Getting Back To Fitness After Baby

Getting back into those pre-pregnancy jeans isn’t always as easy as it looks in the magazines. Seeing 6-pack abs, toned legs and women running with newborn babies in a stroller isn’t the true reality of what getting fit after baby looks like for most.  In fact, the reality can sometimes look like moms running into class late as they leak milk, a baby that has pooped through another outfit and forgetting your water bottle….again!

Once you are ready to start exercising again after baby, here are some tips to ponder!

1. Slow and steady. Getting back into a fitness routine after birthing a baby should always be done so slowly. Take caution and ensure that your mind and body are prepared to be back at the gym. It is important that you have the blessing of your health care provider to resume physical activity and that all of your postpartum bleeding has stopped. Start slowly. Enjoy a leisurely walk and begin to build on endurance and intensity before adding a large variety of exercises to your repertoire.
2. Find your tribe. There are so many different fitness programs to be a part of and it can be confusing as you search for the best fit for you. Find a group that is warm and welcoming. One that excites you to come back time and time again, and you feel comfortable. Many long lasting friendships have been created over walks, lunges and squats, so why not make sure you feel like you have found your tribe before settling for a class.
3. Ask this question! It seems like everybody is an “expert” these days, just so they can up their marketing skills and pack their classes.  You just gave birth to a human being! You deserve to find a real expert who can give you everything you need to get back to your fitness routine. Ask your instructor/teacher who they are certified with AND how much experience they have working in the postnatal field. If your trainer has you doing planks 6 weeks postpartum that’s a big red flag that their class is probably not the place for you to be.
4. Have fun! Getting back into a fitness routine as a new parent should be fun. There is enough stress trying to figure out life with the new addition to your family that fitness shouldn’t be stressful too! Find an activity that brings you joy, that you are excited to participate in and that allows you to work at your own pace.

Little Lotus Yoga classes are taught by experienced yoga teachers who have knowledge and experience in postpartum and pelvic floor health.  Yoga is a great way to ease back into a fitness routine, increase your strength, stamina and safely rebuild your core after baby.