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Postnatal Exercise Advice
2010-04-01
We’d recommend you to wait six months, longer if you are breastfeeding, before rejoining. The majority of mainstream instructors are not qualified to offer you postnatal advice and group classes are often busier so it may not be possible to give you the extra observation and exercise adaptations you require.
A faster-paced class reduces movement control and increases the risk of injury. If there’s no timetabled class (or a Pushy class near by) a good alternative is to buy some goggles and get swimming. Get as horizontal as possible in the water by putting your head down and getting your hair wet! Swimming with the head up causes the hips to drop and increases the stress to your lower back.
Some “mum only" time without baby can be relaxing yet rewarding at the same time. If you are breastfeeding, wear a bra under your swimsuit. Fluid intake is important as you still sweat whilst exercising in the water!
The resistance of the water on your blood vessels stimulates the circulation which is helpful for improving the condition of varicose veins as well as resolving constipation and reducing fluid retention. Swimming also activates your abdominal muscles as they need to stabilise your torso as your limbs move - deeper water provides a stronger workout.
