After baby, getting into shape

Taylovesbrad · November 2015

Hi ladies,
What plans do you have for getting back into shape? Looking into workout dvds since weather will prob be crummy when December rolls around. I've also had alot of people recommend Whole 30 so I'm thinking about doing that.

Also for stm's how soon did you start being active and how did you approach it as far as recovery goes after birth.

tewinkle27 · November 2015

Use the full 6 weeks to recover. I would suggest walking but we're all having winter babies lol and if you're planning on breastfeeding make sure you're still eating enough healthy calories. I have The DVDs T25 that I plan on using once I'm all healed.

celainev · November 2015

About 3 weeks ago, at 30 weeks, I made the commitment to eat healthier. I cannot exercise and I only can walk so far before feel dizzy and having what feels like BHs. My doctor is aware and told me to limit my activity. So the only thing I can do is eat extremely healthy.

I am holding myself to this after labour as well. I know exercising will be the last thing I'll be able to do. So my getting in shape will be limited to eating right.

ammnam14 · November 2015

I really want to try Kayla Itsines bikini body workout guide. It also comes with a nutrition guide! Check her out on IG. 30 minute home workouts, perfect!

Our travel system is a jogging stroller so I'm excited to start running and walking with my LO when the time comes!

taysun · November 2015

I loved P90X but It might require either some modifications or something else to build up to it after the recovery period.

grkgdss00 · November 2015

I have 2 very active dogs that keep my moving 2x per day, even now at 33w we go for a few miles daily. Hubby and dog-walkers will take over the first few weeks PP, but I look forward to our walks again + hikes, etc on the weekend. We will see how that plays out with a new born. Once 6 weeks hits ill be in the gym or doing zumba and low impact movements.

NellieHarringtonCarter · November 2015

I'm going to try and join a gym when the time comes, or at least some classes. Nothing fancy, maybe on a monthly basis, but something where I will be less likely to blow it off because of the financial commitment. My first time around, I tried exercising at home and just couldn't get into it.

VesperLove · November 2015

My first and main focus is just going to be on healthy eating. I know I'm going to need recovery time for my body and don't want to stress myself out about feeling like I HAVE to work out or get exercise by a certain point after pregnancy. I'm going to let my body decide when that will be ... but in the meantime, I can absolutely focus on what food is going into my mouth. I followed a very strict eating plan for about nine months before my wedding and lost a ton of weight so I'll likely just go back to that with some modifications for breastfeeding (appropriate calories, etc).

I'm accepting the fact that I likely will not reach my weight loss/health goals post-pregnancy during those first six months or even first year. I'm in no rush and prefer to focus on being a new mom (I tend to get obsessive about weight/size/etc, and want to avoid reaching that point).

Taylovesbrad · November 2015

Be careful jogging @ammnam14 with the baby unless roads are super smooth. I had heard to not do it until they are 6 months or so. Def worth looking into. I too am looking forward to using my jogger.

NJPita22 · November 2015

Please wait the full 6 weeks. I learned the hard way that It's not worth it to do too much before 6 weeks. My sister who worked out until the day she gave birth and bounced back amazing even admitted she had to wait the full 6 weeks. And your body will tel you. Don't think that because you stopped bleeding you're better. You'll start bleeding again!

And I breastfed like crazy and weighed less than pre pregnancy weight by 5 months post pardum last time granted I had to go dairy free so I guess I dieted too out of necessity.

mltarrio · November 2015

I am an avid and vigorous exerciser, and I have had to really cut back here in month 8 of this pregnancy, including stopping my regular running routine. I know all I will want to do when baby comes is go for a run, but I am going to try to be really careful about waiting the full 6 weeks before running. So much shifts and changes in our bodies during these 9 months that I think it would be a disservice not to let the body fully heal before putting it through the ringer with vigorous exercise. That being said, I am all for walking, yoga, and pelvic floor exercises just as soon as my midwife says it's okay.

I am due at the end of December, and my big goal for 2016 is to run my favorite marathon in October. I think setting measurable and realistic goals for getting back in shape is the way to get where you want to be in terms of fitness.

Cmagno · November 2015

My advice is to enjoy all the newborn cuddles and try not to think too much about your body/size. You just created a human and it will take time to get back to normal.

With that being said I tried not to over think things with DD. I had her in late October so weather was crummy but I'd get us out for walks almost everyday. I BF which helped a ton and then tried to eat fairly healthy (although I ate a ton, bfing makes you starving!) and I lost all my baby weight and then some by 6 months post-partum. Our bodies are kind of amazing that way. Good luck!

cmcweeney · November 2015

I plan on starting to do some walking as soon as I can. I will also start the gym as soon as my dr says it's ok. SO and I will take turns with going to the gym/staying with baby. I gained more than I wanted to with this pregnancy and I plan to get on the ball right away!

