5 Postpartum Fitness Myths You Should Stop Believing

But there are mums out there who want to get back to their old lifestyle as soon as possible – here’s what experts say they need to know.

This stereotype emerged recently thanks to celebrities posting selfies from the gym a week after giving birth, and… doctors. For example, experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that for some women, it is enough to rest for a few days and then start training.

As Sarah Bradford, a specialist in diastasis rectus abdominis and central rehabilitation, explains, the gynecologists are right, they simply misunderstood them, as often happens. It’s not about the fact that five days after you get home from the hospital you can run or squat with a barbell – in fact, doctors have talked about leisurely walking or simple rehabilitation exercises.

“The recovery process is different for every woman, regardless of your pre-pregnancy fitness level,” says Christine McGee, mother of three and yoga instructor. And Bradford adds: “Returning to training too soon can create problems, even for the fittest. Childbirth is a serious event. Our body needs time to recover.

This does not mean you can resume training until your doctor clears you. On the contrary, even after receiving “clearance”, you need to assess your condition in order to understand whether fitness really will not cause harm. For example, says Bradford, doctors don’t always first check a woman for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles and restore pelvic floor functions, and only after that are they allowed to resume their mode of previous life. Therefore, Sarah advises to listen not only to the doctor, but also to your body.

This is not entirely a myth – usually the gap between the rectus abdominis after childbirth really narrows on its own. But this is not always the case – it all depends on the individual characteristics of the woman. Sometimes, to get rid of diastasis, diaphragmatic breathing, physiotherapy and special exercises for the trunk are necessary, there are also times when one cannot do without surgical intervention.

“Being a new mom isn’t easy,” says coach Kayla Itsines, who herself has struggled with fatigue and lack of motivation since giving birth to her daughter. However, Kayla reminds you that you don’t have to go to the gym – short walks with a stroller and home workouts can be your best friends.

Itsines advises women who have recently given birth to do short workouts of 10 to 30 minutes, and adds that it is very important not to blame yourself for such changes in your fitness routine – constant care for a newborn baby combined with a lack of sleep are enough reason to slow down.