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Starting to Exercise Postpartum
Excellent Postpartum program for you.
When returning to exercise postpartum, a shift in mindset can be needed.
You may be eager to get back into training like before, although your body isn't fully recovered from the pregnancy yet.
Even when you get the “green light” from the doctor to go back to training, this doesn’t mean you should pick up where you left off before.
What are the benefits of exercise after pregnancy?
Exercising after pregnancy is one of the best things you can do. These are the main benefits for postpartum women:
- Helps to strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with weight management
- Boosts energy and relieves stress
- Raises energy levels so you feel less tired
When can I start exercising after pregnancy?
This is a complicated question and depends on a lot of factors including how fit you were before you had your baby, what happened during your labour and the type of birth you had.
In general, you shouldn’t return to your previous level of exercise until 4 to 6 months after you had your baby. Once your bleeding has stopped and everything has healed, it’s okay to start very gentle swimming.
Most women will get a check-up by the doctor after six weeks, and if everything is good, they will get the green light to start working out again.
Focus on healing
Before starting to exercise postpartum, you should take some time to focus on the healing process. It’s also important to set up routines that include taking time for yourself. This will help you get a little more control over things.
- If you can, see a pelvic floor therapist and follow their advice
- You can start doing breathing and kegel exercises as soon as you get back from the hospital
- Eat nutritious food that helps you feel good and recover faster
- Try to get enough sleep (which I know is difficult with a newborn!)
- Go for walks outside
How to start exercising after pregnancy
It's wise to start a postpartum program that will help you reconnect with your body before hitting the gym or going for a 10k run like you used to do. See it as rehabbing the body after an injury, when you will take your time to build the tissue around the wound stronger to support the load.
An excellent postpartum program can help you:
- Learn how to move better with your body’s changes
- Teach you different breathing patterns that will help to support the pelvic floor while exercising or doing daily tasks
- Troubleshoot any symptoms, tendencies or movements that might cause issues and show you how to deal with them
- Allows you to connect with other moms that have gone through similar experiences
If the above resonates with you, join me during a small group PT session. The first one is on me!
Take things slowly and listen to your body
You have just undergone a complete transformation of your body and for many women it will never go back to the exact way it was. The main priority is for your body to completely heal.
For example, if your pelvic floor is weak then any kind of abdominal pressure will strain the pelvic floor and slow down healing. Take extra care of your joints and don’t force through any tweaks – your body produces a hormone called Relaxin to soften the joints during pregnancy and it stays in the body for a long time.
Like with any exercise, it’s also important to stay hydrated and rest when you need to.
If you want to learn more about how a postpartum exercise class can help you, contact me on cb@innerfight.com.
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
When returning to exercise postpartum, a shift in mindset can be needed.
You may be eager to get back into training like before, although your body isn't fully recovered from the pregnancy yet.
Even when you get the “green light” from the doctor to go back to training, this doesn’t mean you should pick up where you left off before.
What are the benefits of exercise after pregnancy?
Exercising after pregnancy is one of the best things you can do. These are the main benefits for postpartum women:
- Helps to strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with weight management
- Boosts energy and relieves stress
- Raises energy levels so you feel less tired
When can I start exercising after pregnancy?
This is a complicated question and depends on a lot of factors including how fit you were before you had your baby, what happened during your labour and the type of birth you had.
In general, you shouldn’t return to your previous level of exercise until 4 to 6 months after you had your baby. Once your bleeding has stopped and everything has healed, it’s okay to start very gentle swimming.
Most women will get a check-up by the doctor after six weeks, and if everything is good, they will get the green light to start working out again.
Focus on healing
Before starting to exercise postpartum, you should take some time to focus on the healing process. It’s also important to set up routines that include taking time for yourself. This will help you get a little more control over things.
- If you can, see a pelvic floor therapist and follow their advice
- You can start doing breathing and kegel exercises as soon as you get back from the hospital
- Eat nutritious food that helps you feel good and recover faster
- Try to get enough sleep (which I know is difficult with a newborn!)
- Go for walks outside
How to start exercising after pregnancy
It's wise to start a postpartum program that will help you reconnect with your body before hitting the gym or going for a 10k run like you used to do. See it as rehabbing the body after an injury, when you will take your time to build the tissue around the wound stronger to support the load.
An excellent postpartum program can help you:
- Learn how to move better with your body’s changes
- Teach you different breathing patterns that will help to support the pelvic floor while exercising or doing daily tasks
- Troubleshoot any symptoms, tendencies or movements that might cause issues and show you how to deal with them
- Allows you to connect with other moms that have gone through similar experiences
If the above resonates with you, join me during a small group PT session. The first one is on me!
Take things slowly and listen to your body
You have just undergone a complete transformation of your body and for many women it will never go back to the exact way it was. The main priority is for your body to completely heal.
For example, if your pelvic floor is weak then any kind of abdominal pressure will strain the pelvic floor and slow down healing. Take extra care of your joints and don’t force through any tweaks – your body produces a hormone called Relaxin to soften the joints during pregnancy and it stays in the body for a long time.
Like with any exercise, it’s also important to stay hydrated and rest when you need to.
If you want to learn more about how a postpartum exercise class can help you, contact me on cb@innerfight.com.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
When returning to exercise postpartum, a shift in mindset can be needed.
You may be eager to get back into training like before, although your body isn't fully recovered from the pregnancy yet.
Even when you get the “green light” from the doctor to go back to training, this doesn’t mean you should pick up where you left off before.
What are the benefits of exercise after pregnancy?
Exercising after pregnancy is one of the best things you can do. These are the main benefits for postpartum women:
- Helps to strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with weight management
- Boosts energy and relieves stress
- Raises energy levels so you feel less tired
When can I start exercising after pregnancy?
This is a complicated question and depends on a lot of factors including how fit you were before you had your baby, what happened during your labour and the type of birth you had.
In general, you shouldn’t return to your previous level of exercise until 4 to 6 months after you had your baby. Once your bleeding has stopped and everything has healed, it’s okay to start very gentle swimming.
Most women will get a check-up by the doctor after six weeks, and if everything is good, they will get the green light to start working out again.
Focus on healing
Before starting to exercise postpartum, you should take some time to focus on the healing process. It’s also important to set up routines that include taking time for yourself. This will help you get a little more control over things.
- If you can, see a pelvic floor therapist and follow their advice
- You can start doing breathing and kegel exercises as soon as you get back from the hospital
- Eat nutritious food that helps you feel good and recover faster
- Try to get enough sleep (which I know is difficult with a newborn!)
- Go for walks outside
How to start exercising after pregnancy
It's wise to start a postpartum program that will help you reconnect with your body before hitting the gym or going for a 10k run like you used to do. See it as rehabbing the body after an injury, when you will take your time to build the tissue around the wound stronger to support the load.
An excellent postpartum program can help you:
- Learn how to move better with your body’s changes
- Teach you different breathing patterns that will help to support the pelvic floor while exercising or doing daily tasks
- Troubleshoot any symptoms, tendencies or movements that might cause issues and show you how to deal with them
- Allows you to connect with other moms that have gone through similar experiences
If the above resonates with you, join me during a small group PT session. The first one is on me!
Take things slowly and listen to your body
You have just undergone a complete transformation of your body and for many women it will never go back to the exact way it was. The main priority is for your body to completely heal.
For example, if your pelvic floor is weak then any kind of abdominal pressure will strain the pelvic floor and slow down healing. Take extra care of your joints and don’t force through any tweaks – your body produces a hormone called Relaxin to soften the joints during pregnancy and it stays in the body for a long time.
Like with any exercise, it’s also important to stay hydrated and rest when you need to.
If you want to learn more about how a postpartum exercise class can help you, contact me on cb@innerfight.com.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
When returning to exercise postpartum, a shift in mindset can be needed.
You may be eager to get back into training like before, although your body isn't fully recovered from the pregnancy yet.
Even when you get the “green light” from the doctor to go back to training, this doesn’t mean you should pick up where you left off before.
What are the benefits of exercise after pregnancy?
Exercising after pregnancy is one of the best things you can do. These are the main benefits for postpartum women:
- Helps to strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with weight management
- Boosts energy and relieves stress
- Raises energy levels so you feel less tired
When can I start exercising after pregnancy?
This is a complicated question and depends on a lot of factors including how fit you were before you had your baby, what happened during your labour and the type of birth you had.
In general, you shouldn’t return to your previous level of exercise until 4 to 6 months after you had your baby. Once your bleeding has stopped and everything has healed, it’s okay to start very gentle swimming.
