Workout Tips For The New Mom

Congratulations on your newborn baby! Right now, you’re probably on a total high from the labor experience while feeling totally exhausted. That tiny bundle in your arms is about to keep you feeling exhausted for a few years, so it’s rather important that you know how to get back to feeling more of yourself. There is a lot of things that your baby needs and the most important is a happy and healthy parent. This doesn’t mean snapping back to a pre-baby body that you gently nurtured and cared for, it’s about giving yourself the right amount of energy so that the demanding night feeds don’t take too much of a toll on your body.

There is an absolute ton of information out there about getting back into fitness when you’ve had a baby. Some of it is helpful, some of it is unrealistic. All of it is going to depend on how you feel and the type of birth that you’ve had. Mom’s who have had a c-section, you know the rules about waiting to get fit after you’ve had your baby, so step on back for a few more weeks and allow yourselves to heal properly so that you don’t do any damage. For those who are able to start easing themselves into exercise, don’t push yourself too hard. Your body just made, carried and birthed a child; it needs time to heal, too. So, how can you get back to feeling energized and ready to take on the night feeds?

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Be Happy. Firstly, your body has gone through a lot. It took nine months to change, so you need that much time at the very minimum to change it back again. You’ve got a brand-new little person in your life to enjoy, so focus on breathing in that scent. The workouts will still be there after your six-week check.

Equip Yourself. Working out after birth doesn’t mean you will be heading to the gym to start pumping iron. If you invest in the right double jogging stroller, you can add weight with a toddler as well as the baby and go to the park. Even doing your daily errands can give you a little bit of a workout boost – as long as you slowly get your heart rate up, you’re going to be burning off some calories.

Do SOMETHING. It’s hard to get up and go when you’re pinned to the sofa on the fourth breastfeed of the day and you’re still in your pajamas. However, there is a big wide world out there and you need fresh air as much as the baby needs vitamin D. Get up, get dressed and go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long one, just enough to get you moving. Go further every day.

Be Real. You’ve just had your baby. You cannot hope to lose the weight instantly, and you need to be gentle with yourself when it comes to goal-setting. Motherhood is trying enough without added pressure.

Mom, you’re doing an amazing job. Body confidence doesn’t get much better than when you know you’ve created life. Go you! UPDATE: Check out this post from April 2020 on CoolBaby Mom about the Best Double Jogging Strollers!

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.