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Exercise after having your baby might be the last thing you will be thinking about. You might feel an array of emotions towards your body, some negative and some positive. Having those feelings is normal as our bodies can change very dramatically in such a short amount of time.
You might feel:
Overweight
Negative self image
Saggy skin
Your body has been through such an amazing journey, and now it is time to give your body some much needed love. You may have had a Caesarean section so you also need to make sure you are ready. The recommended time is usually around 6 weeks, but it is different for everybody. Make sure you have the all clear before you commence any exercise programme.
I bet your thinking that you don’t have any time to exercise, well there is always time if you schedule it into your daily regime. It may take a few days to get in the zone but it will leave you feeling more energised.
Energised
Positive body image
More like yourself
Stronger
There are so many different ways to get back in shape, it’s just finding the one you enjoy. All you need is 20 minutes a day or every other day to see results. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym sweating, you can do it all from home or in the outdoors.
Go for a walk Babies and young kids love the fresh air and outdoors, it puts them in a different headspace, plus it tries them out. The lulling motion of walking will soon make your baby fall fast asleep, giving you some time to yourself.
Pilates Pilates is a great way to strengthen and tone your body after having a baby or even years later. It’s gentler on your body and it will leave you will a great shape body as it lengthens your muscles. There are great you tube videos if you want to do a class at home. Popsugar is a great channel on YouTube to get you started.
Swimming
Find your local swimming pools and give yourself small goals to get you started. The more you go the stronger and fitter you will get. Swimming is a great way to get a full body workout without the impact, thus being gentler on your body. Your body is different now, it needs time to heal and get back to normal.
Yoga
Yoga has been around for a long time now and is becoming more and more popular. The reason is because it treats the body and mind, leaving you feeling relaxed and in tune with your body. There are many variations available, just try a few out and find the one that suits you.
Exercise doesn’t need to be hard work or overwhelming, just start small and build your way up. Set goals along the way to keep you motivated. Try and get a friend to start exercising with you, that way it’s more fun, plus you can motivate each other.
Don’t leave it too long to get back into shape as the longer you leave it the worse you will feel about your body. If you are thinking about having another baby soon then it is really important to get back in shape beforehand, as it will be a lot easier afterwards.
For more informative pregnancy, birth and baby articles, read our Maternity Mum blog.