Exercising 6 weeks after baby- where should I start?

[LJBanana]

As the title suggests really. I'm going to the gym next week as I will have had my 6 week check. I just don't know where to start.
I usually like fast classes such as spinning, body combat- loud music+ getting shouted at works for me, so the flip side of a slower class doesn't keep my interest or motivate me.
However I realise I can't go into a class that I prefer 6 weeks after giving birth.
I'm also breast feeding and relying on expressing whilst I'm away from my baby. This is baby number 3 so I need to whip my everything into shape.
Any suggestions much appreciated.

Anybody?

Speak to a trainer at the gym.

At this point you need to do lots of core stability work, not forgetting pelvic floor exercises. Pilates would be good, as long as it's a responsibly conducted class. Walking (fast) will also get you back into shape quickly and without risk to joints which are still softer than normal. Starting off a bit slower than you might ideally wish will pay dividends in the longer term.

I did a class specifically aimed at new mum's. We all went along with the buggies and did a bit of walking, running (short bursts only), some toning stuff and abs. It was a social thing as well as an introduction back to exercise. The one I did was outdoors but I do know of indoor classes. There may be something like that locally

Thanks for your replies. I was thinking along the lines of Pilates. I might do some of Davina's post pregnancy DVD for a few weeks as preparation.

Physio in my antenatal classes said to not do anything more high impact than you would've done whilst pregnant for 5/6 months after birth - apparently its to do with the length of time for ligaments to recover from the relaxin which takes this long when breast feeding due to the hormones iinvolved... so build it up slowly to prevent injury

I asked my GP about exercise at my 6 week check up. I have always done a lot. His attitude was "well you obviously know your body well, do what feels right." I went swimming that evening, running a bit at 11 weeks; started traing for a 10k run at about 4 months.

Interesting read! I'm 8 weeks post partum and really looking forward to getting back to cycling. Tried getting on the cross trainer a bit too early (5 weeks) and my lochia came back.

Will try picking my pace up with the walking to ease my way back in.

We went on a fairly long walk yesterday and I could feel a bit of pulling in my lower back and stomach. It was he furthest I'd walked for months and months and I was pushing the pram most of the way. I'm going in the morning to look around the gym, I will speak to them there and see what they say. I'm desperate to get going but I know i'd be stupid to do anything too strenuous too soon.

Just bare in mind that fitness instructors are not always that qualified to advise. If your back is pulling when walking i would say that you need to take care. ( I am a physio, but not specialised in this area) I would suggest finding a physio with experience in pilates/core stability work and go from there. In the meantime walking lots is brilliant, especially if you can focus on your posture as you do it.

Thank you for your message. I've joined but not booked the induction yet. There is a pt there that specialises in post pregnancy so I am going to book in with her and ask her to help me start off.
It's tricky knowing where to begin as I've not done anything for over a year.
I'm looking forward to getting back into it though. I have no idea where my trainers are however!

I would second a gradual approach. I started off walking everywhere, doing low impact stuff such as yoga and pilates to condition my muscles back into shape and only 6 months later did I go back to high impact classes such as body attack. Guess what: my pelvic floor still wasn't ready and I would pee in my pants during class. It only started normalising after 12 months. So the message is: slowly slowly does it.

Agree with the slowly slowly approach - buggy fit classes are great as is post natal yoga. I did this at my local surestart and it was really cheap and I met loads of other new mums.

That sounds ideal! Hope you enjoy it. I found it took a bit longer to get back into shape after number 3, just because there was so much to do, but so satisfying :)

I'm just trying to get no 3 to take a bottle- which is proving difficult! Then I will be able to go for the induction and ease myself in.
At the moment the spa area is sounding more favourable than the actual gym- however the thought of being upright and walking in swimwear makes me shudder!