Okay, I know that I have to wait until my doctor releases me at 6 weeks postpartum but I'm really wanting to use the next 6 weeks I have of my maternity leave to jump start a workout program. I've always struggled with setting and maintaining a routine so I'm hoping this would a good time to start healthy habits so I can be a positive example for my daughter.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to start back to working out? Frequency? Type? I'm currently swimming 2-3 times a week for at least 20 minutes ... just slow & steady laps taking a break as needed but still focused on getting a good cardio workout. I'm considering ordering the new Firm Wave for after I deliver but don't know if that would be too much, even if I only did the basic / beginner workout.
Any advice or perspective would be appreciated! I'm 8 weeks away from delivery and it seems this is a topic heavy on my mind, even though I've only gained 17lbs to date.
You really do not want to over do it during the first few weeks. Besides just the muscles and soft tissue that need time to repair, you risk hemmoraging...not a pretty thing...and I know what I'm talking about. With my third child, I thought that I knew everything, and started doing too much too early. An emergency room trip later, I learned my lesson...there is nothing like a good blood soaking to teach you to listen to what you're told.
However, my doctor told me that walking would be OK after the first three or four weeks...gentle walking...nothing strenuous and NO lifting heavy things.
Really, the weight loss thing is a LIFE change...six weeks is NOT going to make or break your ability to take off the weight. Eat sensibly, take care of your new baby, and enjoy this time -- you never get it back. I lost at least 25 pounds at each of my six week check-ups after my babies was born -- just the water weight and the baby weight, etc. From your weight gain to date, it sounds like you are not going to need to take off much "pregnancy" weight anyway.
I was where you are & honestly, working out within those first 6 weeks was not even an option for me. I was SO tired & sore (I had a 3rd degree tear). I found it very discouraging & wish I had had more realistic expectations beforehand.
Oh, I definately don't want to try to anything during the first 6 weeks! Its the second 6 weeks of the total 12 I have off that I'm thinking of. I was about 15-20 lbs heavier than I wanted to be when I got pregnant so even if all that's left to lose of the baby weight is 10 pounds, that's 30 pounds away from what my original goal was. I do plan on nursing so I'm hoping that will help but I know myself well enough to know if I don't have a plan and start the habit in that time off I have, when I return to work, I'll never get there!
My due date is Feb. 7 so by the time the first 6 weeks passes, it might be warm enough in Texas to go for short walks & dress her appropriately. I'm thinking of using a carrier instead of a stroller for the walks just b/c her extra weight would make it more of a workout for me, plus, I could possibly take my dog with us. He's the best "pace clock" I've ever seen! I'm just wanting to have some kind of plan in place before her arrival since I'm pretty sure it will be the last thing on my mind once she does get here!
Even walking with a baby in a stroller burns more calories than walking alone. I tried walking with baby in a carrier and I found that it got in the way of my arms which eventually interfered with my pace. Also, it made me lean forward and eventually it hurt my back.
I would get a good jogging stroller (check thrift and baby consignment shops in the area) and use that to walk. It is set higher and reduces strain on the back.
I swam a lot when I first had DS1 and water aerobics was great - even though it took awhile to get over the embarrassment of being the only person under 70 in the class. I eventually moved on to more intense workouts and up until I was about 25 weeks was an avid cycler and I still jog (slower, mind you). Cycling was my favorite activity and I plan to go back asap after DS2 is born at the end of the month.
Location: Ft Campbell KY/Clarksville TN - studying in Vancouver BC
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I never stopped my exercise during pregnancy and after 10 days went back to it, lightly. However I had no tearing, was up and driving the next day with both (40 hour L&D first time, 9 hour L&D the second - no interventions the second time). I had extremely easy deliveries though, to be fair. My bleeding had stopped by day 5 both times. I was back to full exercise within 3 weeks. I was also exclusively nursing about 14-16 times a day.
It's all about when you feel ready. Go see a doctor when you do, talk to them about it. Honestly it's different for everyone. Age, weight, general health, pregnancy history, all that factors in.
quick question - how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? I am curious also as to how long it took for you to take the weight off in light of the fact that you were up and about so quickly after delivery.
When to start exercising again
