Here it is for you all to read.
New Mommies: Easing Into
Exercise
Achieving an optimal weight and healthy body can be an uphill struggle
for anyone. Regardless if it's 80 lbs or 10 lbs, shedding body fat and gaining
muscle is often difficult business that requires time, patience, and
consistency. So it's no wonder why, as a new mom, I often felt discouraged when
trying to lose baby weight, but more importantly gain endurance and stamina to
exercise more often.
Dropping unwanted weight is hard enough when you've never given birth, which is why I often felt getting my dream body was impossible. While celebrities seem to magically melt off the pounds in a couple weeks, achieving the same results at home can seem unrealistic.
The truth is that while it took me some time, dissolving a post-pregnancy tummy was totally feasible for me as a busy mother. It wasn’t all about the numbers on the scale though, which it shouldn’t be for any woman. My post-partum exercise goals were about feeling more comfortable in my changed body, gaining energy, and providing a healthy example for my daughter to follow.
Dropping unwanted weight is hard enough when you've never given birth, which is why I often felt getting my dream body was impossible. While celebrities seem to magically melt off the pounds in a couple weeks, achieving the same results at home can seem unrealistic.
The truth is that while it took me some time, dissolving a post-pregnancy tummy was totally feasible for me as a busy mother. It wasn’t all about the numbers on the scale though, which it shouldn’t be for any woman. My post-partum exercise goals were about feeling more comfortable in my changed body, gaining energy, and providing a healthy example for my daughter to follow.
Check-in First
It's best for all mothers to check with their doctor before committing to an exercise routine post-pregnancy. You want to be sure your body is ready for the stress of activity, to prevent injury and aid in healing. Your doctor will be the best resource during this time. Just like they provided advice on topics like cord blood banking, circumcision, and pain medicine, they know all about post-partum exercise.
Generally, if you were active during your pregnancy and had a vaginal delivery, it'll be safe for you to engage in exercise just a few days after giving birth. If you're new to exercise, you'll want to start slower. If you've had a c-section, you'll actually need to wait up to eight weeks before intense exercise will be safe.
It's best for all mothers to check with their doctor before committing to an exercise routine post-pregnancy. You want to be sure your body is ready for the stress of activity, to prevent injury and aid in healing. Your doctor will be the best resource during this time. Just like they provided advice on topics like cord blood banking, circumcision, and pain medicine, they know all about post-partum exercise.
Generally, if you were active during your pregnancy and had a vaginal delivery, it'll be safe for you to engage in exercise just a few days after giving birth. If you're new to exercise, you'll want to start slower. If you've had a c-section, you'll actually need to wait up to eight weeks before intense exercise will be safe.
Abdominals
One thing to keep in mind post-pregnancy, is your abs. When you're pregnant, a gap in the abs can develop, called diastasis. It's important to give these muscles time to heal before delving into crunches or sit-ups. Starting out with pelvic tilts, leg slides, and reverse crunches is an effective way to begin strengthening your core, without creating too much of a strain. Just holding in your abdominals tightly while walking, is a great way to incorporate aerobics while toning and strengthening your core.
One thing to keep in mind post-pregnancy, is your abs. When you're pregnant, a gap in the abs can develop, called diastasis. It's important to give these muscles time to heal before delving into crunches or sit-ups. Starting out with pelvic tilts, leg slides, and reverse crunches is an effective way to begin strengthening your core, without creating too much of a strain. Just holding in your abdominals tightly while walking, is a great way to incorporate aerobics while toning and strengthening your core.
Walking
Walking is the single most effective exercise anyone can do for
weight-loss. It's simple low-impact, no-cost exercise and can be done just
about anywhere. Even women who've recently gone through C-sections can do some
light walking that will ultimately aid in the healing process. If you're trying
to lose get started on your healthy journey, aim for a goal of 30 minutes at
least three times per week. Once you're acclimated to a short, level walking
distance, you can increase the time, distance or frequency.
It can be hard for new moms to find the time to exercise, and getting even a few minutes alone may be a luxury you feel you don't currently have. When the weather permits, consider taking your baby out for a walk with you in his or her stroller.
It can be hard for new moms to find the time to exercise, and getting even a few minutes alone may be a luxury you feel you don't currently have. When the weather permits, consider taking your baby out for a walk with you in his or her stroller.
Inside Exercise
When you're inside, consider investing in a short workout DVD, or fitness video game. There are many dance and aerobic games that offer light and moderate intensity exercises that can provide a great outlet for new and recovering mothers. Your child can even watch you play. As long as you're consistent each week, your efforts will start to pay off.
Remember that any activity will be worth it. Even if you can only squeeze in ten minutes of exercise a day, you'll feel better and more confident in your ability to lose the baby weight and be comfortable in your body.
“Katie
Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who
discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other
things Mommy. She enjoys writing,
blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her
blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”
