After nine months of carrying a little one around, your body is likely to feel different than it did before. Firstly, congratulations – we hope that you, your baby, and your new little family are all well. The good news is that with a few simple tips, you can get mobile again and feel like your old self in no time. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best ways to get moving again after giving birth.
Get Comfortable
Firstly, it is important to get comfortable with your new body; this may mean taking some time to adjust and get used to your post-partum figure. Also, we recommend getting comfortable physically because you won’t want to do anything until this happens. Pregnancy belts from Belly Bandit and various other products are available to make you more comfortable after giving birth. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to get moving once again.
Start Small
Even if you were a marathon runner before giving birth, we recommend starting small when getting back into the swing of things. After all, giving birth is a traumatic experience for the body. Going for a short walk around the block is a great place to start. As your body starts to feel better, you can start to increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Initially, you may only be able to walk for a few minutes at a time. But that’s okay. The important thing is to listen to your body and not overdo it.
Get a Workout Buddy
Whether this is an old friend or a fellow new mum, having someone to motivate you and keep you accountable is always helpful. Not only will it make working out more fun, but you’ll be more likely to stick with it. With another new mum, you can go through the journey together, sharing tips and advice along the way.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of getting back into shape, it can help to set small, achievable goals. For example, commit to working out three times a week for 30 minutes. Or start by adding a 15-minute walk to your daily routine. Once you’ve achieved your first goal, you can set a new one.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Remember that it takes time to get back into shape after having a baby. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t see results immediately. Just focus on staying active and enjoying the process. If you can enjoy being active, everything else will come with time. Therefore, stick with things that you enjoy and watch the gradual progress.
Trust Others
For some, the biggest problem is leaving the little one with others. If this is the case, start by trusting others for short amounts of time. For example, leave your baby with a partner, friend, or family member for an hour or two while you go on a short walk. As time goes by, you’ll start to feel more comfortable and be able to leave for longer periods.
Take the Little One with You
Your baby will love the fresh air and exploring their new world, so why not take them with you? Invest in a good quality baby carrier and enjoy going for walks together. This is a great way to get some exercise while bonding with your little one.
Join a Moms Group
There are many groups out there for moms, so find one that suits you and your lifestyle. This is a great way to get out of the house, meet other moms, and get some exercise.