Small Steps For Big Results

TAEKWONDO BLACK BELT, TRAINER AND BUSINESSWOMAN TIFFINY HALL TELLS WHY NEW MUMS NEED TO BE KIND TO THEIR BODIES, AND SHARES HER FAVOURITE TUMMY-TONING AND EXERCISE TIPS

After baby Arnold was born, you spoke about the pressure on women to bounce back after birth. What would be your top wellness advice for new mums?

I think it’s important for new mums to recognise, even though we have had the baby, that there are still hormonal changes affecting how we feel and how our body functions. Recovery and healing should be the focus, not bouncing back or losing weight. We have to approach post-baby time with sensible emotional and physical healing – rebuilding the pelvic floor, stomach muscles, joints and being kind to ourselves. Connecting with our newborns is the most important thing.

As a trainer, I know how delicate the body can be and if you push it too soon after birth you will cause other issues or long-term problems. Take the pressure off, smash the countdown clock you feel is hanging over your head, cherish the newborn bubble, and gently and slowly enlist experts such as a women’s health physio, personal trainers and Pilates professionals to help you feel strong again.

Have your views on wellness changed since having a baby?