Exercising during pregnancy can offer many benefits, such as promoting a healthy weight, easing constipation, and reducing back pain. But did you know that getting fit or exercising after giving birth is also helpful? Exercising during this period may improve your energy levels and allow you to have a good night’s sleep. Most importantly, it’ll help in alleviating postpartum depression.
While exercising after giving birth is quite challenging as you have a little one to take care of and you need to recover, you should find time to stay fit and active. If you have decided to stay fit but don’t know where to start, have a peek on this page. To help you, here are five postpartum tips that you can follow most, especially if you’re a new mom.
1.Do Yoga
The same as prenatal yoga, postpartum yoga is beneficial too. The good thing about this fitness tip is that you can do it from the comfort of your home, which is important if you want to watch over your little ones at all times. : You can also brush up on Yoga Basics by learning about some simple postures to kickstart your yogic lifestyle. You can do this by watching yoga classes on YouTube or other relevant sources. But you can always go out to attend classes, and it’s all up to you.
Once you familiarize some of the yoga poses, you will be able to do it any time of the day, for instance, if your baby is taking a nap. One of the best things about doing yoga is that it can help build strength without the need for any workout equipment and high-impact speed. All you need is your own body and a quality yoga mat.
Yoga, on the other hand, will help in stretching aching muscles while allowing you to have peace of mind and focus on your breathing. This is beneficial not only physically but also mentally since it can help soothe your stressed body and mind.
2.Know Your Limits
If you’re always working out before your pregnancy and you really want to go back to this routine or lifestyle after giving birth, it’s important that you know your limitations or listen to your body because you’re still in the recovery stage. It is also important to new moms who are not used to working out.
Take a break if you’re tired. But if you still have the energy or your body tells you that it can still accommodate other sets of exercise, then you can proceed. Remember, if you push yourself too hard, you might end up injuring yourself.
3.Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals like running for five minutes every day or walking for 20 minutes is more helpful than the ones that are hard to achieve. If you set unrealistic goals, chances are, you’ll not feel motivated to do so. Thus, whether you want to practice self-care through working out or improve your strength and flexibility, be sure to reward yourself every time you accomplish one of your fitness goals.
4.Pick The Right Exercise For Postpartum
Water aerobics, walking, and swimming are some of the best postpartum exercises that you can try. If you’re just starting out, stretching and a low-impact aerobic activity like walking and stationary bicycling are the best. But it’s important that you take everything slowly at first and then build your duration as well as intensity.
5.Look For A Workout Buddy
Spending time with loved ones or friends while exercising can give you motivation. As a matter of fact, it isn’t easy to put off exercising when there is someone waiting for you. The good thing is that your workout partner may include your little one. While this little baby cannot hold you accountable, they can stay beside your yoga mat and ride in the walker. But if you plan to take your baby for a walk outside during the winter or summer, it’s important that you dress them correctly. Don’t forget to wear sun protection during the sunny days and wrap them comfortably on chilly days.
Final Message
Keep in mind that postpartum fitness shouldn’t be a laborious task. Be sure to suit it with your present lifestyle by respecting the limitations of your body and involving your new little one. Over time, you can build up more, but there is no need to rush everything. Rather than on weight loss, focus on your overall health. Also, before starting any fitness or workout program, it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor first. In that way, you’ll know exactly what things you can and can’t do.