After giving birth, many Mums are eager to get back into a fitness routine to rebuild their strength. However, returning to exercise after having a baby is a journey that requires care, patience, and a 'whole body'/holistic approach.
1. Listen to Your Body You have to remember that every woman's postnatal experience is unique. Your body has gone through an amazing transformation, and it's important to listen to it. Start slowly and pay attention to how you feel. We support our Mums by adapting exercises to suit their ability.
2. Seek Professional Guidance Before embarking on your postnatal fitness journey, it's a good idea to have a check up with your GP or midwife, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. They can offer guidance and assess your readiness for exercise based on your specific situation, such as the type of delivery you had and any postnatal complications.
3. Do the Right Exercise Before you hit that 6-week postnatal mark, low-impact activities such as walking or swimming can be excellent starting points. Don’t forget those pelvic floor exercises! These are essential to help restore strength and stability in that area, and not only if you experienced pelvic floor issues during pregnancy or childbirth. After 6 weeks, our classes are a great way to begin your fitness journey, gently and safely!
4. Bring Your Baby Bringing baby to our classes has been named one of the top selling points of Strength In Mumbers! Mums love being able to attend an exercise class without the additional cost of childcare.
5. Set Realistic Goals Don't rush the process. Set realistic goals for yourself. Understand that it may take time to regain your strength. Progress might be slow, but every small step is an achievement.
6. Stay Hydrated and Nourished Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial to a recovering body. Ensure you're consuming enough nutrients to support your postnatal body and keep drinking that water!
7. Rest and Recovery Your body needs time to recover. Ensure you're getting enough rest. Your body heals during this time, and rest is an integral part of the recovery process.
Having a support system in place is so important. Whether it's a partner, family member, or friends, having support can make it easier. Our classes are a great way to meet other Mums who may have been through similar experiences to you.
Returning to exercise after having a baby is a very personal journey. Be kind to yourself and remember that there is no rush. Prioritise your well-being and know that taking care of yourself will benefit both you and your baby.
We are honoured to be part of so many postnatal exercise journeys!