After having a baby, getting in shape is probably the last thing on your mind. But once the dust settles and you find yourself in a bit of a routine with your newborn, plenty of new moms start thinking about how to exercise with a new baby. For some of us, those nine long months of pregnancy can make us get excited about being able to move our bodies again without also carrying a passenger, and others get motivated to lose pregnancy weight and feel healthier and stronger with birth behind them. But many new moms also realize they need help with exercise, because post-baby fitness is a totally new world.
Jumping back into a fitness routine can definitely be a challenge for many new moms, including those who were once all about staying active. After all, that adorable little baby we're pushing in the stroller right now will be a toddler sooner than we realize… and we've gotta be able to chase after them!
Ready to get active again? Here's what you need to know to start getting fit again and how to exercise to lose weight, if that's your goal.
When can I exercise after birth?
How to exercise as a new mom
Above all else, any exercise that gets your body moving and that you enjoy is a positive thing. Maybe that's as simple as dancing around your kitchen, or maybe you'd rather join a workout class. If you find something that's fun, you're more likely to stick to it and find the time to get it done.
As far as specific exercise positions go? There are tons of exercise guides online that can help with that, including entire channels and playlists on YouTube devoted to postpartum workouts. You may have to try out a few different exercises — and go a bit easy on the ab workouts if you've had a c-section — but there's definitely something out there for you.
Incorporating your baby into your workouts can be fun, too — and it can help you sneak in that exercise when it's hard to find the time to make it happen. Taking long walks each day with the stroller is a great place to start, and if you love to run, investing in a jogging stroller might be worth your while.
When you start working out again, just remember to start slow at first. Your body has created a human — that's a very big deal, and it would be unrealistic to think it didn't also change in the process. It's totally possible to over exercise, especially before your body is used to being so active again. You'll get back to the fitness level you were before baby eventually, and before you know it you'll be smashing those workout goals — and chasing after your little one without pausing to catch your breath.
