Working out after birth...?

Question

I know they recommend to wait at least 6 weeks to work out again after giving birth. So I was just wondering if anyone knows if there are ANY exercises at all that I can do before I actually start really getting back into my old full body work out routine and diet. I know they say it's ok to go walking...anything else? I started off 104 and ended in a 159 at the end of my pregnancy. Even though a few people got on my case about my eating habits when I was pregnant, I took FULL advantage of the "pregnancy apetite" and have NO regrets... i LOVED it!! Now, I REALLY want to get back to my normal weight again, not to mention that "after birth belly" I got is pretty annoying...still look about 5 1/2 months! I actually feel pretty good - pretty good recovery, just a minor tear and a little stitching, but that seems to be going down now. However, I don't want to risk doing anything to my body that may end up hurting me. Also, I am breastfeeding and I know that's supposed to help, too.

Answer 1

This is what I did and now that my baby is 4 months old I am 14 pounds UNDER my prepregnancy weight.

First, breastfeed. I'm serious, I eat constantly and yet have lost a lot of weight. It keeps your metabolism up and really mobilizes those extra pounds. Some people say breastfeeding makes you retain some weight but that has not been my experience. I feed on demand and breastfeed exclusively. It won't work as well if you try to schedule or if you supplement.

Walking really is great. If you have stairs, just walk up and down them for about 10 minutes once a day.

Don't lift anything heavier than your baby. Not because you can't, just because you really need to let your muscles get themselves back in order.

It also really makes a difference to carry the baby in a sling as much as possible. And it usually makes the baby happier!

One other thing - I would lie on my back holding my baby above me (the airplane game) and do about five sit ups, lifting her up in front of me as I did it. Doesn't sound like much, but it'll sure help.

And don't worry about that belly - it really will go down most of the way on its own.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you did not have a C-section, you can do crunches and lift small weights. You can do a little walking too, but don't work up a sweat. Don't worry about the weight. It will come off when it wants to. It may take a little longer if you are breastfeeding.