5 exercises to help regain your lost figure after childbirth
Post-baby body will almost always feel different, whether it's your first or fourth. However, contrary to what you tend to think, it is not as challenging to regain your old figure after having a baby. According to research, starting a regular fitness regimen immediately after giving birth is not only healthy but may also help minimise your risk of postpartum depression. If you're confused about what kind of routine you should follow, talk to a professional at health2delivery.
Keep in mind it is best to prevent overexertion after childbirth. Most women need six to eight weeks to recuperate from childbirth; however, mild activities can usually start immediately after delivery for those who had an uncomplicated birth. Furthermore, your activity level throughout pregnancy mostly determines the type and intensity of workouts you can do. It is entirely safe to begin exercising once you have spoken with your midwife or doctor. Following is the list of some exercises you can try and initiate your routine with.
Walking
Kind of simple, right? Walking may not appear to be much of a workout, but it is one of the simplest ways to ease back into a workout routine after giving birth.
Begin with a short walk, and you'll gradually work up to a pumped-up power walk. On the other hand, a gentle walk can also do wonders for both you and your body, particularly at the start. Also, bringing your newborn in a front pack will increase the weight, which can help enhance the benefits.
For a change of pace, try walking backwards or in a zigzag pattern; it will also keep your muscles guessing. Try not to engage your baby in this exercise until you have perfected it and are confident in your stability.
You can also try stepping up and down on a platform. Do your research to find one the best step platform for postpartum.
2. Pelvic tilt
Like the previous exercise, the pelvic tilt is a mild but efficient exercise for reducing belly fat after delivery. It's also one of the safest workouts to practice after going through natural birth.
Lie back on something like a mat, knees at 90 degrees, and feet planted firmly on the floor.
Tilt your hips toward your upper body and activate your core as you lift your bottom about an inch off the floor.
Close the distance between your lower back's curve and the floor.
Hold this posture for 10 seconds prior to relaxing.
Repeat 10 more times. Over time, make your way near to 20 reps.
3. Deep Belly Breathing With Abdominal Contraction
This workout is so quick and easy, you can accomplish it under an hour after giving birth. It works by relaxing your muscles and begins the process of building and toning your abs and belly.
Sit up straight and take deep breaths, bringing air from the diaphragm inwards.
While breathing, contract and hold your abs firm, and relax while exhaling.
Increase the length of time you can contract and hold your abs gradually.
Modified side plank
Lie on your side, your feet placed on top of one another on a mat. Bend your knees to establish a 90-degree angle with your legs. Lift your hips and create a perfect line from your shoulders to your knees by placing your elbow right beneath your shoulder on the mat. Hold for 10–15 seconds before releasing for 15 seconds. Rep three times more. Work your way up to being able to hold the posture for 60 seconds. Repeat this on the other side in the same manner.
Try this exercise each day for a week. Keep your elbows bent and your knees extended during the second week. Try to maintain your elbows straight, but your knees bent at a 90-degree angle for the third week. By the fourth week, you should be able to perform an unmodified side plank.
5. Baby Lift Squats
Squats with arms lift strengthen every muscle in your body, notably your legs, hips, glutes, core and arms. So you're not only improving your endurance and hip flexibility, but this postnatal workout with your baby will also be one excellent bonding experience while keeping your child entertained.
Grasp your kid with both hands in front of you.
Start by standing slightly wider than hip-width apart and your toes somewhat pointing out.
Inhale deeply and bend at the hips, pushing your bottom back as your knees bend.
Squat down as though you're ready to sit on a low-height chair, shoulders back and your spine upright. Now, lift your baby at the same time.
As you recover to a standing posture, activate your core and pelvic floor muscles.
Repeat 10 times.