How To Start Exercise After Giving Birth And What You Can Try

When you have a baby, it can be a real life-changing event for you, physically and mentally. Not only are you now responsible for this little life, but you also have to manage everything else you did before. Perhaps keeping your house in order, your relationship moving forward, other children you might have, and taking care of yourself. It can all feel a little too much at times, so it is understandable that after this life-changing event, that you want to feel a little more like you again. If you are looking to do exercise after giving birth then read on for some tips.

Getting started and the tips you need to regularly exercise

There is no denying that exercise after giving birth not only helps in terms of weight loss but can also be a great way to combat your mental health in a positive way. Exercise is a known relief to things like anxiety and depression, all of which can be things you experience when your hormones are all over the place when you have had a little one. So here are some of the best tips to help you get back into regular exercise after having a baby.

Make time for it

One of the first things to consider would be to make time for regular exercise. It can feel like there is no time to do anything else other than taking care of your baby and family, but with a little effort, you can take some time to do it. Figure out moments where you have a little extra support, perhaps in the morning or in the evening. Making time to exercise will feel like an effort at first, but once it becomes a habit, you will feel so much better for it.

Do something that makes you feel good

A great way to exercise after giving birth more regularly is to find something that you enjoy doing. Think about the exercises that you may have done before being pregnant. Perhaps running or specific exercise classes. If you don’t feel up to doing something like that because your fitness levels weren’t as they were then take things slow. Even small things like heading out for a walk with friends can be a great way to get started and can be something that makes you feel good as well.

Don’t expect to pick up where you left off

The hardest thing to overcome when you want to get back into regular exercise is realising that you haven’t got the same levels of fitness as you did when you stopped. Pregnancy might have meant that you needed to take a break or you weren’t able to exercise as regularly as you would have liked. Don’t expect that you will be able to pick up on that 10k run, or be able to complete the same levels of classes straight away. It is important to accept that your body has changed and so have your fitness levels. Lower your expectations and instead try and enjoy what you are doing.

Have the right equipment and things you need

Exercising means that you are going to be putting extra strain on your body, and so having the right equipment and things you need to exercise after giving birth safely is important. Think about things such as the correct footwear and the ideal activewear for the exercises you are taking. The last thing you want is to get an injury or feel under-supported when taking exercise. You might also want to think about the equipment you might use regularly such as investing in a yoga mat, or weights if you are working out at home.

Don’t forget…

While exercising is one of the next ways to start feeling like yourself again, it is important that you consider other factors that not only affect your health and wellbeing but can also have an impact on your motivation to exercise and be as active as possible. So here are some of the things not to forget.

Don’t try an extreme diet, take a balanced approach instead

Sometimes when it comes to feeling more like yourself after you have had a baby, your diet can be the first thing you consider changing. A little weight after you’ve had a baby is completely normal, but often mums want to get back to their pre-baby weight or figure.

However, avoid taking on any extreme diets. While they may give you fast results they can often not be sustained. You need all the strength and energy you can get as a new mum, so take a balanced approach instead. Having a balanced diet ensures that your body gets what it needs to function. Combining this with exercise after giving birth is the healthier way to approach things.

Indulge in some self-care and your time

Self-care is so important, especially as a parent. So much of your time is spent catering to other people’s needs, so it is vital that you take some time for yourself. It could be simple things such as taking a bath, indulging in a face mask, or a pamper session. Or things like getting your nails or your hair done.

It can be small acts of kindness to yourself that give you the lift you need to keep going and feeling good about yourself. It can also give you the motivation and energy you need to remain active.

Focus on your mindset

Finally, your mind is a powerful tool, and often how you think affects how you feel. So take some time to be more aware of your thought process. Do you find that you are more negative than positive these days? What is your outlook on life like? If you think you are being more negative than positive it might be time to switch things around.

Take some time to feel grateful and show gratitude for the things that are going well in your life. Small changes can have the biggest impact when it comes to your mindset, and you will start to notice the difference. Exercise after giving birth is a great mood lifter and can help you to think more clearly, so be mindful of this if you are feeling a little low.

Let’s hope these tips help you to get back into regular exercise after having a baby. Could you exercise as a family too?

7 Tips for getting back into regular exercise after giving birth