There is no denying that life is far from as we know it right now and this is definitely not how you envisaged life as a new mum. If you have older children then you know just how challenging maternity leave can be as it is without having a pandemic thrown into the mix and, not being able to get out and about to see family and friends is probably the hardest part of all of this.
Whether you’re currently trying to juggle being a teacher for older children, looking after a new baby, keeping everyone entertained at all times and also attempting to keep your own life on track, you may feel as though you’re drowning. For this reason, we can’t stress enough how important it is for you to make time for yourself during all of this madness.
We have seen lots of people turning to exercise to keep themselves sane during self-isolation. The majority of people are using the internet to find quick and easy home workouts to do and you’ve probably seen lots of Facebook or Instagram lives from personal trainers and incredibly fit people offering workouts for free. Whilst it is great that people are taking the time to care for their body at a time like this, if you’ve just had a baby then things can be slightly different.
As a new mum, you are probably wondering what you can and can’t do exercise wise and how you can ensure you’re still staying healthy and active whilst being cooped up inside. Keep reading today, to help anyone in your situation we have put together some information on making time for you and your body whilst self-isolating.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
This is a really important point to start with. The last thing you want to be doing at a time like this is putting an unnecessary amount of pressure on yourself to be exercising for a certain amount of time every single day. Realistically, it just isn’t going to happen and that is more than okay.
We wanted to say this first before we start talking about any exercises so that anyone reading this knows that whilst we normally recommend exercising regularly, there is nothing normal about now. Simply put, getting in what you can, when you can is the key to postnatal exercising during self-isolation.
Try not to keep up with professional trainers
If you have recently had a baby, whether it is your first or your third, we would suggest that you steer away from the sea of personal trainers offering intense at home workouts on the internet. Even if you would have loved joining in with these before you had your little one, your body is different now and jumping straight back in at the deep end isn’t the way forward.
Ideally, you should find exercises that are targeted at postnatal bodies (like those we offer here at Healthy Post-natal Body). If you have read any of our other blogs then you will know that so many changes happen to your body both during and after pregnancy so, you should be adapting your exercise program to these changes.
During self-isolation if you’re wanting to get back into exercise then slow and steady will win the race. From pelvic floor exercises to diastasis recti exercises, there are lots that you can do so, just make sure that you’re working out to your new ability. Don’t worry, you will be able to build things back up over time, it is just important to ensure you don’t push too hard too soon.
Take advantage of being able to get out once a day
Thankfully, the government is still allowing people to exercise outside once a day and you can either do this alone or with the people that you live with. Whilst we are still able to do this, is it good to try and get out daily. Walking is such a great way to build back up your fitness and it is something that you can do with your little one in their pram too.
When going out, remember to just be careful of those around you and ensure you’re following all government guidelines regarding social-distancing. Going for a walk is designed to help you and not hinder you so, the last thing you want is to get poorly. If you’re high risk or this is something that you’re worried about then, there are plenty of other ways you can get fresh air and some easy exercise in.
If you have a garden or any other outdoor space at home, then use this instead/too. There is no denying that just getting outside in the fresh air can be great for your body, no matter what the size of your outdoor space is. You could undertake some light gardening or play with your older children, both of these are a great way to exercise without any pressure and you’ll be surprised just how beneficial it can be.
Why not try something new?
Lots of women go to the gym or participate in exercise classes before they have their baby and often the thought of getting back to these is so exciting. However, as gyms and leisure centres are currently closed, why not try something new from home that is ‘postnatal body friendly’?
Something we regularly recommend to everyone is postnatal yoga routines. Often yoga is overlooked when you’re exercising to ‘get fit’ or ‘lose weight’ but, trust us when we say it is a great all-round form of exercise. It is something you can do really easily at home whilst self-isolating and the majority of people love it once they’ve tried it.
‘You time’ doesn’t always mean exercise
Whilst many people are turning to exercise whilst self-isolating and it is a good idea to stay fit and healthy, ‘you’ time doesn’t always have to be exercise. It is okay to take some time out and read a book, do some baking or anything else that you enjoy. Lean on the people in your house to support you and don’t be afraid to ask them to look after little one for a while so you can get on without any distractions.
We would also recommend trying to talk to people as much as you can. Whether it is by text, over the phone or on FaceTime. Also, remember that there are others out there in the same situation as you. If you don’t feel like your friends or family understand how you’re feeling, why not reach out on a forum. There will be hundreds of like minded people wanting someone to talk to and you can really support each other through this, even from a distance.
How Healthy Post-natal Body can help
Hopefully this information will help you get through self-isolation and, if you’re wanting to get active again then you know a little bit more about how to do so at home. Of course, feel free to read any of our other blogs relating to postnatal exercise too. You will be able to find lots of information about your post-pregnancy body and also the answers to lots of questions that new mums have about starting to work out again.
Here at Healthy Post-natal Body, we understand just how crazy life can seem at the moment but, we also know that it is important for you to still look after yourself and your body properly at this time. For this reason, until the 30th of April we are offering all new members 3 months free access to our website. Simply put, you can have 91 days of postnatal exercise advice and a postnatal exercise program that you can follow, all for free.
Whether you want to use this time to help you work on any problems you’ve been having since giving birth to your little one, such as post pregnancy back pain, diastasis recti or pelvic floor weakness, or you just want to ease back into exercise, our site can really help. The exercise programs that we offer can also be done if you’re still in the first 6 months of pregnancy. So, if you’re used to doing some form of exercise but you’re unsure what’s safe to do at home, this can really work for you, just be sensible not to over do it. Of course, if your kids need some tiring out then get them involved too, it’s always good to get the whole family moving.
Take care,
Peter
