Exercise Can Be Beneficial for New Moms
After giving birth, exercise can be beneficial for new moms. Even though it’s not the first priority that comes to mind with a new baby at home, staying active can help with your physical and mental recovery.
Ease Into Your New Normal
Our biggest recommendation is to take it slow as you start getting back into a fitness routine. Listen to your body and only do what you’re ready for. Exercise is an excellent way to help you feeling like you again in a multiple of ways, including helping you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight, strengthen your muscles, boost your energy, and even reduce stress. Plus, it sets a great example for your little one as they grow up.
The Benefits of Physical Exercise After Pregnancy
Exercise after pregnancy has numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the advantages:
- Getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight: It’s no secret that pregnancy causes weight gain. Regular exercise can help you shed the baby weight and tighten loose skin.
- Strengthening abdominal muscles: Pregnancy can stretch your abdominal muscles, but exercise can help tone and strengthen them. If you’ve had a C-section, this is especially important. The timeline for restarting an exercise routine after a C-section can vary, so make sure to speak with your doctor to know what’s right for you.
- Preventing and reducing bladder leakage: Pregnancy can often weaken your pelvic floor, which can affect your bladder. Certain exercises, like Kegels, can help improve bladder control and reduce the risk of leakage.
- Boosting energy levels: Recovery after birth can be exhausting! Engaging in physical activity can increase your energy levels and combat post-pregnancy fatigue.
- Improving sleep quality: Sleep can be hard to get with a new baby, which makes the sleep you do get very important. Regular exercise can promote better sleep, helping you feel more rested and rejuvenated.
- Relieving stress: Stress goes hand in hand with birth, recovery, and caring for a newborn. Exercise is a great stress-reliever and can be an opportunity for mom to have extremely valuable me-time.
- Reducing symptoms of postpartum depression: PPD is real and can be a battle to get through. Physical activity has proven to alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression and improve overall mood so that you can focus on what matters most.
Additionally, by prioritizing your own health and fitness serves as a positive example for your baby by promoting a healthy lifestyle from an early age. It's important to note that while breastfeeding burns calories, additional physical activity is still recommended. Rest assured, exercise will not affect the quality or quantity of your breast milk.
Physical recovery from birth varies for every individual, so make sure you’re giving your body the time it needs to heal. It is recommended to wait at least six weeks before engaging in more strenuous exercises. However, if you had a vaginal delivery without complications, you may be able to start modified exercises sooner. It's crucial to listen to your body, consult with your healthcare provider, and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as you feel comfortable. Remember, the most important thing is to prioritize your health and mental well-being.
Contact Our Five Star Gym In Lexington, Kentucky
Let us help you enjoy the journey of post-pregnancy exercise. M Club Fit offers our clients the best health coaches and trainers. Contact us online or give us a call at (859) 523-4003 to learn more!
