- You need to check with your Doctor/Midwife before you begin any exercise routine.
- Take things slowly. No-one expects you to snap straight back into shape. Remember having a new baby will completely change your life.
- Remember to drink around 8-10 glasses of water a day. Don’t rely on tea and coffee to keep you going. Tea and coffee will only give you a temporary energy boost, but in the long run will make your energy levels crash and leave you reaching for sweets and sugary snacks.
- If you are breastfeeding you still need to make sure you are getting sufficient calories each day. This is not the time to be going on a crash diet. Breastfeeding burns around 500 calories a day!
- Replace some of your food choices for low calorie options. Low calories dairy, lean meat and plenty of fruit vegetables. Try to resist the urge to turn to fast food. You are tired, and the last thing you feel like doing is cooking. However, look for quick and simple recipies using fresh ingredients. Healthy meals do not need to be complicated.
- Remember your time now is limited. Personally I used to love the gym before I had my children, I would be there for an hour everyday. I was lucky to remember to brush my teeth once my twins arrived, so an hour at the gym each day was out of the question!
- Reaccess your goals. So it may take you a little longer to get back into shape, but as long as you actually get there then you have succeeded. Initially try to work out 15 minutes each day or 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Break you workouts down into more manageable time slots. You don’t have to complete your workout all in one go. Try and do your workout or part of it when your baby sleeps. I know you have a million things to do but believe me it is really important that you take care of yourself.
- Don’t just concentrate on your abdominals. You will probably need to tone up all over. Remember you cannot just spot reduce one part of you body. So doing loads of sit-ups will not help you get fit and tone-up.
- Walking is excellent exercise. It is a great way to get outside and get some fresh air with your baby. Pushing a pram or pushchair is also great exercise.
- If you want to join a gym look for a one that has baby sitting/creche facilities. Many gyms offer this service now. This can be a great way of you getting sometime to yourself or enabling you to meet up with a friend. It can also be a great way for your baby to interact with other babies.
