Best postpartum fitness?

[Willow4987]

Hi, I was wondering what everyone’s experiences of postpartum fitness are?

I’m not particularly fit and would like to start exercising after having had my DS 9 weeks ago.

I want to generally improve fitness, lose a bit of baby weight and somehow start toning by stomach after having it all stretched out in pregnancy.

Gym isn’t really an option with the baby

Thanks

I'm also interested so bumping!

A really good Pilates class that will help you rebuild your pelvic floor, stomach and back muscles. And walking, pushing the pram

@holidaylady would you say a specific postpartum Pilates class or a normal one?

I’m 5m pp but have started the couch to 5k running regime using the app. It’s been really good and I’m amazed at how manageable it is. It’s the only fitness regime I can fit into a hectic life with children. I bought a running buggy second hand and it usually sends the baby to sleep.

Postpartum Pilates if you can find one. But a good Pilates teach can adapt all the exercises for you.
I got lucky with my teacher. But the Pilates at my virgin gym is a joke! You need a small class of 8 ish people.

I got a turbo trainer and pedal away on that with music on for 3 x per week for 30 mins each time.
Enjoying it, can put DS in pushchair whilst I pedal away so no excuses!

Postnatal Pilates, definitely! The class I went to was one you could bring a baby to. Don’t run until you’re sure your pelvic floor is ok (deffo not before 12 weeks) - if you want cardio before then cycling/spin class/turbo trainer is good.

Oh and definitely 3 sets of kegels a day, the nhs Squeezy app is fab!

Pilates or yoga wouid be good, but you need an instructor with experience of the postnatal body until you know for sure your muscles have all knitted back properly. It needn't be a specific post-natal class as a competent instructor should be able to adapt within a regular class. If it's difficult to get to a class, see if you can afford a couple of private sessions to learn a suitable set of exercises.

Brisk walking is good, and you could try C25K (with buggy) when you are sure of your pelvic floor.

Walking, loads of it! My DD1 loved the buggy, was the best way to get her to sleep. I tried to do an hour's walk each day and it kept me sane. A lot of that was going to the local shop/baby class/friends house. Make sure your posture is good, if you are standing tall, walking fast and pulling your tummy muscles up, it can really help.

Have a look at body fit by Amy on YouTube and FB. She has loads of post partum workouts you can do at home, she's just had her second baby and posts mini workouts on FB most days.

I would suggest checking for rectus diastasis first an make sure that you are including pelvic floor work into any exercise regime. There is loads of stuff on Pinterest. I've been looking at mum and baby exercise regimes and so mAny have weighted crunches in that are so bad if you have poor core or pelvic floor!