Most women will get a check-up by the doctor after six weeks, and if everything is good, they will get the green light to start working out again.
Focus on healing
Before starting to exercise postpartum, you should take some time to focus on the healing process. It’s also important to set up routines that include taking time for yourself. This will help you get a little more control over things.
- If you can, see a pelvic floor therapist and follow their advice
- You can start doing breathing and kegel exercises as soon as you get back from the hospital
- Eat nutritious food that helps you feel good and recover faster
- Try to get enough sleep (which I know is difficult with a newborn!)
- Go for walks outside
How to start exercising after pregnancy
It's wise to start a postpartum program that will help you reconnect with your body before hitting the gym or going for a 10k run like you used to do. See it as rehabbing the body after an injury, when you will take your time to build the tissue around the wound stronger to support the load.
An excellent postpartum program can help you:
- Learn how to move better with your body’s changes
- Teach you different breathing patterns that will help to support the pelvic floor while exercising or doing daily tasks
- Troubleshoot any symptoms, tendencies or movements that might cause issues and show you how to deal with them
- Allows you to connect with other moms that have gone through similar experiences
If the above resonates with you, join me during a small group PT session. The first one is on me!
Take things slowly and listen to your body
You have just undergone a complete transformation of your body and for many women it will never go back to the exact way it was. The main priority is for your body to completely heal.
For example, if your pelvic floor is weak then any kind of abdominal pressure will strain the pelvic floor and slow down healing. Take extra care of your joints and don’t force through any tweaks – your body produces a hormone called Relaxin to soften the joints during pregnancy and it stays in the body for a long time.
Like with any exercise, it’s also important to stay hydrated and rest when you need to.
If you want to learn more about how a postpartum exercise class can help you, contact me on cb@innerfight.com.
When returning to exercise postpartum, a shift in mindset can be needed.
You may be eager to get back into training like before, although your body isn't fully recovered from the pregnancy yet.
Even when you get the “green light” from the doctor to go back to training, this doesn’t mean you should pick up where you left off before.
What are the benefits of exercise after pregnancy?
Exercising after pregnancy is one of the best things you can do. These are the main benefits for postpartum women:
- Helps to strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with weight management
- Boosts energy and relieves stress
- Raises energy levels so you feel less tired
When can I start exercising after pregnancy?
This is a complicated question and depends on a lot of factors including how fit you were before you had your baby, what happened during your labour and the type of birth you had.
In general, you shouldn’t return to your previous level of exercise until 4 to 6 months after you had your baby. Once your bleeding has stopped and everything has healed, it’s okay to start very gentle swimming.
Most women will get a check-up by the doctor after six weeks, and if everything is good, they will get the green light to start working out again.
Focus on healing
Before starting to exercise postpartum, you should take some time to focus on the healing process. It’s also important to set up routines that include taking time for yourself. This will help you get a little more control over things.
- If you can, see a pelvic floor therapist and follow their advice
- You can start doing breathing and kegel exercises as soon as you get back from the hospital
- Eat nutritious food that helps you feel good and recover faster
- Try to get enough sleep (which I know is difficult with a newborn!)
- Go for walks outside
How to start exercising after pregnancy
It's wise to start a postpartum program that will help you reconnect with your body before hitting the gym or going for a 10k run like you used to do. See it as rehabbing the body after an injury, when you will take your time to build the tissue around the wound stronger to support the load.
An excellent postpartum program can help you:
- Learn how to move better with your body’s changes
- Teach you different breathing patterns that will help to support the pelvic floor while exercising or doing daily tasks
- Troubleshoot any symptoms, tendencies or movements that might cause issues and show you how to deal with them
- Allows you to connect with other moms that have gone through similar experiences
If the above resonates with you, join me during a small group PT session. The first one is on me!
Take things slowly and listen to your body
You have just undergone a complete transformation of your body and for many women it will never go back to the exact way it was. The main priority is for your body to completely heal.
For example, if your pelvic floor is weak then any kind of abdominal pressure will strain the pelvic floor and slow down healing. Take extra care of your joints and don’t force through any tweaks – your body produces a hormone called Relaxin to soften the joints during pregnancy and it stays in the body for a long time.
Like with any exercise, it’s also important to stay hydrated and rest when you need to.
If you want to learn more about how a postpartum exercise class can help you, contact me on cb@innerfight.com.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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