All new mums put on a little bit of extra weight after giving birth, and it can be a very difficult time to find the time to put in the exercise to get your old figure back.
Getting fit is difficult at the best of times, but it’s made all the more difficult once you’re battling with sleepless nights and having a little one to look after.
However, there are things that you can do to start to ease yourself back into shape.
(Don’t jump back on the fitness hype too quickly though! The first six weeks of your baby’s life should be all about mother and baby bonding.)
Try some pram workouts
It can be difficult to find a workout that works around you and your baby’s routine, and one of the best ways is to incorporate your baby’s buggy into your exercise.
Walking with a pram helps work numerous muscles in the hamstrings, abdominals and pelvic floor muscles, helping to tighten up the stomach and waist.
You can start things nice and simple with a walk around the block and slowly start ramping things up with the aim of getting your walks up to a full hour, and at least every couple of days.
If you get super-confident, try and find a route that takes in some hills to really push yourself.
It’s best if you can find a fellow mum to join you on your walks as studies have shown that a workout partner can help increases your chances of sticking with your exercise pattern.
There are even classes available such as Buggy Fit where mums meet up with their buggies and get fit together.
Take up a postnatal exercise class
Many gyms now offer special classes especially for mums who have recently given birth. Not only is it a great way to get into shape, but it’s also good for meeting other new mums and making some friends while you’re at it!
You’ll be able to keep your baby close by so you’re on hand if they need anything, and some classes might even use the baby as part of the class!
Even if you can’t find a specific postnatal class, normal classes will be more than happy to accommodate your needs if you let them know that you’re a new mum.
We spoke to The Shrewsbury Club, a fitness club based in Shrewsbury, who said: “Even those mums who kept themselves in good shape before having their baby can find it difficult to get back into, but classes are a safe and effective way to get back into the swing of things.
“The best thing is that your little one is never out of your sight, and you can even go away making some unexpected new friends!”.
Try out fitness DVDs
If you find that you’re too cooped up in the house to get out for regular walks/runs or exercise classes, why not make the most of all that time at home and try out a couple of fitness DVDs.
They’re a great way to slowly ease yourself back into the world of exercise without having to head back to the gym so quickly!
However, there are so many fitness DVDs (and celebrity endorsements) out there that it can be difficult to find one that works for you.
Perhaps try swapping with your fellow new mums until you find one that you like?
Whatever you choose to do to get back into shape, make sure you take it easy and don’t push yourself too much.
And don’t rush! It could take as long as nine months until you get back to a level that you were at before but you will get there eventually!