Postpartum Workouts for Women

As a new mother, your body has gone through a lot of changes and achieved amazing things. You probably aren’t going to be back squatting your bodyweight anytime soon, (who is?) but postpartum workouts can help you get your strength back, increase your energy levels to take on the demands of motherhood, and make you feel like you.

Not only can these workouts help you physically, but they also have mental benefits too. Implementing an exercise routine into your daily life provides stress relief and helps improve cognitive function, allowing you to be more present with your baby. Exercise also releases endorphins that promote positive thinking and provide a natural boost of energy throughout the day.

Postpartum workouts are designed specifically for women who recently gave birth, so it’s important to start slowly with low intensity exercises and gradually build up as you gain strength and confidence. 

Adjusting to Motherhood

The adjustment to Motherhood can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but with proper self-care, it can also be one of the most rewarding. After giving birth, many women feel unprepared for the physical and emotional changes that come with motherhood. One important step in adjusting to this new lifestyle is establishing a postpartum workout routine. With some simple tips and exercises, you can begin to regain your strength and confidence after childbirth – something that often gets lost amidst all the chaos of raising a newborn!

Finding time to achieve your goals

With all the new challenges ahead, finding time to do something for you can be difficult. To make it easier, try setting small goals that you can realistically achieve each week. Make sure your goals are focused on what you want to achieve, not how fast you can get there. Once you have your goals, work out the strategy to achieve them and then plan how you will put that strategy into place. Once you are ready to exercise, don’t push yourself too hard, start with manageable exercises like walking or stretching and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time as your strength returns.

Types of exercises that can help you achieve your goals

Before starting any exercise program, it is important to understand the different types of exercises. 

Cardiovascular exercises are essential for improving overall health and increasing endurance. This includes activities such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming. 

Strength training is also beneficial for re-building muscle mass and strength, while toning the body. Examples of these include weightlifting with free weights or resistance bands, push-ups, burpees, squats, lunges and crunches…they’re not as bad as they sound, promise!

Finally, flexibility exercises are great for improving posture and increasing your range of motion while decreasing risk of injury, which helps when carrying your baby around all day long.

Woman boxing in gym

Safety Tips

As you strive to achieve your goal, you should be aware that safety is key when beginning a new workout routine. It’s important to understand the changes that have occurred in your body and how to prevent any potential injuries.

Before starting any exercise program after birth, it’s essential to consult with your doctor and get cleared for physical activity. This will ensure you’re safe and healthy enough to start, as well as keep an eye out for any signs of complications from pregnancy or delivery. It’s also important to listen to your body during workouts, it will let you know if you are pushing too hard or you are not ready yet.

Eating Well

Your focus should not only be about physical activity to get your core strength back but also pay attention to your diet as well. Eating well postpartum can help your body heal and restore itself faster, prevent excess weight gain, give you more energy and help improve your overall mood. We know those hormones can be difficult to navigate.

A nutrition plan should include nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day; this will help reduce fatigue and cravings for unhealthy snacks. Additionally, it’s best to limit processed food items since they don’t contain the same nutrients as whole foods. You can find a wide range of healthy dishes on our website, but remember it’s all about balance and treating yourself is good for the soul!

Conclusion: Back to Health & Fitness

Postpartum life can be difficult, but getting back to health and fitness doesn’t have to be. With appropriate modifications and careful considerations, you can get back into a regular workout routine safely.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different and progress should not be compared with anyone else. Listen to your body and allow it time to heal before trying any strenuous exercises or activities; give your core muscles time to strengthen as well since they are integral in providing stability during workouts. When ready, look into resources such as personal trainers or online programs specifically tailored for postpartum women who want to begin exercising again. Get in touch to speak to one of our personal trainers about our specially designed postnatal program.

By following the right guidelines and taking their time, you can make the transition back into health & fitness a successful one.

For more information on postpartum physical activity check out the government website.