1) Exercise after Baby (Part 1)
2) Exercise After Baby (Part 2): How soon can moms start to exercise and Benefits of Postnatal Exercise
Photo taken from Saida Online
- Doctor's Clearance
Before starting on any exercise programs, it always advisable to get the go-ahead from your doctor. He/She is the best person to determine how well you're healing.
- Make precise intentions
Different women exercise for various reason. Whatever it may be, make it as precise as you possibly can. Instead of saying, "I want to start exercise", say "I will exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes each day".
- D.I.F.Y - Do It For Yourself
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a great step to good health. But when it is made with the wrong intentions, it will simply backfire. During my teen years (which was yonks ago), I remember wanting to lose weight before any school reunions or ex-classmates gatherings. Rather than losing the kilos, I doubled (sometimes tripled) the weight. So instead of getting compliments, I ended up feeling more horrible than before from being the laughing stock.
- Set realistic goals
There is a fine line between being ambitious to being unrealistic. Mommies starting exercise after childbirth should take baby steps - especially if you were not active during pregnancy. Expecting your postpartum body to be able to run for 30 minutes is being unrealistic. Besides lack of sleep, diaper changing, nurisng does little to your pre-pregnancy get-up-and-go lifestyle. Once you've got the green light from the doctor, start small with low impact exercises such as walking or yoga. A 10-minute walk around the block every days will suffice for the first few week or so. Gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout as your stamina increases
- Mix it Up
If you're anything like me, you will get bored easily and when working out is no longer fun, motivation is lost as well. Mixing up your workout will eliminate boredom. Add various activities or change the order of your workout.
- Do NOT think like a celeb
It is easy to feel ashamed when we switch on the TV and see celebrities losing their weight - quickly. No one (probably just yourself) expects you to lose the weight immediately, some would even encourage you to take things slow. Most celebs have full-time nannies and housekeepers working 24/7 so they have the time in the world to workout. So just be yourself and take things one step at a time.
- Listen to Your Body
If you were active during pregnancy, getting back into shape will be easier. But if you didn't work out for whatever reason, you need to accept that your stamina will be very limited during first few weeks (or months) after childbirth. Hence, take it slow and listen to what your body is telling you. Being persistent and committed to workout plan will eventually increase your stamina.
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