When should I start exercising post pregnancy? *
We reach the infamous 6 week mark, attend our check up (which let's face it, in most cases is nothing more than an opportunity for the Dr to ask you if you'd like any contraception) and just like that your body is ready to go .... right? *
Mmmm.... * 'Bouncing back' and getting that ‘pre-pregnancy body back’ is stupid talk that puts unnecessary pressure on us women. Of course we should be moving our bodies but we need to do it properly and for the right reasons, not because social media tells us to. We should also shift the focus from getting your pre-pregnancy body back to building on the body you have now. *
I'm 10 weeks postpartum and as much as I'd love to train like I did pre-pregnancy, neither my tummy or vagina would like that very much. I started doing my pelvic floor exercises, connection breathing & walking pretty early on, though not as religiously as I should - I have 2 babies under 2 after all. At around 6 weeks pp I started physiotherapy led postnatal pilates which I totally recommend, and over the coming weeks I'll be introducing some strength work. *
I have diastasis recti (muscle separation in my tummy) and my pelvic floor still needs some work (ongoing fun) so I need to strengthen these before I start high impact exercises or heavy lifting. I'm desperate to get back into my clothes (I dont want to buy yet another new wardrobe!!!) but I dont want to rush my body and potentially push myself back, I want to do this properly and so should you. *
Identify your opportunities, take your time, focus on healing first, seek advice, talk to professionals and your efforts will pay off in good time.
