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Fitness, Postpartum

Is it Hard to Get Back in Shape After Having a Baby?

By Darisse Kennedy on Mar 12, 2021 2:30:00 PM
4 Minutes Reading Time

 

The process of getting in shape is the same for everyone. Calories in versus calories out is the basic formula for losing weight. Resistance training is the best form of exercise for anyone looking to get back in shape. Getting back in shape after having a baby can be done with the same basic formula but it can seem more difficult for a couple of reasons. First, your body needs time to heal after having a baby. Second, you need time to adjust to your new life before you can jump back into a strict eating and training program.

Your body needs time to heal

Days and weeks after giving birth your body may still have elevated hormones from pregnancy and the birthing process. In addition, if you had a C-section or a difficult birth, it will take time for those wounds to heal. You simply cannot expect your body to be back in pre-pregnancy condition right away. It is important to give your body the time it needs to heal so you can avoid injury. This can be frustrating if you are anxious to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape. Sometimes, waiting to recover is the most difficult part of getting back in shape after having a baby. Listen to your doctor and commit to the process of allowing your body to heal. Once you get the all clear from your doctor to work out, a quality resistance training program is the quickest and most effective way for you to reach your goals.

You will need time to adjust to your new life

A big part of getting back in shape after having a baby is adjusting to the changes in your life. There will be a period of time when you get less sleep because you are up with a newborn. You will have to make adjustments to your schedule to accommodate the needs of the baby. These factors can impact when you can workout and if you feel like working out. Many new mothers also find that prepping and eating healthy meals is more difficult right after bringing home a new baby. You can successfully find a balance between motherhood and taking care of yourself. However, it is good to acknowledge that it will take some time to adapt to your new role and life. You can make the process easier by setting realistic expectations and bringing in help. For example, it will be difficult at first to get to the gym at the same time every day because it takes time to establish a schedule with a newborn. Understanding this fact can save you from frustration when you have to adjust your workout time. You may also need to bring in some help if you are committed to getting back in shape after having a baby. Do you have someone who is willing to watch your baby for thirty minutes? If so, you can go outside or to another room and get in a resistance workout using bands or your bodyweight. The same goes for prepping healthy meals – a little bit of help can go a long way.

Getting back in shape after having a baby is not complicated but it can feel difficult. You can make the entire process easier by having a little patience and setting realistic goals. Once your body is healed and you have adjusted somewhat to life with a newborn, a quality diet coupled with resistance training will get you back to your pre-pregnancy shape.

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Darisse Kennedy

Darisse is a writer and educator who received her formal education in psychology and mental health counseling. Growing up, she was more of a bookworm than a gym rat, but she discovered strength training in adulthood. She learned the true value of strength training as she fought to lose the extra forty pounds that remained after having three kids. In the process, she discovered the significant impact that working out regularly had on her mood, mindset, and energy levels. Experiencing the benefits of exercise firsthand sparked her interest in the connection between movement and mental well-being – particularly in relation to women.

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