After learning how to become a mother (in addition to having a much-needed dream), my next question was, when could I start going to the gym? I needed to get my pre-pregnancy physique back!
After talking to physical therapists specializing in postnatal recovery (and reading some pelvic floor stories), I realized how important it was to get a solid pelvic floor before going back to training. This should and should be the beginning of my return to exercise!
Pilates for Moms and Bubs is a great approach to start getting you back into exercise. The classes are created to recover the pelvic floor muscles along with the general muscles. Surprisingly, I walked out of most classes feeling like my muscle groups had been worked, and it was actually a wonderful feeling to walk outside knowing that I had done various exercises throughout the day.
Mainly mothers and puppies attend the course so there is a level of understanding if the puppies start crying and require feeding or changes. Also, the trainers are really helpful in distracting your baby, giving him the time and opportunity to complete the routines. An added help is the fact that it’s not hard to get to as I didn’t have to find a babysitter!
Subject to your delivery, you can start pilates workout sessions for moms and babies as early as six to seven weeks after your delivery, however, you should definitely seek the advice of your own obstetrician along with the exercise advice of your OB instructor. moms and babies you choose.
Once you feel that your pelvic floor has regained some solidity, there are several alternatives for you to choose from and it all depends on your exercise preference. Some people enjoy low-impact sessions like yoga and swimming, while other people (like me!) prefer high-intensity workouts that just leave you exhausted. No matter what you decide, there are plenty of exercisers, including yoga, crossfit, personal training sessions, tennis, and dance that offer classes for moms and babies. If you’re a swimmer, there are plenty of pools that have a great in-house nursery where you can leave your baby while you swim (keep in mind that you’ll need everything cleaned after your six-week checkup before you can go swimming).
No matter what, whatever mom-and-kid exercise class you start with, make sure to be patient and relax. Remember that it took nine months for your body to adjust to pregnancy, so allow a little more time for your body to get back in shape!
