How much should I exercise after giving birth?

Your very first step should be talking with your practitioner and getting the green light.

Ready to get moving?

Posptartum fitness tips for new moms

Here are some of your most pressing postpartum exercise questions, answered.

How long after childbirth can I start exercising if I had a vaginal birth or a C-section?

Several five-minute jaunts count as much as half an hour straight.

Posptartum fitness tips for new moms

Ultimately, there are no hard-and-fast rules.

If you had avaginal birth with tearing, it can take two to three weeks for extensive (i.e.

third- or fourth-degree) tears to heal.

Posptartum fitness tips for new moms

In the meantime, talk to your doctor about walking and upper-body exercises, suggests Artal.

What are the signs that my body isnt ready to start exercising again?

What are some specific exercises that are safe to try when I first start exercising postpartum?

Posptartum fitness tips for new moms

Warm up with knee lifts or walking for 10 minutes and cool down for five minutes.

Pagliano also suggests a mommy-and-me class, with a basic level that helps you to find your muscles again.

Are there any exercises I should avoid initially?

Posptartum fitness tips for new moms

If you notice either, skip the exercise and check in with your doctor or a physical therapist.

When is it okay to start high-intensity workouts like CrossFit if I was a regular before birth?

If you werent a runner, now isnt the time to start training for a half-marathon.

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Is there anything I should know about exercising if Im breastfeeding?

First and foremost and this will likely be painfully obvious its best tobreastfeed before you work out.

No one wants to run three miles with full breasts, says Pagliano.

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Be sure to invest in a supportive sports bra (your chest will thank you).

And drink more fluids (an extra glass before and after your exercise session should do it).

A PT can evaluate you and either offer exercises to help you heal or reach out to your doctor.

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As long as your insurance includes physical therapy, your sessions should be covered.

What are some signs I might be pushing myself too much during postpartum exercise?

How will exercising after having a baby be different?

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How youll feel about working out postpartum is super personal.

That will get you the outcomes youre looking for, Pagliano says.

Can exercise prevent postpartum depression or anxiety?

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For up to 1 in 5 women, that can result inpostpartum depression (PPD).

It gets you out with other friends with babies and builds a community to support you.

How long before Ill be close to my pre-pregnancy fitness levels?

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