Ccat1977 · November 2015

I was planning on walking first then maybe Pilates or yoga classes when I feel up to it. I'm more worried about post partum depression combined with some seasonal depression due to darkness/rain so exercise would be a very good thing.

mrs14678 · November 2015

I'm planning on easing back in with walking and Pilates. Eventually hubby and I will work on our sword fighting skills with our light sabers. Ha! NERDS!!

Hoppyhead · November 2015

Be careful with whatever you decide to do. I jumped into jogging and abs and Pilates 6 weeks after I had my first kid and ended up damaging my abs and pelvic floor. Research some postnatal exercises to help rehab before you do too much - starting slow (like I definitely will be this time around) is worth it to avoid diastasis recti (which I really aggravated last time).
I found some rehab exercise ideas through Girls Gone Strong on Facebook that I'll be working through before I do much more than sleep, feed the kid, and walk a little.

angelicac06 · November 2015

Zuzkalight.com is my online gym. 80% is what you put in your mouth therefore I am prepared to clean up my act after 8 weeks. In average I can lose 18lbs in 10 weeks following her. Then all I worry about is mainataining it there after.

BP1979 · November 2015

After I've had time to recover and get in a routine, I'll be doing 21 day fix. It's similar to P90X and T25 but I like it better. It's 30 minute workout video each day and you do something different each day so it keeps up the variety -- arms one day, legs one day, Pilates, etc. I'll definitely have to ease into it, but am excited to get back into a fitness routine.

Holdmomma · November 2015

Hoppyhead said:
Be careful with whatever you decide to do. I jumped into jogging and abs and Pilates 6 weeks after I had my first kid and ended up damaging my abs and pelvic floor. Research some postnatal exercises to help rehab before you do too much - starting slow (like I definitely will be this time around) is worth it to avoid diastasis recti (which I really aggravated last time).
I found some rehab exercise ideas through Girls Gone Strong on Facebook that I'll be working through before I do much more than sleep, feed the kid, and walk a little.

Yes! Be sure to build up your pelvic floor before jumping into high impact exercise like running, or even other ab work. I'm actually planning to see my physical therapist for postpartum exercise to avoid pelvic floor injury, and other injuries due to weakened pelvic floor. Some examples of things I'll do are pelvic floor lifts and kegels.

MerBot · November 2015

Plan 1: Establish routine. As soon as possible (within a few weeks), get out for a short walk, even if it's just to the end of the driveway, every day while my husband watches the baby.

Then come back and have a cup of tea or coffee and eat my oatmeal and listen to or do my morning devotions (for me that means prayer and Bible reading).

I need the routine of doing this, and I know if I don't start early I won't do it.

Eventually I will build that into a daily run or gym session down the road before he leaves for work.

But if it's just walking for months thats OK too. I'm not gonna stress.

After a while (at least a month, maybe 2 or 3, when I'm able)

Phase 2: I am a very strong believer in weight lifting (moderate and slow; not Crossfit) due to research and Dr. Miriam Nelson's "Strong Women Stay Young." Women don't have enough testosterone to get bulky, and weight lifting absolutely torches calories/revs metabolism/strengthens joints and ligaments.

When recovered enough, I plan to use Chalean Extreme with Chalene Johnston DVDs at home (it's just really basic weight lifting routines and slow, solid principles). I already have the weights and DVDs

There is also a gym down the street but I won't set my sights that intense yet.

ammnam14 · November 2015

Taylovesbrad said:
Be careful jogging @ammnam14 with the baby unless roads are super smooth. I had heard to not do it until they are 6 months or so. Def worth looking into. I too am looking forward to using my jogger.

I heard 9 months was the earliest and wasn't planning on jogging with her until then.

but we'll definitely be going for walks!

MerBot · November 2015

ammnam14 said:

Taylovesbrad said:
Be careful jogging @ammnam14 with the baby unless roads are super smooth. I had heard to not do it until they are 6 months or so. Def worth looking into. I too am looking forward to using my jogger.

I heard 9 months was the earliest and wasn't planning on jogging with her until then. but we'll definitely be going for walks!

Runners World has a lot of great stuff on postpartum running! I feel a lot better now that I've read some of their articles.

ammnam14 · November 2015

Awesome! I'll have to check it out! Thanks

@MerBot

Cmagno · November 2015

ammnam14 said:

Taylovesbrad said:
Be careful jogging @ammnam14 with the baby unless roads are super smooth. I had heard to not do it until they are 6 months or so. Def worth looking into. I too am looking forward to using my jogger.

I heard 9 months was the earliest and wasn't planning on jogging with her until then. but we'll definitely be going for walks!

