HOW TO APPROACH POSTPARTUM FITNESS

We explore the myriad of ways to build up your fitness and physical health safely and gently, in the months after having a baby.

Welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world is undoubtedly one of life’s most beautiful experiences. However, the journey of pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on a woman’s body, leaving you feeling physically depleted and longing to regain your pre-pregnancy strength and vitality. This is where postpartum fitness comes into play, offering gentle exercises tailored to help new mothers rebuild strength and stamina, in a safe but effective manner.

UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM FITNESS

Postpartum fitness is not about bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy weight overnight or pushing yourself to extremes. Rather, it’s about honouring the incredible changes your body has undergone and gradually reintroducing physical activity to support your recovery. No matter what kind of childbirth you had, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any postpartum exercise regimen to make sure your body is in a good place to begin.

GENTLE EXERCISES FOR STRENGTH

Here, we will discuss some great options for women setting out on their journey with postpartum movement.

Pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles is crucial postpartum, as pregnancy and childbirth can weaken them. Pelvic floor or kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles around your pelvic area and are relatively easy to fit into your day as a busy new mother! Start by squeezing the muscles, hold for a few seconds, then release - that’s it! Aim for three sets of ten repetitions throughout the day.

Deep belly breathing