising slowly after having a baby and take rests when you need to do. Also, taking it slowly will ensure your body doesn’t go into shock at the sudden movements!
Go for low-impact exercises
Although you might love going biking or using weights when working out, you need to choose low-impact exercise after having your baby. I have a friend that used to use a waist trainer for working out but after she had a baby it took her months and months to get back to that stage. It will help to ease yourself back into regular exercise. Therefore, you should consider going swimming which is a great way to get fit while not putting too much pressure on your body. And you can even take your little one along with you as they will love swimming! If swimming is not your thing, you might want to look into getting some form of home equipment. A treadmill would be good if you use it at a low speed. Or you could look into getting some sort of climber like this one here. These will put low pressure on your body if you use them at a slow speed. And remember walking around the block is also an excellent way to lose weight.
Go to a fitness class with your baby
It can be a challenge to leave your newborn when you want to workout. Some have found Baby Monitor Town’s suggestions for twins super useful if you were blessed with twins because that makes the challenge of exercising twice as hard! After all, if you are breastfeeding, you won’t want to be away for long. However, there are some ways to get fit alongside your baby. As we talked about above, you could go swimming with your baby. They will love splashing around in the water, and it’s perfect to help you get fit too. But you could also consider going to a class with your baby. For example, yoga for moms and babies would be a perfect way for you both to get fit. As this article says, a fitness class with your baby gives a chance for moms to work out while looking after their little ones.
Get a personal trainer
A lot of women go wrong by taking on too much too soon after having a baby. After all, they are not sure what they should use when working out. Therefore, to get some help, you should look into getting a personal trainer. They will work out a plan which will be suitable for your needs. And they will stop you if you are working too hard. Personal trainers are there to help you to get in shape, as well as aiding as extra motivation to help you to push through your exercise regimes. It is their job to help you get your body to a place that you’re happy and comfortable with. That’s why you should look online for a good personal trainer who can help you. A lot of gyms have already got personal trainers in-house who could help you. And they are likely to have experienced other postnatal women who want to work out. So they will know what to suggest for you that is right for your body!
Talk to your instructor
If you are planning to go to a class, you don’t want to end up pushing yourself too hard with movements which could delay the recovery of your pelvic muscles. Therefore, before your join the class, you should explain that you are a new mom. They will advise you on what exercises you should do after having a baby. The instructor is there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.
Make sure you hydrate
You should also make sure you are hydrating after working out. It’s especially important if you are breastfeeding. After all, if you are dehydrated, you won’t have plenty of milk for your baby. And you could be at risk of fainting if you don’t properly hydrate before working out. Therefore, drink a couple of cups before you go out and then make sure you have some after your workout.
Get plenty of rest between workouts
When you start exercising after giving birth, it will take its toll on your body. You might notice the recovery time goes up after working out. To ensure you healthily ease yourself back into working out, you should get plenty of rest between workouts. Take a day or two off before you get back into getting fit. And you need to make sure you get enough rest as well to enable you to have an effective workout. Therefore, take naps while your baby sleeps to ensure you are fit and ready to start working out!
Partner up with another new mommy
To help yourself ease back into working out, you should consider meeting up with another mommy. Partnering up together to workout will ensure you both try as hard as possible to reach your goal. And as you are going through the same thing, you can both work out at the same speed. To start you off, you might want to meet up with another mommy for a walk around the block. This can progress into a jog as the months go on! Or you could even meet up with your mommy friends to go swimming, or even to go to a mom and baby class. Having a friendly face there will encourage you to go every week!
And remember to make sure you are eating healthy too. Consuming a proper diet is just as important as exercise when it comes to losing weight. It might be tricky to find time to make healthy dishes when you are a new mom. But eating just small and often while you are looking after your baby will enable you stay fit and well.