I started jogging with DD at 4 months. She was cozy tucked in her infant car seat, strapped to a smooth stroller (a bob) and I stuck to paved trails. She would sleep the whole time and her head wouldn't rock at all. My pedi okayed it, a lot has to do with what stroller you use and type of terrain you are on. Good luck!

MillyDally · November 2015

I'm going to be breastfeeding and taking care of a wee baby... Besides eating healthy, I will probably care less about my shape and let my body decide what it needs the most. Although I love exercise, I don't think out should be a main focus in my life. I'm going to focus more on loving the new body (and baby!) I will have after giving birth!

discohiker · November 2015

For you runners, I'm in a group on Facebook for running while pregnant/nursing moms through moms run this town. Great resource.
I have done Jillian Michael's 30 day shred during and after both pregnancies now. I haven't done it much with this one, but I have kept up more with running and lifting. My plan is to listen to my stitches and walk until I'm ready to run. Then add in the 30 day shred, because it is easy to do with the baby around and in the winter. I actually think that what you eat if you are nursing doesn't matter as much in regards to weight, but will affect your mood and energy level. Carbs are your friends in breastfeeding.... I had to eat a lot of food when I did paleo about 4 months post partum with baby number one.
Keep moving now, it makes it all easier in the end!

rzaremba · November 2015

My midwifery clinic offers postpartum fitness groups, where you BYOB (bring your own baby) and essentially your baby becomes part of your workout. That way you don't have to worry about leaving baby in a gym daycare, good bonding experience, social activity with other new moms and you get a safe workout.

BellaM110 · November 2015

Besides trying to eat healthy, once I'm allowed to start working out again I plan to be back into my workout DVDs. I have T25 and PiYo. I can't wait to be back in to shape!

Taylovesbrad · November 2015

I definately don't want to wait the 6 full weeks lol. Ftm here. I just want to feel skinny and sexy again. In a wedding in march.
Your responses are making me realize I am setting myself up for failure and dissapointment. Time to adjust expectations.

TomekiaB · November 2015

@taylovesbrad FTM too but I don't plan on doing much before 6 weeks other than walking. Most of my friends bounced back really quickly after the first baby, many achieved pre-pregnancy weight mostly from breastfeeding around 6 weeks. I know we hear all the stories about the people who really struggle but there are also lots that don't and until it happens to you, I don't think you will really know which one you will be. If you gain the 25-30 lbs expected for a normal BMI prior to pregnancy only 5-10 lbs of that is actually fat stores on you the rest is: baby, fluid, placenta etc. that normalize pretty quickly postpartum. I have friends that gained more but it was fluid they lost quickly...one friend gained fluid the 1st pregnancy and made the mistake of thinking she'd gain the same the second--but the second time it was just weight gain so it was MUCH harder to lose.

ToneGirl · November 2015

The biggest key to losing weight is your diet! Weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise. Give your body the proper time to recover so in the mean time you can get yourself on a clean eating diet. You will see the weight just melt off just with diet alone. Once I am clear, I will be going back to my heavy lifting (weights) and 2-3 times a week zumba. Weight training along with diet will get you in the best shape. Cardio is great but not as effective as weights....however, do what you love. It's more important to do something you love and is fun for you in fitness or you will not maintain it.

Whovian84 · November 2015

I will have to walk to do any sort of errands, like going to the grocery, so I think that will be good initially to get me active in the crappy weather. I'm also planning on going to dance classes starting in February. I think it'll be a fun and low pressure way to get back in shape while getting a few hours of "me time" during the week.

kelseyofanne · November 2015

Taylovesbrad said:
I definately don't want to wait the 6 full weeks lol. Ftm here. I just want to feel skinny and sexy again. In a wedding in march.
Your responses are making me realize I am setting myself up for failure and dissapointment. Time to adjust expectations.

Adjusting your expectations is probably a good thing, but I'm sure you can wear a belly band type thing for the wedding. Drinking lots of water and eating right will also help you have beautiful skin, and most likely help with weight reduction. Our bodies pack on pounds when we are stressed so I think if you relax and focus on setting up your new life with baby that will help out too!

ckenyon82 · November 2015

Check out the website bodybuilding.com. it's not all body building like the name implies. You can put in that you're a female and if you want to tone up/lose weight/or build muscle and then choose if you're beginner, intermediate ot advanced. It will recommend some programs for you, and they are all FREE!!!

That's what I plan on doing once my body tells me it's ready to get moving again.

LLWilson2013 · November 2015

I'm not too worried about it... I've eaten clean my entire pregnancy and power walked until about 7 months. Then it just got uncomfortable. Planning to breastfeed and continue to eat clean afterward. My body will tell me when I'm ready for walking... and eventually running again. Be kind and try not to push too hard, too fast - your body has been through so much already these past months!

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