Is there a right time to get fit after pregnancy?

We spend an inordinate amount of time focusing on the post-pregnancy bodies of the rich and famous, desperately wondering how we’re going to measure up to them. Do they know something we don’t about getting fit after having a baby? The short answer, is ‘no’.

While there isn’t a ‘right time’ to get fit after having your baby, there are some expert-agreed guidelines that might help keep you motivated in the busy months after giving birth.

Pace Yourself

Ideally you’ll start off with some mild exercises and walking is a great choice as it’s not as taxing on your body as running or jogging. Surprisingly, going for a walk burns as many calories as running, just more slowly. Walking is wonderful because it gets you out of the house and if you’ve got a stroller you can take your children with you!

Set a Goal

It’s important to have something to aim for in any part of our lives and getting fit and healthy is no exception. Make sure you set reasonable, manageable goals. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you’re more likely to give up. For the first 6 weeks, try to slowly ease yourself into moderate exercise, while maintaining an intake of 1800-2000 calories per day while you are breastfeeding.

Maintain Good Nutrition

Forget about dieting until at least 6 weeks after giving birth, and even then it’s not necessary. More important is maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, taking in the right amount of fluids, vitamins and minerals to help your body recover internally and externally from the stress and strain of being pregnant. Combined with moderate exercise a healthy, nutritious daily diet will do more for you than a crash diet.

Focus on Exercise

Strength-training, especially in your core, can be wonderful for getting back that pre-pregnancy body. Dieting will only get you so far and might cause more harm than good. Concentrate on being health and strong - you’ll soon notice the changes. Exercise has also been proven to be effective for symptoms of Postnatal Depression.

Start Immediately

Once you are back on your feet after giving birth, you can start walking and doing gentle exercises.

If you’ve had a C-Section or a difficult delivery, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to see what exercises might be safest for you.

There’s no perfect time to start a harsh exercise regime, or embark on a strict diet after having your baby. It’s an old saying, but ‘everything in moderation’ really applies here. Focus on being fit and healthy for yourself and your family before, during and after pregnancy and the body you want will follow.