Exercise after pregnancy can be challenging and intimidating for
many. But it doesn’t have to be. The important thing about exercising
though, is it works wonders for your well-being. The release of endorphins can change your mood in a matter of minutes.
Hormonal changes make you emotional
{among other things}, so choosing to sit or lie on the couch seems like the
better option at the time. Some days you may just be too darn tired for a full
workout. That’s ok.
That doesn’t mean you have to put
physical activity on the back burner though. Physical activity actually gives
you the energy you need to care for your baby, your family and yourself.
physical activity on the back burner though. Physical activity actually gives
you the energy you need to care for your baby, your family and yourself.
Below are a few tips in preparing for your postpartum fitness
journey:
journey:
1 | Find your WHY:
Find what motivates YOU and stick to it! Find friends and family to join you. Accountability leads to success!
2| Be realistic & set goals:
Set goals you can honestly achieve and maintain. Have patience…it’s not about perfection, it’s about making good choices the majority of the time. Setbacks may happen, but it’s what you learn from them and do next that really counts!
3| Schedule your
workouts:
workouts:
Plan
your workouts for the week ahead and stick to them like you would any other appointment!
your workouts for the week ahead and stick to them like you would any other appointment!
4| Dress the part:
Get out of your husband’s old nasty
sweatpants and over sized t-shirts. Buy yourself some cute, supportive sports
bras, tank tops, tees and capris/shorts. I swear matching bold, bright colors
makes me workout harder!
sweatpants and over sized t-shirts. Buy yourself some cute, supportive sports
bras, tank tops, tees and capris/shorts. I swear matching bold, bright colors
makes me workout harder!
5| Be a living example:
Love yourself and your body! Don’t speak negatively about
yourself in front of your kids…let them see you working out. Or even better, include your kids in your workout!
yourself in front of your kids…let them see you working out. Or even better, include your kids in your workout!
6| Overcoming barriers:
Do what
you can and take breaks or modify moves if you have to. Continue to seek
support through your family and friends. You may need to reevaluate
your current workout regimen and nutrition, but most importantly, don’t give
up!
you can and take breaks or modify moves if you have to. Continue to seek
support through your family and friends. You may need to reevaluate
your current workout regimen and nutrition, but most importantly, don’t give
up!
7| Benefits of regular postpartum exercise:
– boosts
energy level
energy level
– improves
your mood
your mood
– relieves
stress
stress
– helps
prevent and promote recovery from postpartum depression
prevent and promote recovery from postpartum depression
– promotes
weight loss {in combination with a healthy diet}
weight loss {in combination with a healthy diet}
– conditions
your abdominal muscles
your abdominal muscles
– restores
muscle strength and tone
muscle strength and tone
– improves
cardiovascular fitness
cardiovascular fitness
– lowers
blood pressure
blood pressure
– bonus: you
set a positive example for your child{ren}
set a positive example for your child{ren}
Always remember…You have to start in order to succeed! Before you know it, this will become a habit and you will do it without even thinking about it!
