Today I’ve got something specific…. guidance on postpartum fitness.
Being a mom of 2 who has always lifted weights, I think I took for granted that I knew exactly what to do after my kids were born…
I knew when to return to exercise, how hard (or not) to push myself, and how to progress my workouts to return to peak fitness.
Most women don’t have any idea how to care for their own bodies after having a baby.
There just isn’t much talk or info out there about repairing the pelvic floor, regaining strength, and what is reasonable in terms of timelines and expectations.
Being a new mom & caring for a brand new life who is 100% dependent on you for EVERYTHING can be stressful enough… you shouldn’t have extra stress trying to sift through information on the inter webs about your own postpartum fitness.
So, here are some basics you can start with:
1️⃣don’t let this become your obsession… you’ve got a brand new baby to care for. Quality time with your little one is your highest priority. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to be sure you’re consuming enough calories to feed your baby.
2️⃣ when you have clearance to workout from your doctor, you should begin with body weight resistance training, ESPECIALLY if you have no prior weightlifting experience. Once you can do body weight stuff, progress to using dumbbells, resistance bands, and other equipment.
3️⃣ 🛑 STOP associating endless hours of cardio with fat loss. Sure, walk daily…. Push your baby in a stroller and get some fresh air. 30 mins a day is great! But hours on the treadmill or elliptical are NOT 🙅🏻♀️ the best use of your time.
4️⃣ Be patient. Your body is going through a LOT of changes. You brought life into the world, for Crissakes!!!! Give yourself some credit. And take it one day at a time.
👊🏻 Just get started where you can, and the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is consistency is key. Doing something each day is waaaaaay better than going crazy and then doing nothing for a week.
❓ Need a plan?? Here’s a quick overview with some EXERCISE IDEAS, and if you’d like something personalised to YOU, just send me a message ([email protected]) with the word BABY and let’s chat!
