Thinking about starting an exercise routine now that the baby is born? Cleared by your doctor at that magical 6 week appointment but not sure where to start? Were you referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist? Did you even know that was a type of doctor?
During pregnancy your body went through a wild transformation. It grew another human, and it took NINE months! A lot happened to your body during that time. So just as you care for that baby, you should care for yourself. But where do you start? Let me share a little secret that has nothing to do with building your endurance or picking up a weight, but has everything to do with recovery. It’s one word: CORE.
The moves are not exciting and you probably won’t work up a sweat, but it’s the foundation for everything else you want to do. Run without leaking? Heal your core. Sneeze without having to change? Heal your core. Painfree sex? You get the idea…
Put in the time early, while your body is recovering, and it will pay off in the long run once you regain strength to start more intensive workouts again. Below are both local and online resources to help you get back to exercising and feeling like your old self again.
Georgetown:
Pillar Physio: Working one-on-one with the same therapist, Pillar uses a hands on approach to address the issues — not just in your pelvic floor, but throughout your whole body. They are committed to spending time with their patients, and providing them with the treatment and tools to heal.
FIT4MOM Georgetown: I am disappointed I didn’t get involved when I first moved to Georgetown. FIT4MOM has the most amazing reputation for mommy & me exercise classes! FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program that incorporates cardio, strength, and core training, all while engaging and entertaining the little ones in a stroller. Build your network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. For other locations in the U.S., click here!
Online:
OurFitFamilyLife: Mom of 2, Julie is a pre & postnatal fitness expert specializing in core and pelvic floor function. She helps moms restrengthen their core from within, during, and after pregnancy by offering comprehensive online programs based on unique core exercises. She even has programs that start immediately after birth based on breathing exercises, which help regain your core and pelvic floor muscles. Follow @OurFitFamilyLife
Deliciously Fit N’ Healthy: Mom of 4, Andrea is a wealth of knowledge, and does a great job at simplifying some of the more complicated topics when it comes to health and fitness. Offering multiple programs at different price points, if you are just starting out postpartum, check out her free deep core & breathing series, the Diastasis Recti Guide, or a variety of workouts you can complete from the comfort of your own home! If you are looking to take your workouts to the next step, go check out her Instagram @deliciouslyfitnhealthy, they are NO JOKE!
Get Mom Strong: Mom of 4, Ashley is a diastasic & prolapse specialist whose app Strong Like a Mother focuses on total body workouts for the core and pelvic floor. She was inspired to create SLAM after suffering from severe diastasis recti following the birth of her twins. Ashley’s mission is to help more women heal, strengthen and love their postpartum bodies. Follow on Instagram @GetMomStrong for amazing tips and exercises to help strengthen the core & pelvic floor.
What would you add to the list?!?
**Please remember, I am only a mom. These are resources based on personal experiences, and not intended to replace recommendations or treatment plans from your doctor.
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