Whenever you are thinking about getting back into shape after baby, remember that you don’t have to do the same things you did before you were pregnant. After all your body has been through, it may be hard to start exercising again, much less have the energy to do so.
A good exercise regime to try is called interval training. This involves exercising as hard as you can for just a few minutes, which helps you to be able to achieve more over time. The average recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. However, that isn’t a starting place. First, you will need to be able to even exercise effectively for 30 minutes at a time, and that is where this type of training helps the most.
For instance, let’s say you are starting to exercise and are finding that you tire easily. It is best to keep the first workouts after delivery as safe as possible. You don’t want to hurt yourself or overexert your body, especially if you have had a c-section or are still experiencing pain. Try taking a short walk around the block or doing 10 minutes of cardio. After you master either of those things, push yourself harder. You may want to jog around the block or do 20 minutes of cardio. The more you exercise, the more you increase your endurance.
Other great exercises that you can use for interval training are work out videos, weightlifting, and other types of low-contact sports, like swimming. Many of these options exercise a variety of different muscles, so they can help you lose weight in different areas of your body.
When you are finally able to exercise for 30 minutes at a time, you will be burning more calories than normal because you pushed yourself to your limits. When you pair the adequate exercising with a healthy diet, you’ll be able to lose the weight you are trying to lose. It is also healthy weight loss, so it is less likely to come back overnight.
Furthermore, the amount of time it takes to be able to work out for a full 30 minutes without stopping may take a while, so don’t rush yourself or get discouraged. It could take weeks to be able to do it properly and with as much intensity as you want.
In addition to burning calories, this exercise will make you feel good about yourself and might help raise your self-esteem. It may also be able to help you feel more energized throughout the day. Exercise is a good stress relief and it can ensure that you sleep better at night. All of these things are important if you are a parent, and maybe even more important if you are living with a baby.
Another thing that is very important to remember is that you have to be eating properly and drinking enough fluids while you are exercising and training. Failure to do so could lead to serious problems like overheating, dehydration, and a complete lack of energy. Moreover, if you aren’t putting the right nutrition on your plate, you may not be able to keep the weight off that you are losing.
Exercising isn’t fun for most of us, but it isn’t impossible to do, no matter what shape you are in. By following a simple plan and working harder each day, you can reach your weight loss goal, or simply work out to make yourself stronger. Increasing intensity when you are most comfortable is a good way to burn more calories and makes you feel like you have done a good job.