What kind of exercise should I do to lose baby weight?
Initially, you may wish to try gentler forms of exercise, especially if you’re not using to exercising. Exercise doesn’t have to be gruelling and boring so try to find a sport or activity which you find enjoyable, such as swimming, jogging, yoga, Pilates or aerobics; you may find it beneficial to exercise with a friend or group of friends as you can encourage each other and it’ll probably be more fun. It is most beneficial for the body to combine cardiovascular exercise with toning exercises so if you go to the gym, try to do both cardio and weights, as this will provide a full body workout. Exercises such as swimming, cycling and rowing are also good for cardiovascular training and activities such as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are good for toning.
If you are used to exercising, you will usually adapt to training after childbirth very quickly but don’t be alarmed if you seem to be slower or weaker than usual; it will take a little time to get back to your pre-birth fitness level. Don’t push yourself too hard to begin with and increase the intensity gradually; it will probably be counter-productive if you push yourself to breaking point because your body will be exhausted and your personal and social life may suffer.
If you feel uncomfortable exercising in public after you have given birth or you don’t want to leave your baby, get a fitness DVD. There is now a huge range of DVDs available and some specialise in shifting baby weight; you can do the routine in the comfort of your own home and you will be able to stay with your baby.
In many areas, there are also special postnatal exercise classes available; here you can get involved in an exercise regime that is specially geared towards helping women who have recently given birth and it is a great opportunity to meet new friends who are in a similar situation to you.
If you join a fitness class, such as yoga, dance classes, kickboxing or aerobics, let your instructor know that you have recently had a baby, as some exercises may not be suitable.
Losing Baby Weight:
- Losing Baby Weight
- When can I start exercising again?
- What kind of exercise should I do to lose baby weight?
- Problems which may affect exercising
- How should I adapt my diet?
- How long will it take to lose my baby weight?
- Other tips for losing baby weight
Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Baby calendar
- Newborn Baby’s Check-ups and Tests
- Newborn Babies’ Appearance
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Guide to Sleeping for Mother and Baby
- Coping with a Crying Baby
- Sibling Bonding
- The Father’s Role
- Postnatal Health
- Baby Predicaments
- Sex after Childbirth
- Weaning and Moving onto Solid Foods
- Travelling with a Newborn Baby
- Losing Baby Weight
- Baby Health Concerns
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for your child
- Looking after Twins
- Baby vaccinations
- Caring for your newborn
- Mother and Baby Myths
- Mother and baby development FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression