Getting back in shape after having a baby is a goal that is typically top of mind for new mothers. It can feel intimidating to think about the potential difficulty of getting back in shape especially when you are navigating life with a new baby. There are some elements of getting back in shape after having a baby that can be difficult. However, you can reduce the difficulty of the process if you are willing to give yourself a realistic timeframe, choose a high-quality training program, and commit to an intuitive eating plan.
Give yourself a realistic timeframe
Many new moms want to have their pre-baby body back immediately after giving birth. Even the most health-conscious woman experiences some physical changes during pregnancy. It is understandable to want to get back to a healthy body weight once you give birth. However, most women do not immediately go back to their pre-pregnancy bodies. After giving birth, there is a period of time when your body is still being flooded with extra hormones. In addition, it takes time to heal from giving birth. One of the hardest parts about getting back in shape after having a baby is waiting. Waiting until your body is ready for exercise – and your doctor gives you the all-clear – can be very difficult. Giving yourself a realistic timeframe helps protect you from injury.
Choose a program that will provide lasting results
After pregnancy, many women have some excess fat to lose. It can be tempting to jump into a program focused solely on losing weight. These programs often include severe calorie restriction and lots of cardio. At first, you will see some results from this type of program. Long term, however, it will be extremely difficult to keep the weight off with a cardio-focused workout routine. You need to choose a program that is focused on building muscle through strength training. Building muscle helps increase your metabolism which, in turn, helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Lasting change in your body composition happens when you choose a workout program that is focused on building muscle.
Commit to an intuitive nutrition plan
The last thing you need when you have a newborn to care for is a complex nutrition program. What you eat is important but a time-consuming plan is not feasible as a new mom. An intuitive nutrition plan is one that focus on you finding what works best for your body and your lifestyle. The basics are easy to understand: avoid heavily processed foods, make plant consumption a priority, and avoid overconsumption of food. With those pillars in place, you can establish a style of eating that works for you and helps you get back in shape after having a baby.
You will have some difficult days on your journey to lose weight after having a baby. Everyone faces difficulties when they attempt to make real changes in their lives. The good news is that you can minimize those difficulties by being kind to yourself and choosing the right plans for your workout and nutrition. MAPS Fitness has products designed specifically to help women move toward their fitness goals at all stages of life. The Fit Mom Bundle is designed with the unique needs of mom in mind. It includes in-home workout options and the intuitive nutrition guide. If you are ready to work toward getting back in shape after having a baby, check out what MAPS Fitness has to offer.
